2014 James Watt Scholarship
School of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
*More details can be found at http://home.eps.hw.ac.uk/~yc273
2014 James Watt Scholarship
Tissue Mechanics: Multiscale Structure and Functionality
Description:
There is ample evidence that structural and mechanical properties of human and animal tissue greatly depend on their
microstructures although few models exist to account for the relationship between the structural features at multiple length scales
and the tissue functionality. This project will develop tissue models at a range of length scales (from tissue to cellular/sub-cellular)
using both experimental and computational approaches. It is expected that this project would address key scientific issues in
understanding the relationship between tissue microarchitecture and its functionality and property, not only in healthy condition, but
more importantly in its pathological condition where mechanical property of tissue is closely related to grade of disease thus can be
adopted as a key index for clinical diagnostics.
Working closely with our EPSRC-funded project (EP/K036939/1(2013-2016): A Novel Diagnostic Tool: from Structural Health
Monitoring to Tissue Quality Prediction), the successful candidate will work with a group of mathematicians, engineers and
surgeons from universities and institutions in collaboration.
Value of the Studentship:
This is one of the James Watt Scholarships that were recently announced by school of EPS at HWU. It fully covers tuition fees and
also provides a tax-free stipend for 36 months. For home/ EU students: £15k annual stipend plus fees. For international students:
£10k annual stipend plus fees).
Entry Requirements:
The ideal candidate should be highly-motivated and have good written and oral communication skills as well as genuine interest in
research and publishing your work. In addition, hands-on experimental skills in mechanical/biomedical engineering or prior
experience in computer programming/finite element analysis would be a plus. A first/master degree in mechanical
engineering/mechanics, material science, biomedical engineering or other related fields is desired.
Closing date:
All applications must be received by 28th February 2014. The successful candidate will ideally start in September 2014.
Application procedure:
Informal enquiries about project details can also be made to Dr Yuhang Chen (y.chen AT hw.ac.uk).
* Formal application should be made through Heriot-Watt on-line application system by 28th/Feb/2014.
(https://myhwu.hw.ac.uk/HWSAS8/bwskalog.P_DispLoginNon)
When applying through the Heriot-Watt on-line system please ensure you provide the following information:
(a) in “Planned Programme of Study” (Checklist Item 6):
"Planned Programme of Study" presents you with a drop-down menu. Choose Mechanical Eng PhD. See subheadings "Leading to a PhD in ...." in
the full list of projects. Supervisor provides a free text box. Enter supervisor’s name (Dr. Yuhang Chen)
(b) in “Background Information” (Checklist Item 9):
Proposed Area of Research provides a free text box. Enter Title and Reference number (JWS2014/23). This information will greatly assist us in
tracking your application.