Dr Rosti Readioff

Profile

I am a Research Fellow at the School of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK. I work on the Optimising Knee Therapies project and contributing to the numerical modelling and simulation tasks of the project.

Prior to joining the University of Leeds, I was a postdoctoral research associate at the School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Keele University, Stafford, UK. My project at Keele University was funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). This project was focused on using musculoskeletal modelling and analysis to develop a personalised assistive technology to support people who are paralysed and have lost functionality of their upper limbs.

In addition, I worked full-time as an Advance Research Engineer at the Manufacturing Technology Centre Ltd. where I focused on Physics Modelling and Simulation and I learnt to work at different Technology Readiness Levels in research. While working at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, I attained Chartered Engineer status from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

My interest in biomechanics and numerical simulation started when I was studying towards obtaining my undergraduate engineering degree. I graduated with a first class MEng (Hons) degree in Civil and Structural Engineering in 2013 and a Ph.D. degree in Engineering in 2018 from the University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK. My PhD thesis focused on determining material characteristics of knee joint ligaments ex vivo, and the development of a finite element model of the knee joint.

Research interests

Soft Tissue Biomechanics

I am interested in understanding mechanical properties of soft biological and cultured tissues. Previously, I investigated responses of tissue (i.e. sclera, tendon, ligaments and engineered scaffolds) to applied mechanical loads at macro level. I am interested in investigating the effect of the arrangement of micro to nano-structure of soft tissues to their mechanical behaviour, and how we can use this information in engineering biomaterials.

Finite Element Analysis & Imaging Techniques

Computer models and simulations can help us better understand tissue mechanics and my interest lies in developing and using such methodologies to solve clinically important problems such as knee osteoartheritis. Previously, I have developed personalised finite element models and 3D digital image correlation methods to predict material properties of soft tissues such as ligaments and tendons. I have also worked on the development of subject specific knee joint finite element models to investigate joint stability in dogs. In my current post, I am working on adding value to the currently developed human knee joints finite element model by the IMBE Knee group at the University of Leeds, and this work will help us answer bigger questions relating to the tribiology of pathological knee joints. 

Musculoskeletal Model

During my previous postdoctoral research role at Keele University, I was involved in personalising OpenSim musculoskeletal models of the upper limb so as to optimise the use of assistive technologies. In particular, the personalisation was aimed to integrate into optimising the use of functional electrical stimulators to help paralysed individuals move their arms. This project broadened my skill set and interests. I am interested in combining musculoskeletal models with other simulation and experimental methods to solve clinically relevant problems.

To find out more about the Institute of Medical & Biological Engineering's research visit imbe.leeds.ac.uk.

Qualifications

• PhD in Engineering
• MEng (Hons) Civil and Structural Engineering - 1st Class

Professional memberships

• Chartered Member of Institution of Mechanical Engineers
• Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine
• Associate Fellow of Higher Education Academy
• Women's Engineering Society

Research groups and institutes

• Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering