DC 9 – Developing a virtual twin of the spine based on clinical images including the intervertebral disc
Can you share a bit about your academic and professional journey?
I obtained a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Waterloo (Canada) in 2021, gaining two years of industry experience before completing a master’s degree in 2024. My research focused on computational and experimental evaluation of spinal implants, including the development of a meshless finite-element model of trabecular bone damage mechanics. This work has led to multiple journal publications and presentations at international conferences. Now pursuing a PhD at Politecnico di Torino, I am working on developing patient-specific digital twins of the human spine, particularly creating intervertebral disc models from MRI scans.
What motivated you to pursue a Doctoral candidacy within the Doctoral Network?
I pursued a PhD within the InSilicoHealth network to contribute to the advancement of patient-specific models of the human MSK system. Through my previous research on spinal biomechanics, I recognized how young this research space is, relatively speaking, and I identified a need for more personalized approaches in orthopaedic care. Apart from the specific research aims, I found the collaborative side of the doctoral network very attractive as it would allow me to meet and work with many of my peers and learn from researchers from different disciplines or that have similar but different research focuses, too.
What aspects of this training and research program are you most excited about?
The research project will allow me to collect a lot of new skills and deepen my foundation in computational biomechanics. I am particularly excited about the secondments and summer/winter schools organized by the consortium, as they provide unique learning opportunities! I look forward to meet everyone, bounce off of them, and become a better researcher.
