What inspired you to pursue this research topic, and how has your understanding of it evolved throughout your PhD journey?
When I first decided to pursue this project, I had been intrigued for a while by the facilities that had been under construction (or early operation in the case of MAX IV) in Lund throughout my undergraduate studies. When I then saw the opportunity to use them in a biomedical application, I was essentially immediately hooked, even with relatively little previous knowledge of the application of neutron imaging specifically. I have learned a lot about both the intricacies of cartilage and its composition as well as the various properties that can be probed by neutrons and complementary tools, mainly leading me to an understanding of neutron imaging as a specialized tool with applications for very specific questions in contrast to more general approaches.
Can you describe a key finding or insight from your research that you’re especially proud of—and why it matters in your field?
I do think a key finding is the application of neutron imaging to the direct study of water diffusion in soft tissues. Diffusivity is important in a wide range of soft tissues, both for the nutrient supply of the cells within it as well as for the mechanical properties of the tissue itself, and diffusivity is also a phenomenon that acts differently on different length scales. The neutron imaging in my project was both able to visualize said diffusion in a more direct way than complementary methods as well as potentially demonstrating differences in diffusivity on macroscopic length scales compared to the micrometer scales probed by diffusion MRI techniques.
How do you hope your research will be used or built upon after your defense—whether in academia, industry, or society at large?
My research has primarily been about exploring new research tools for cartilage and osteoarthritis, with potential applications for soft tissues more broadly. As such my main hope is that these tools will be built upon in further research that is more directly tailored to uncovering a specific disease mechanism or laying the groundwork for future treatments.
What role has SwedNess played in your journey?
SwedNess has been enormously important for this journey, primarily through the unique courses offered as well as the contacts gained with both other neutron users as well as instrument scientists.
What’s next for you? Where is your journey taking you after the defense?
As for what is next for me, that is yet to be determined. I am leaning towards staying in academia but am open to industry, and am currently searching and applying for relevant positions, with a bit more focus once the defense itself is completed.
