Platelet mechanosensing and signaling in response to fluid forces and surface structure related to haemostasis and thrombosis seen in cardiovascular disease

Platelets are the key cell in our blood that contributes to haemostasis or blood clotting. These cells can also exhibit an exaggerated response, especially under pathological blood flow, leading to thrombosis, which can occlude vessels and cause ischemia. Ultimately, this contributes to the leading cause of death around the world. In this project, you would use advanced biophysical and engineering tools to probe platelets' contractile machinery in response to external mechanical loads. This work would impact on medical device design, pharmaceutical development, and surgical practices.