Robert Johnston

Background

About Robert Johnston

Currently, a postdoctoral researcher in the department of anatomy and regenerative medicine in the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI), working on an ERC project developing medical devices in spinal applications. Previously, a postdoctoral researcher in the department of mechanical, manufacturing and biomedical engineering working on the design, optimization and 3D printing (SLM) of arterial stents for the treatment of congenital heart defects, such as aortic coarctation. Previously collaborated with the company Fire1 that also involved the development of a testing rig and mechanical testing of venous tissue to get further fundamental insights into the tissue's mechanical response under loading. Completed my PhD in Trinity College Dublin in the department of mechanical, manufacturing and biomedical engineering with the thesis titles "Fundamental insights into the biomechanics of atherosclerotic plaque tissue: Determining possible new diagnostic measures of plaque vulnerability" with a number of first author and co-author studies published (Please see Website links for access to ResearchGate and Google scholar accounts with information on publications) During this time, I was also a teaching assistant for 3 years in Finite Element Analysis (Masters Course) and 2 years in medical device design (3rd year undergraduate) Previously, I completed a Master of Science (MSc) in Biomedical Engineering from the National University of Ireland, Galway and a bachelors of Science degree specializing in Physics and Medical Physics. These courses not only provided the strong mathematical background needed to be applied in both engineering and science concepts, but allowed for the development of technical skills through the use of computational software (MATLAB, Solidworks, Arduino, LabView, Abaqus to name a few), 3D printing, mechanical testing of materials (ranging from metals, polymers and soft tissue), ex-vivo/in-vivo imaging (MRI and MicroCT). Personally, I have a strong interest in all things Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering with an aim to contribute significantly in these areas. Capable of in working in a highly active, tightly regulated environment in a variety of multiple disciplines to the highest of standards, incorporating skills such as problem solving, teamwork and leadership. I think my favorite stage of developing any product / process or service is working in a team to generate specific results to problems that can be presented and to overall make a significant contribution in healthcare