Simon Crowther, University of Bristol: Precise Flow Delivery System for Biomedical Applications
Simon Crowther receiving his certificate from
Tom Shannon, Founder and Director,
Vicon Motion Systems Ltd
Comments from Tom Shannon, Founder and Director, Vicon Motion Systems Ltd.
"From its humble beginnings in Oxford in the early 80’s, the success and growth of VICON has always been dependent on its ability to attract and retain high quality scientists and engineers to drive its research and development activities forward."
"The Company also believes that it has a wider social responsibility to attract bright, lateral thinkers to pursue biomedical engineering as a worthwhile and fulfilling career and to support education and basic research. We are very pleased and proud to be given the opportunity to sponsor this prize and to be able to judge three fascinating and innovative entries this year."
"All three entries were of a very high standard, each demonstrating a very clear understanding of the science and of the engineering required. Simon Crowther’s work on the development of a device to precisely mimic flow patterns found in human vessels will have great practical application as will the work of the two runners-up, Wael Dandachli and Perrin Metzger."
Simon Crowther biography and inspirations
Simon Crowther is currently studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bristol. Having enjoyed fluid mechanics and design and manufacture units in first and second year he was given the opportunity to take on a project in these areas in the third year. After meeting with Dr Stephen White, a research fellow of the University, a brief for a flow delivery system to look at how endothelial cells respond to shear stresses was conceived. Throughout the third year of Simon’s degree the flow apparatus was designed and built.
He has continuing involvement with the project and has been doing some alterations and improvements to the electronics and interface during the summer.
Simon comments
"I am honoured to have won the Vicon Prize in the 2009 Student Project Competition. Having worked so hard throughout the year it is great to receive recognition from the IMechE for what I have done. Presenting my work to such a distinguished audience was also a privilege. I would like to thank everyone who was involved with, and helped out with the project. I would also like to thank Tom Shannon from Vicon and Professor Peter Brett from Aston University for judging the category. Finally I would like to thank Amy Hurlstone from the IMechE for all of the work she put in organising the event both on the day and leading up to it."