Strathclyde Chancellor's FellowsDr Kimia Witte

Strathclyde Chancellor's Fellow, Biomedical Engineering

Dr Kimia Witte

I am a Lecturer and Chancellor’s Fellow with a transdisciplinary background in art, science, engineering, and design. My academic and creative qualifications include a BSc (Hons) in Molecular & Cellular Biology with Biotechnology, a PhD in Biomedical Engineering, a BA (Hons) in Fine Art, a PGCert in Research and Knowledge Exchange, and an ongoing MRes in Design & Innovation. Currently, I am affiliated with the Biomedical Engineering Department at the University of Strathclyde and the School of Molecular Biosciences at the University of Glasgow.

My research interests focus on connective tissue mechanosensitivity in the central nervous system, microfluidics and tissue development, and the cell-material interface for organoid engineering applications, as well as co-engineering with biology for developing functional living microsystems for regenerative medicine and exploring nature-based solutions for carbon capture using living paint.

For researchers like myself, who work at the intersection of multiple disciplines, the Chancellor's Fellow Scheme at the University of Strathclyde is an appealing prospect. The university's collaborative infrastructure spans across faculties and departments, and its strong presence in Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) is bolstered by its tailored entrepreneurship support through the translational support team. These features make the scheme a promising opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. 

Although I've just started my fellowship, the Chancellor's Fellow Scheme has already provided me with valuable research time and support. This has been essential in expanding my research portfolio in mechanobiology, tissue engineering, and medical diagnostics, as well as collaborating with other researchers and engaging in multidisciplinary projects. Given the ample resources and support provided by the scheme, I am confident in my ability to make a valuable contribution to the research excellence of the University of Strathclyde. I look forward to exploring new research avenues and engaging in innovative projects that can potentially lead to exciting breakthroughs in the field.