Dr. Bart Spronck

Assistant Professor, Maastricht University, The Netherlands

I deeply believe that the ARTERY society —bringing together physicians, clinical researchers, and engineers— is unique in its multidisciplinarity. Currently based at the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Yale University, USA, I feel that I can strongly contribute to strengthening the ties between the US research community and ARTERY. In particular, I feel that ARTERY is still relatively unknown to many engineering laboratories here, which is something I would like to change. At 31 years of age, I may not have the typical age of an Executive Committee member. However, it is because of this age that I feel I can be an easily approachable point of contact for younger members of the society. My research interest is in arterial bio mechanics, and I aim to integrate clinical and engineering research. My work combines state-of-the-art measurement techniques —computer-controlled bi-axial mechanical testing, next-generation genome sequencing, and two-photon microscopy— with constitutive computer modelling to understand the mechanical changes occurring in the ageing and hypertensive artery wall. When I have some time off, I am a passionate traveller, whether it be for hiking, skiing, or simply exploring the world. Coming to an ARTERY meeting, whether from Europe or now from the US, feels like coming home. As such, I am honoured to be part of the Executive Committee family!