Joe Norton
- Course: Medical Robotics PhD
- PhD title: A mobile robotic platform for hydro-colonoscopy
Joe Norton works as a member of the Storm Lab UK team in the University of Leeds, led by Professor Pietro Valdastri. Joe carries out his research within the Institute of Robotics, Autonomous Systems and Sensing.
Enabling painless colonoscopy
“I am developing a small robotic device to replace the conventional colonoscope,” Joe said.
“This new robot could allow live images and tissue biopsies to be taken of the colon. It has the potential to be a simple and effective procedure with minimal patient discomfort - improving on some of the main drawbacks of the current procedure.”
Joe continued: “The people I work with are extremely talented at what they do and we are working together to develop cutting edge technologies – it is a stimulating environment to be in.
“I also have access to some world-class facilities - such as the newly built Robotic manufacturing facility - and so my research is facilitated by being given access to state-of-the-art tools.”
An exciting research environment
Joe said: “I always expected to go into industry as soon as I had finished my undergraduate degree. However, when I got to the end of my 4th year I realised that I wanted to stay a part of the exciting university research environment.”
“Medical robotics is something I am passionate about and the University of Leeds has some exciting projects and talented academics. It seemed like the perfect place to continue my professional development.”
Postgraduate life
There are many reasons to enjoy postgraduate life, both in the lab and off-campus, Joe explained. He said:
“I joined the Leeds Rowing Club and the Photography Society earlier in my degree; both were a lot of fun to be a part of. I also enjoy going for runs and Leeds is not short of options.”
“I think that everyone should do something that they are enthusiastic about. If you find a project at the University of Leeds that you are interested in then I can highly recommend studying here,” he added.
A career in medical robotics
Studying for a robotics PhD has inspired Joe to make a difference in the world.
“It feels great to be developing a technology that could help people in the future,” Joe said.
“I am looking to continue in this field of medical robotics and progress as far as I can in a research environment.”