Dr Alexandra Iordachescu

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Dr Alexandra Iordachescu leads a research theme focused on developing organotypic & organoid systems for regenerative medicine and simulating the response of biosystems to extreme environments. These include simulated microgravity, shock and impacts, achieved using a range of specialised capabilities.

Her research also involves studying habitability in extreme environments, such as space habitats and designing bioengineered solutions in support of crew health during deep-space missions. She collaborates with researchers globally for developing the next generation of testing platforms for biomedical research, bioastronautics and defence applications. She is a visiting academic at Cranfield Defence and Security based at the UK Defence Academy, where she co-supervises research in the area of hypervelocity impacts.

She also has a background in space physiology and is involved in initiatives focused on using the low Earth orbit for advancing medical research.

Themes

Artificial organs; Biomaterials; Biomechanics; Biomedical instrumentation; Bionics; Health systems engineering; Medical devices & technology; Microgravity; Molecular and cell engineering; Orthopaedics; Precision medicine; Regenerative medicine; Systems physiology; Tissue engineering; Translational medicine.

Current projects

The application of trabecular bone organoids to investigate mineral-sensing in skeletal physiology and disease.
Iordachescu, A. Funded by the NC3Rs.
From ageing to space travel: Developing an organotypic model of skeletal tissue disuse for understanding degeneration in altered environments.
Iordachescu, A. Funded by the NC3Rs
On the failure of composite panels under hyper-velocity impact. Funded by EPSRC & Cranfield University.
Project Bio-SPHERE (UKRI STFC Boulby UGL partnership).
Consortium for Organotypic Research on Ageing and Microgravity.

Research Groups

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: outcome-oriented, supportive, collaborative.

Provision of Training

I will provide the required training and expertise during the first stages of the project. Subsequently, I will mentor the student to enable them to develop independent methods and techniques.

Progression Monitoring and Management

It is important to be kept up to date, and will expect to see evidence of method development/data generation results on a weekly/monthly basis.

Communication

E-mail is the primary method of communication. I can be contacted on my mobile for urgent matters. I am happy to discuss any issues that are impacting your ability to fulfil your potential or my/our expectations.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

In a group meeting

At least once per month

In year 1 of PhD study

At least once per week

In year 2 of PhD study

At least once per week

In year 3 of PhD study

At least once per week

Meetings will be a mixture of face to face, via video chat or telephone, and I am usually contactable for an instant response 1 or 2 days per week.

Working Pattern

Work in my lab requires being present on site (be it in a laboratory or at a field site) during defined core hours (or a subset if working part time).

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 week’s notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Dr Iordachescu is supervising no projects this year.