Programme lead for the BSc Biomedical Sciences (Anatomy) degree and lead for the development of digital 3D Anatomy learning tools at the University of Aberdeen.
In my research, I am interested in structure-function relationships in connective tissues (such as bone and tendon) and the application of 3D modelling to biomechanics and musculoskeletal research with the ultimate aim to develop new tools for patient-specific modelling. For my PhD at the University of York, I studied the mechanics of the human lower jaw using a combination of virtual 3D reconstruction techniques, 3D mechanical modelling and experiments.
As an Honorary Curatorial Fellow of the University Museums at the University of Aberdeen I have coordinated the 3D digitisation of specimens to promote our museum collections. This work builds on my previous experience as a project manager at the Neanderthal Museum in Germany, where I was responsible for the digitisation of the German Neanderthal fossils and contributed to the development of an online archive for palaeoanthropologists and archaeologists.
My core interests include structure-function relationships in connective tissues (such as bone and tendon), the application of 3D modelling to the field of musculoskeletal research with the ultimate aim to develop new tools for patient-specific modelling and the development and evaluation of new interactive 3D learning tools for Anatomy.
Knowledge Exchange
As STEM Ambassador I frequently coordinate and take part in public engagement events about 3D modelling, Anatomy and musculoskeletal research.
Funding and Grants
Wellcome Trust ISSF Public Engagement Grant 2022-2023
Programme coordinator for the BSc/MSci Biomedical Sciences (Anatomy) degree
Course coordinator for BM2009 - Human Anatomy A
Teaching on the following courses:
Human Anatomy for MBChB Years 1-3
AN3009 Architecture of Life
AN3504 Human Movement Dissected
AY1502 Archaeology in Action
BM2009 Human Anatomy A
BM2509 Human Anatomy B
BM4010 Advanced Molecules Membranes and Cells
BM4501 Biomedical Sciences Honours Project
ME33HA Medical Humanities
SR3508 Clinical Exercise Physiology
SR4301 Exercise Physiology
MSc Medical Physics and Medical Imaging
PGCert/Msc in Clinical Education
Recipient of the Principal's Teaching Excellence Award: Commendation Prize 2023 and Best Undergraduate Lecturer Award 2022. Nominated for the Best Postgraduate Supervisor Award 2022 and Best Undergraduate Lecturer Award 2024 & 2025 (University of Aberdeen)
My projects to develop new 3D learning resources for Anatomy teaching have been supported by the Roland Sutton Academic Trust and Curriculum Development Summer Studentships funded by the Development Trust of the University of Aberdeen. My key partner in many of these project has been my former research assistant and PhD student Laura Pérez-Pachón.
Comment on "The effects of modelling simplifications on craniofacial finite element models: the alveoli (tooth sockets) and periodontal ligaments" (volume 44, issue 10, pages 1831-1838)
Gröning, F., Fagan, M. J.
Journal of Biomechanics, vol. 45, no. 9, pp. 1749-51
