Spencer Szczesny

PhD Candidate in Bioengineering
University of Pennsylvania
spence@udel.edu

EDUCATION
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, 2005,
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
B.S.E. Mechanical Engineering, 2003,
University of Pennsylvania

 

Hierarchical Mechanics of Connective Tissues

My work aims to identify the micro-structural mechanisms that underlie the tensile mechanics of fibrous musculoskeletal tissues, particularly tendon.  Specifically, I intend to determine the relationship between tissue-level mechanics and the relative  sliding of individual collagen fibrils by observing strains under a confocal microscope while altering the levels of tissue hydration and crosslinking.

Publications

  1. Lee CS, Szczesny SE, Soslowsky LJ (2011) Remodeling and repair of orthopedic tissue: Role of mechanical loading and biologics; Part 2: Cartilage and Bone. Am J Orthop. 40(3): 122-128.
  2. Szczesny SE, Lee CS, Soslowsky LJ (2010) Remodeling and repair of orthopedic tissue: Role of mechanical loading and biologics; Part 1: Tendon and ligament; meniscus. Am J Orthop. 39(11):525-530.
  3. Smith LJ, Martin JT, Szczesny SE, Ponder KP, Haskins ME, Elliott DM (2009) Altered lumbar spine structure, biochemistry, and biomechanical properties in a canine model of mucopolysaccharidosis type VII. J Orthop Res, 28(5):616-622
  4. Ibrahim NG, Natesh R, Szczesny SE, Ryall K, Eucker SA, Coats B, Margulies SS (2009) In Situ Deformations in the Immature Brain During Rapid Rotations. J Biomech Eng (in review)

Conference Proceedings

  1. Szczesny SE, Peloquin J, Ilkhani-Pour S, Cortes DH, Kadlowec JA, Soslowsky LJ, Elliott DE (2011) Continuity and affine fiber kinematics in biaxial tension of the supraspinatus tendon, ASME SBC, Pennsylvania.
  2. Matuszewshi PE, Chen YL, Szczesny SE, Lake SP, Elliott DM, Soslowsky LJ, Dodge GR (2011) Regional variations in proteoglycans decorin, biglycan, and aggrecan: Implications to mechanical behavior of the supraspinatus tendon, Orthopaedic Research Society Annual Meeting, Long Beach, CA
  3. Jacobs NT, Cortes DH, Szczesny SE, Vresilovic EJ, Elliott DM (2011) Effect of boundary conditions on stress-strain uniformity in biaxial tension of annulus fibrosus, Orthopaedic Research Society Annual Meeting, Long Beach, CA
  4. Smith LJ, Martin JT, Szczesny SE, Ponder KP, Haskins ME, Elliott DM (2009) Mucopolysaccharidosis VII and the developing lumbar spine: consequences for annulus fibrosus and vertebral end plate mechanical properties, American Society of Mechanical Engineers Summer Bioengineering Conference, Lake Tahoe, USA (in review)
  5. Ryall K, Ibrahim N, Szczesny SE, Natesh R, Eucker S, Margulies S (2008) Direct Visualization of Brain Distrotion During Rapid Rotational Accelerations, Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Fall Meeting, St. Louis, USA
  6. Szczesny SE, Jetzki S, Leonhardt S (2006) Review of Current Actuator Suitability for Use in Medical Implants, 28th Annual International Conference, IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, New York, USA)
  7. Szczesny SE, Winter A (2004) Design of a Gimbaled Compliant Mechanism Stage for Precision Motion and Dynamic Control in Z, Tx and Ty Directions, 28th Biennial Mechanisms and Robotics Conference, Proceedings of ASME Design Engineering Technical Conferences, Salt Lake City, USA
  8. Culpepper M, Szczesny SE (2004) Design of a Compliant Revolute Mechanism for Accurate Dynamic Characterization of Automotive Steering Columns, 28th Biennial Mechanisms and Robotics Conference, Proceedings of ASME Design Engineering Technical Conferences, Salt Lake City, USA

Patents

  1. Szczesny (2008) Rod Assembly for Dynamic Posterior Stabilization. Pending Applications US20090099608A1, EP2047814A1.