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Jacob Rees BSc (Hons) MSc

Mr Jacob Rees

(he/him)

BSc (Hons) MSc

Graduate Demonstrator

School of Engineering

Email
ReesJ57@cardiff.ac.uk
Campuses
Queen's Buildings - West Building, Room W/2.13, 5 The Parade, Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 3AA
cymraeg
Welsh speaking

Overview

I am a PhD Researcher in Medical Engineering, working within the High Value Manufacturing Group at Cardiff University's School of Engineering. My research interests primarily focus on Cardiology, Haematology, Orthopaedics and Medical Devices, including the additive manufacture (3D Printing), surface characterisation and design for these applications. 

Before beginning my PhD in 2023, I received an MSc in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Ulster, Northern Ireland. There, I undertook research into AI-based optimisation of Signal Processing and received experience in various aspects of design, medical device regulations, composite manufacture and biomaterial science. Prior to that, I received a BSc in Astrophysics from the University of Aberystwyth, Wales, in which I performed a theoretical analysis of Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity in a non-constant acceleration framework without the need for General Relativity. 

My current research focus is on cardiovascular and orthopaedic implants created through novel manufacturing routes, exploring the utility of Additive Manufacturing and associated technologies. Some considered candidates include heart valves, Drug-Eluting Stents (DES) and various bones of the skeletal system, which will be modelled, characterised, tested on medical (including haemodynamic) and mechanical bases, and optimised drawing on my previous experience with AI data analytics. 

Teaching

In addition to my PhD work, I provide demonstration, lab assistance and other aid to undergraduate Engineering students. I am able to assist within the following areas for their respective undergraduate curricula:

  • Physics (incl. Astrophysics)
  • Mathematics (mainly Year 1/2)
  • Python
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Medical Engineering
  • Cardiology & Haematology.

The exact subjects that I teach/demonstrate depend on availability within the School of Engineering per term. 

Biography

I am currently a PhD student in Medical Engineering within the High Value Manufacturing group here at the Cardiff School of Engineering, with my thesis on the creation of new metallic implants for cardiovascular and orthopaedic applications. I began in 2023. 

Prior to my PhD, in 2022 I undertook an MSc in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Ulster, Northern Ireland. This introduced me in fairly equal measures to Medical, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, and to date I use all three to some degree in my work. 

My first degree, starting in 2018, was in Astrophysics from the University of Aberystwyth, Wales. Much of the course content was shared between us and Engineering Physics, and ultimately inspired a move towards my eventual path in Engineering. 

Besides formal academia, I have had prior experience in medical care both clinically and personally for much of my life, which has largely driven my motivations within Medical Engineering in my MSc and later PhD. I have had a broad set of experiences which I like to integrate with each new step of my career.  

Research themes

Specialisms

  • Biomedical engineering
  • Additive manufacturing
  • Cardiovascular medicine and haematology
  • Orthopaedics

External profiles