Josh Giles

Research Interests:

• Orthopaedic Biomechanics: In-Vitro Experimentation & In-Silico Modelling
• Orthopaedic Device Design
• Integration of Biomechanical Models & Mechatronic Systems
• Patient-Specific Biomechanically-Informed Surgical Planning

Research Overview:

Dr. Giles’ research has two separate but complementary foci: 1) biomechanical experimentation and simulation seeking to improve our understanding of basic human musculoskeletal biomechanics and to address important clinical questions, 2) development of systems to improve orthopaedic clinician training, patient assessment, and treatment/surgical planning. These two areas complement each other as the former can provide important information to improve the application of the systems developed in the latter research area while the developed devices can also provide new ways to gain improved biomechanical understanding.

Biomechanical Research: This biomechanical research ranges in complexity from basic benchtop experiments to the development of world-leading in-vitro hybrid cadaveric-robotic/mechatronic testing systems that can accurately replicate the in-vivo function of human joints. As well, this research incorporates computational modelling techniques such as Finite Element Analysis and Statistical Shape Modelling. In each case, the goal is to shed new light on human biomechanics and the effect of various orthopedic injuries and interventions (e.g. surgeries) on function and overall biomechanics.

Orthopaedic Systems: In creating new orthopaedic systems the focus is not purely on developing new technologies but rather on how we can effectively integrate biomechanical knowledge and modelling techniques with emerging technologies. This integrative approach is critical to overcoming the challenges which have hindered the widespread adoption of new technologies in orthopaedics over the past 15 years. Critical areas of research include the development of biomechanically driven devices for clinician training and quantitative patient assessment, as well as systems that can improve surgical planning through the use of personalized patient functional data and biomechanical modelling.

How to Get Involved: For further information, please contact Dr. Giles by email. Research opportunities for internal and external undergraduate co-op/summer students, international Globalink research interns, and graduate students in these and other related areas are available. Candidates with an engineering undergraduate or graduate degree with experience in biomechanics, finite element analysis, computational methods, biomedical device design, mechatronics/robotics, and/or mechanical design are encouraged to apply.