Elizabeth Young

Profile

I became interested in medical engineering prior to University, after hearing about advancements in stent technologies in the news. The translational aspect of this kind of science was ultimately what led me to choose a degree in a broader scientific topic, but with a specialization in technology. After graduating from the University of Glasgow in 2016, I moved to Leeds to join their CDT in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. The CDT looked to fulfil all my interests; namely the multi-disciplinary nature of medical engineering and the opportunity to gain experience in technology commercialisation. To widen my perception of business, I’ve undertaken entrepeneurial initiatives and a secondment in an early-stage start-up. Within the academic setting, I assist with lab demonstration and have helped found a wellbeing support network for postgraduates in engineering. With respect to my research, I’ve always had a great interest in neuro- and cardio-pathologies, so finding a project that combines the complexities of the biological and physical sciences has been very fulfilling. Keep up to date on my Twitter and LinkedIn: @EDYoung202 and my CDT blog: https://regenerative-medicine.leeds.ac.uk/profiles/elizabeth-young/

Research interests

In non-traumatic spinal cord injury (NT-SCI), disruption to spinal vasculature is causative of progressive neural dysfunction. However, the mechanics of this relationship are not understood: this research aims to ascertain the strains at which low-level, progressive compression presents symptomatically. An in silico model is being built to elucidate the relationship of strain on the vascular structure of the spinal cord, and therefore the fluid dynamics and oxygen transport. The in silico model outputs aim to act as a link between the structural alterations and functional outcomes of an in vivo model of NT-SCI, as means of better understanding at what strains clinical intervention should take place. 

Qualifications

• MSc Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
• BSc Molecular and Cellular Biology (with Biotechnology)

Research groups and institutes

• Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering