Wayne works with Professor Elizabeth Loboa in the Biomedical Engineering Department. Computer modeling of bone has been the subject of his research.
“Finite element modeling is a great tool. It uses a computer version of an object to predict how the real object will react if certain forces are placed on it.”
Some of Wayne’s research might one day help other people too.
“We have been working on a method to use clinical images of bone, like those taken during a CT scan, and build a computational model from them. This model could then be used to tell doctors useful information about that bone to help them plan a surgery or course of treatment.”
After creating the computer models, Pfeiler tests real bones to verify.
“Mechanical testing can be a lot of fun. You’ve done all this work to predict how a sample bone will react to forces, and then you get to try out the real thing.” Wayne explains, “But it’s more than just fun, it’s necessary to validate the computer model and to adjust it if we need to.”
“Our lab also does a lot of work with engineered tissues, like the type that might one day replace damaged tissue in someone’s body. I’m doing some new work to help figure out the best way to use forces to grow these tissue replacements,” he said.
“I’m eager to apply what I’ve learned when I begin a career in Engineering, that is of course unless NASA gives me a call,” he adds. |
