Advanced 3D imaging and modelling of fluid flow through a lymph node

The lymphatic system includes a complex network of vessels and lymph nodes that transports excess fluid from the body’s tissues back into the bloodstream. Unfortunately, up to 20% of patients treated for cancer will develop lymphoedema, an incurable disease, caused by lymphatic system dysfunction. Currently it is challenging to predict if lymphoedema will develop after cancer treatment or the altered route that lymph fluid will take during its onset and progression. To improve our understanding of this complex disease, our team is developing comprehensive computational fluid dynamic models of the lymphatics.

In this Masters project, you will develop a 3D fluid dynamic model of a lymph node which is often the target of radiation therapy and surgery during cancer treatments. You will apply image processing methods to analyse high resolution confocal imaging data of a mouse lymph node, to develop the 3D model geometry. You will then simulate the complex fluid dynamics within the lymph node by incorporating porous properties within each compartment and consider absorption of lymph fluid into the blood circulation. The developed 3D lymph node model will be combined with our team’s fluid dynamic models of lymph flow through lymphatic vessels, to help understand lymphoedema development.

• Bachelors’ degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or related discipline
• Experience with or strong interest in computational fluid dynamics
• Strong programming skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  

Page expires: 2 August 2024