Matthew Oldfield

Dr. Matthew Oldfield is a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Surrey, affiliated with the Centre for Biomedical Engineering. He holds a PhD from the University of Liverpool and has extensive experience in academic and industry roles, including positions at Brunel University and Imperial College. His research focuses on biomedical engineering, soft tissue mechanics, and advanced materials, with notable contributions to steerable needles for neurosurgery, magnetic surgical retraction devices, and composite material durability under ballistic and mechanical stresses.

Education:

• PhD, University of Liverpool: 'Harmonic Excitation of Bolted Joints' (Structural Mechanics)
• MEng, Mechanical Engineering, University of Liverpool

Research Interests:

• Biomechanics of medical devices
• Soft tissue-needle interactions
• Composites for armor and aerospace
• Magnetic anchoring in surgery
• Finite element modeling for biomedical applications

Recent Work Trends: Recent publications emphasize floor-based fall detection systems, Bayesian optimization of compliant flooring, and advanced materials for ballistic applications. His work bridges mechanical engineering with clinical needs, particularly in surgical robotics and tissue engineering.

Advising & Projects: Supervises PhD/EngD students in biomechanics and micro-nanomaterials. Led projects on retraction devices for robotic thyroid surgery and steerable needles for neurosurgery. Collaborates with industry on composite material testing and medical device validation.

Labs & Teams: Active in the Mechatronics in Medicine Laboratory (Imperial College) and leads Surrey's biomedical engineering initiatives. Works closely with multidisciplinary teams on surgical robotics and soft tissue mechanics.