Jacob Reeves

Degree

Mechanical Engineering Doctorate with a designation in Musculoskeletal Health Research

Research Project Focus

My project was centered on developing computer models of shoulder joint replacements aimed at better understanding how the shape and types of implant materials affected surrounding bone.

Career Update

LinkedIn profile

Looking back...

I always had a passion for designing products that could make a real impact on people's lives. This drive led me to pursue an engineering degree at Western University, where I discovered the area of musculoskeletal (MSK) health. During my summers at Western, I worked in biomechanics research labs. This solidified my decision to focus my graduate studies on orthopaedics. The JuMP and subsequent Collaborative Specialization in Musculoskeletal Health Research (CMHR) programs at the Bone and Joint Institute (BJI) provided me with a degree designation that I wanted to ensure perspective employers would understand the applications of my work.

Value of the BJI & CMHR research environment and support...

The CMHR and general research environment available through the BJI was a turning point in my career development – it is where I learned how to bridge the gap between mechanical engineering and biomedical applications. Collaborating with orthopaedic surgeons at the Hand and Upper Limb Centre (HULC), a partner of the BJI, was crucial for ensuring the accuracy of my models, understanding the constraints of orthopaedic surgery, and considering the potential impact they would have on joint replacement longevity. Without this cross-disciplinary exposure and training, my research would not have been clinically meaningful.

I appreciated the emphasis of the program on engaging a variety of stakeholders when trying to solve biomedical problems. Working in this environment sparked an interest for me in working at the interfaces between disciplines. This is often where the problems become more nuanced. Receiving the Transdisciplinary Research Training Award from the BJI allowed me to make meaningful progress in my research and to focus more deeply on my studies without the distraction of a part-time job.

Advice for current and future trainees...

Reflecting on my journey, my advice for those entering the program or pursuing a career in MSK health research is to embrace humility. Healthcare problems often seem very simple when viewed from a single perspective, but they are part of a complex chain involving many disciplines. Taking time to first recognize what assumptions you have, and to set aside your own expertise will allow you to view the problems in a totally new way. This will lead to new insights and more effective solutions. Developing an understanding of others' perspectives is crucial for innovation in healthcare.