Manoj Rajankunte Mahadeshwara

Manoj is a Postgraduate Researcher studying patients with skeletal and metabolic comorbidities, looking at changes in cartilage structure and function. He decided to apply for a PhD at Leeds, which turned out to be a highly positive decision.  

“The university and the city both offer a really friendly environment for students”, said Manoj. “I first experienced this during my Erasmus exchange program in my Masters degree. There are always plenty of activities geared towards students in the city, which makes it easy to meet new people and socialize. Plus, the research environment at the university is top-notch in my field, which is a big plus. Leeds is also incredibly diverse, which is great for me as an international student.” 

The research environment at the university is top-notch in my field, which is a big plus. Leeds is also incredibly diverse, which is great for me as an international student.

Research inspiration 

While Manoj’s current research has a clear biological focus, it has also considered other fields of study. “My undergraduate degree was in the field of mechanical engineering, and I further specialized in tribology (the study of friction, wear and lubrication) during my Masters degree. 

“I have always been keen to work in interdisciplinary settings where research can have practical applications. This project particularly caught my interest, because it addresses an interdisciplinary topic. The project involves developing medical technology for osteoarthritic patients by examining tribological aspects. I will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with both surgeons and engineers to bridge the gap between our respective understandings.” 

 

Practical achievements  

Manoj is keen for his research to help people in the world with particular medical conditions – while gaining a high degree of personal fulfilment from the process. “In terms of personal growth, pursuing a PhD has been an incredibly enriching journey for me because each day brings new opportunities for learning and developing skills. It is not just about focusing on a specific research project; rather, it's about mastering a wide array of tasks that are essential for any researcher or project administrator.  

“These include tasks such as conducting comprehensive literature reviews, writing detailed reports, designing and executing experiments, procuring necessary resources, teaching, managing stress effectively, and refining interpersonal skills. The PhD experience has truly been a holistic education, equipping me with invaluable skills beyond just technical expertise. 

Ultimately, my work has the potential to make meaningful contributions to the field, improving treatment options and enhancing the quality of life for those affected by this condition.

“The project I am involved in holds significant promise. By studying how the structure and function of osteoarthritic cartilage changes, I aim to gain insights into reducing friction through various lubrication methods. This research could potentially help to address the specific needs of osteoarthritic patients.  

“Ultimately, my work has the potential to make meaningful contributions to the field, improving treatment options and enhancing the quality of life for those affected by this condition.”  

Future plans 

Manoj has big plans once his time at the University of Leeds is over. “After my PhD I aim to return to my hometown of Bangalore, India, and establish myself in the field of medical technology research. I envision starting my career by joining research groups focused on medical technology, where I can contribute my skills and gain valuable experience.  

“As I accumulate more experience in the industry, my long-standing ambition is to launch my own company centred around a particular idea that has been on my mind for quite some time.”