Matthew Walker

Dr Matthew Walker is a Research Associate in Molecular Biosciences at the University of Glasgow, affiliated with the James Watt School of Engineering and the Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment (CeMi). His work combines cell biology, bioengineering, and materials science to develop advanced platforms for studying cell-extracellular matrix interactions.

• Bachelor's in Biology from University of Hull (2014)
• MRes in Glycosylation Mutants (University of York, 2015)
• PhD in Biomedical Nanomaterials (University of York, EPSRC-funded 2016-2019)

His research focuses on mechanosensitive regulation of cell behavior using dynamic hydrogels and nanotopographical surfaces. Current work at CeMi investigates viscoelastic matrices for modeling cancer progression, fibrosis, and neurodegenerative diseases while developing smart biomaterials for therapeutic delivery.

Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary work across biomedical engineering, polymer chemistry, and stem cell biology. Key themes include hydrogel mechanotransduction, dynamic extracellular matrix modeling, and biomaterials for tissue regeneration. Collaborations span multiple departments including Physics, Chemistry, and Electronics.

Dr Walker has supervised 11 students on projects related to:

• Bladder tumor microenvironment modeling
• Tensile stretching device development
• Torsional AFM modalities
• Epithelial-mesenchymal transition
• Biolubrication studies
• Co-culture hydrogel systems