Email: xk19002@bristol.ac.uk

Just before embarking on the Digital Health and Care CDT journey, I completed my MEng Engineering Mathematics degree here at the University of Bristol. The course relied heavily on the concept of mathematical modelling and computational simulations across a variety of fields, exploring the art of applying maths to complex real-world problems, combining mathematical theory, practical engineering and scientific computing to address today’s technological challenges. Ofcourse, one of the fields we touched upon was healthcare and how we can use technology to enhance and support it.

I developed a keen interest in healthcare-related modules and projects, as they enabled me to see how all these mathematical models and simulations I was working on could have real-life implications, solving real-life health issues. For example, my Master’s thesis involved investigating the chemotactic behavior of sperm cells, using mathematical and computational simulations, to uncover the effect that their swimming techniques have on their performance in navigating towards successful fertilization. Advances in such investigations hold the exciting potential of enabling the use of targeted drug delivery, for instance, by developing novel artificial micro-swimmers that mimic this behavior through complex biological environments or improve diagnostics and management of male infertility.

Another eye-opening experience that sparked my research interests in this field was an internship I undertook at the university which simulated the environment and nature of research work being carried out at PhD level. Working closely with a research associate at the University, the main task was to develop a simulation for bacterial biofilm growth and subsequent antibiotic treatment to optimize and discover the most effective treatment strategy for chronic infections. I was fascinated by the development of these models and their potential to revolutionize and provide important insight to improve healthcare and optimize its delivery targeting real-life health issues. In a few words, I was hooked and I knew that digital health was a career path I wanted to follow. So, here I am today pursuing to explore the many exciting opportunities and possibilities that this CDT has to offer while seeking to create something impactful and meaningful for the greater good.