Developing Innovative Digital Solutions to Transform Correction of Skull Anomalies in Infants

  • Funded PhD opportunity
  • Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
  • Full-time
Apply and key information  

This project is funded by:

    • Department for the Economy (DfE)
    • Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Summary

Early closure of tissue parts and fusion of bones in infant skull cause shape anomalies which are called craniosynostosis and may disrupt skull growth and brain development in children. Surgical correction may be performed by cutting and reshaping the bones, enlarging the skull with wire springs, removing the fused tissue with the help of an endoscope, or cutting the bones and pulling them apart slowly using a distractor to make the skull shape normal. However, in most cases the outcome of the surgical correction remains suboptimal due to the rapid growth of the skull at early ages, changes in the bone and suture properties, calcification of the tissues, and the limited deformation provided by the springs or distractors.

Computational models simulating surgical skull correction have the potential to be utilised as surgical planning tools and to improve surgical outcomes. However, proposed computational models simulating craniosynostosis correction do not include the interaction of biological, geometric, and mechanical factors affecting skull growth and they generally simulate the isolated effects of one growth mechanism. Therefore, the applicability of computer models as surgical planning tools remains limited. A computational model simulating the interaction among biological, mechanical, and geometric factors driving skull growth and surgical correction will help to improve surgical outcomes in craniosynostosis correction.

The aim of this project is to develop a finite element model which simulates the interaction among different skull growth mechanisms during rapid skull growth in normal and craniosynostosis skulls between 0 and 2 years of age and testing skull correction.

In this context, the research in this project will consist of,

a)Constructing 3D geometric skull models for normal and craniosynostosis.

b) Simulating interaction among the biological, mechanical, and geometric growth mechanisms in normal and craniosynostosis skulls.

c) Simulating surgical methods used to correct craniosynostosis

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

  • First Class Honours (1st) Degree
  • Masters at 65%
  • Publications - peer-reviewed

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

  • Department for the Economy (DfE)
  • Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

Recommended reading

J. Jacob, S. Bozkurt “Interrelations Between Surgical Outcome and Bone, Spring and Surgical Parameters in Scaphocephalic Skulls Treated with Spring-Assisted Cranioplasty”, Advanced Theory and Simulations, 7, Article Number 2400218, 12 pages, 2024.

J. Jacob, S. Bozkurt, “Automated Surgical Planning in Spring-Assisted Sagittal Craniosynostosis Correction Using Finite Element Analysis and Machine Learning”, Plos One, 18(11): e0294879, 15

S. Ajami, N. Rodriguez-Florez, J. Ong, N.U.O. Jeelani, D. Dunaway, G. James, F. Angullia, C. Budden, S. Bozkurt, P. Ferretti, S. Schievano, A. Borghi, “Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Parietal Bone in Patients with Sagittal Craniosynostosis”, Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 125:104929, 10 pages, 2022. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmbbm.2021.104929)

A. L. Deliege, K. R. Misier, S. Bozkurt, W. Breakey, G. James, J. Ong, D. Dunaway, N.U.O. Jeelani, S. Schievano, A. Borghi, “Validation of an In-silico Modelling Platform for Outcome Prediction in Spring Assisted Posterior Vault Expansion”, Clinical Biomechanics, 88:105424, 2021. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2021.105424)

S. Bozkurt, A. Borghi, L. S. van de Lande, N.U.O. Jeelani, D. J. Dunaway, S. Schievano, “Computational Modeling of Patient-Specific Spring Assisted Lambdoid Craniosynostosis Correction”, Scientific Reports, 10, Article Number: 18693, 9 pages, 2020. (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598- 020-75747-6)

N.U.O. Jeelani,A. Borghi, N. Rodriguez-Florez, S. Bozkurt, D. J. Dunaway, S. Schievano, “The Science Behind the Springs - Using Biomechanics and Finite Element Modelling to Predict Outcome in Spring Assisted Sagittal Synostosis Surgery”, Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, 31:2074-2078, 2020. (https://doi.org/10.1097/SCS.0000000000006865)

S. Bozkurt, A. Borghi, N.U.O. Jeelani, D.J. Dunaway, S. Schievano, “Computational Evaluation of Potential Correction Methods for Unicoronal Craniosynostosis”, Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, 31:692-696, 2020. (https://doi.org/10.1097/SCS.0000000000006186)

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 24 February 2025
04:00PM

Interview Date
March 2025

Preferred student start date
15th September 2025

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Dr Selim Bozkurt

Telephone
Contact by phone

Email
Contact by email

Other supervisors