Hyab Mehari Abraha

Tell us about yourself?

As a PhD in the Panagiotopoulou Lab, I am a trainee biomechanist, and my PhD focus has been the repair of jaw fracture.

In 2014 I graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Science (Anatomy) and found that my passion was in biomechanics. I fell in love with biomechanics in the first lecture that was given by my supervisor, Dr Panagiotopoulou as she explained how our bodies accommodate the laws of physics. I find biomechanics so interesting because I believe that when we study how anatomy moves, we arrive at the nexus between engineering, physics and anatomy. Some amazing innovations have come from this nexus (e.g. medical imaging, prosthesis etc.) and my goal is to be involved in the development of new innovations to come.

With the help of the CHAE and my laboratory, I have been able to pursue my research goals and attend conferences in the USA, Canada and the Czech Republic, as well as completing a Fulbright Fellowship at the University of Chicago.

Tell us about your research project?

I am investigating the mechanical effect of different lower jaw fracture repair methods. To do this I create 3D reconstructions of the jaw and then virtually repair them with miniplates and screws, using techniques that mirror those used by surgeons today. I can then test how these techniques perform under the mechanical loads associated with chewing, using a software-based engineering tool called finite element analysis.

What you are most proud of since starting your PhD?

I am most proud of the work I have done to create 3D reconstructions of jaw fracture and repair. These models take a lot of time and collaborative problem solving with my supervisory team, but when they are successfully built it’s an amazing feeling. The results that come out of them are very rich.

What is your favourite anatomical structure and why? 

The jaw and temperomandibular joint, for obvious reasons, though the heart is also my first love.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your research? 

I love hiking and cooking.