Joanna Ward Email and Phone Number

Research areas of interest include; - Bioactive coatings for resorbable Magnesium implant devices The use of Magnesium in fracture fixation cases could eradicate the need for secondary removal surgeries (which are currently required for permanent, inert Ti, Stainless Steel, Co-Cr alloys) due to its ability to resorb in-situ whilst offering mechanical properties closer to that of native bone. However, they are prone to rapid corrosion in the physiological environment, and as such, require modification to arrest this phenomenon and provide sustained support to the repairing bone tissue, for the required timeframe. My research focuses on investigation of RF magnetron sputter deposited calcium phosphate coatings for improved corrosion resistance in Magnesium alloys. - Polymer nanotopographies for whole blood sensingPlatelet adhesion and aggregation is dependent on the presence of the blood protein von Willebrand Factor (vWF). Spin coating can be utilised to manufacture of a topography capable of patient-specific biosensing. More specifically, fabrication of nanoscale topographies facilitate entrapment of autologous vWF protein and subsequently test platelet function within a dynamic assay device. Carried out in collaboration with Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital. Other interests: - Treasurer of the Northern Ireland Biomedical Engineering Society (NIBES)- STEM advocate - Enthusiastic member of the UU Biomaterials Research Group