Prof. Dr. Stephen John Ferguson
Area of Research
Description of Research Interest
Our research in the area of Musculoskeletal Biomechanics is focused on the evaluation of musculoskeletal pathologies, injuries and treatments through the use of imaging, computer simulations and laboratory experiments at the scale of the whole body down to the organ level. A central theme is the definition of healthy and abnormal motion and loading of the musculoskeletal system, considering especially unique non-linear behaviour due to fluid-structure interactions andhigh-frequency loading.
A central theme in our work on Bone Pathologies and Treatment is the investigation of osteoporosis related fractures in the spine and the hip. Understanding what predisposes a bone to fracture helps us to identify patients at high risk and design early interventional treatment strategies. Using the state of the art in simulation techniques we predict the risk of fracture for a given patient before and after treatment with implants and reinforcing biomaterials.
Our research in Tissue Mechanobiology is focused on the application of novel methods for the design and production of tissue engineering scaffolds. Applications include fibrous electrospun membranes, three-dimensional melt electrowritten hierarchical structures and hydrogel-based materials for the creation of blood compatible cardiovascular implants, for the reconstruction of cartilaginous tissues and for the restoration of self-lubricated articularing joint surfaces.
Special Expertise
Soft tissue biomechanics
Biofabrication
Computer simulation
Tribology
Organ culture methods
Shareable Platforms, Services, Equipment & Infrastructure
MicroCT imaging
Dynamic testing machines
Electrospinning
