Simon Wüest

Simon Wüest is a Lecturer at the Institute of Medical Engineering, Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture (HSLU), focusing on gravitational biology and cellular mechanosensation. His research explores microgravity effects on cartilage cells and mechanosensitive ion channels, supported by parabolic flight and sounding rocket experiments. He developed instrumentation like Random Positioning Machines (RPMs) and the OoClamp device for space biology studies.

Education:

• Apprenticeship in Mechanics at ETH Zurich
• Bachelor's in Systems Engineering at University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland
• Master's in Biomedical Engineering at University of Bern (part-time)
• PhD in Biomedical Engineering from University of Bern (collaborating with HSLU)

Research Interests:

• Gravity's influence on biological systems
• Cartilage cell mechanosensation
• Ion channel function under microgravity
• Development of microgravity simulators (RPMs)

Projects:

• Space Bioreactor
• COSMOS Data Cockpit
• OoDrop
• CaSiPaC (Calcium Signaling in Chondrocytes)
• Rexus CEMIOS (Frog Oocyte Experiments)

Advising & Grants:

• Focus on chondrocyte dedifferentiation and mechanotransduction
• Collaborations with ESA and DLR on parabolic flight experiments

Labs & Teams:

• Institute of Medical Engineering at HSLU
• Collaborations with University of Bern and international space agencies