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Q and A with:
​Hyab Mehari Abraha

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An interview with PhD student Hyab Mehari Abraha (Monash University, Australia).

Hyab's research in the field of Biomechanics is best described by her: 
Australia is a very friendly and laid back culture but unfortunately jaw fractures account for ~40% of overall facial injuries and the main culprit is assault. Whilst jaw fracture treatment has seen the increased use of advanced technologies like surgically fixed implants, patients often experience post-operative complications. To successfully optimise jaw repair implants, and to minimise postoperative complications, surgeons require a clear understanding of how these interventions affect the function (mechanics) of the jaw. Thus, the aim of my research is to use a combination of mathematical models, computer simulations and in vivo experiments to determine how implants and screws affect jaw mechanics during chewing.

Q: What is it that drew you to this research?
I was initially drawn to biomechanics research because of how it integrates basic physics with complex anatomy. This interest was fostered by the passionate bio-mechanists who delivered my initial biomechanics lectures. I was later drawn to masticatory (chewing) biomechanics and implant research because of its potential to effect change and improve patient outcomes. 

Q: What are your career goals and aspirations?
My immediate career goals include continuing my research through a post-doctoral fellowship and my long term career goals are to continue to contribute as a scientist in the field of biomechanics and/or prosthetics and implant design.

Q: What are you most proud about so far in terms of your achievements?
I am incredibly proud of my Fulbright Futures Fellowship. Both I and my supervisor (Dr Olga Panagiotopoulou) put a great deal of effort into putting together the study and subsequent application. I am also very proud of the work I am doing now (testing mandible fracture implants) and that I will be able to build on this work in the USA. 

Q: What is one thing that you have found surprising while researching your focus?
I have found the variability in the research applications quite surprising. Masticatory biomechanics has applications in evolutionary biology, anthropology, anatomy and medicine/surgery. I feel very excited about working in a field that has such diverse applicability. 

Q: What is one thing about your research you want people to take away with them?
That’s a hard question! I think, like all PhD students, that I want people to take away how important my project is, and how much we need evidence based medicine in surgery. However, perhaps more importantly I would like people to know that all research is collaborative, and without my supervisor, my co-supervisors, my department and the Fulbright commission I wouldn't be the kind of scientist I aspire to be.

Publication
Panagiotopoulou O*, Iriarte-Diaz J, Wilshin S, Dechow PC, Taylor AB, Mehari Abraha H, Aljunid SF, Ross CF*. (2017) In vivo bone strain and finite element modelling of a rhesus macaque mandible during mastication. Zoology: 10.1016/j.zool.2017.08.010. 
https://www.sciencedirect.com/…/arti…/pii/S0944200616301805…
​

Conference Proceeding
Mehari Abraha H, Iriarte-Diaz J, Ross CF, Taylor AB, Wilshin S, Dechow PC, Panagiotopoulou O. The impact of the periodontal ligament on the mechanics of the primate jaw during post-canine chewing. 31st Annual Conference of Australasian Society for Human Biology, Ballarat, Australia 2017 (Oral Presentation –2nd Prize for Student Presentation)
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