Study level
PhD
Master of Philosophy
Honours
Vacation research experience scheme
Faculty/School
Science and Engineering Faculty
Topic status
We're looking for students to study this topic.
Supervisors
- Position
- Senior Lecturer
- Division / Faculty
- Science and Engineering Faculty
Overview
Biological tissue growth involves the secretion of new tissue (extracellular matrix, collagen fibers) by cells. This secretion incorporates scattered inclusions, such as proteins and minerals, into the new tissue. During bone tissue growth, some of the tissue-secreting cells themselves become incorporated into the new tissue. The distribution of these embedded cells is believed to influence subsequent tissue growth processes.
Research activities
You will develop and simulate mathematical models of the generation of stochastic inclusions during biological tissue growth. This will be following with investigating the conditions leading to the formation of spatial patterns in the distribution of these inclusions.
Depending your skills and interests, the project may include:
- stochastic models based on gillespie stochastic simulation algorithms and variants
- chemical master equations
- irregular tissue geometries
- statistical analyses and comparison with experimental bone samples.
Outcomes
We expect to understand the formation of spatial patterns of tissue inclusions and the expected variance in such patterns generated by the stochastic model. This will help determine the likelihood of observing chance patterning in experimental samples.
Skills and experience
This project can be tailored to suit your study level. Some proficiency in differential equations and computer modelling is required.
Scholarships
You may be able to apply for a research scholarship in our annual scholarship round.
Keywords
Contact
Contact the supervisor for more information.