Professional in the Spotlight - Dr. Laura Diamond, PhD.

Dr. Laura Diamond is a Griffith Expert in biomechanics, medical engineering and clinical research. Currently a lecturer at Griffith University and part of the GCORE team at Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Laura’s career is as inspirational as it is fascinating. We were lucky enough for her to answer a few questions about her work and advice for students.

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You began your tertiary studies with a Bachelor in Engineering. What interested you to shift from traditional Engineering into the field of clinical health research and importantly, osteoarthritis?

Laura: Although I started my post-secondary education in engineering, I always planned to pursue a career in medicine, with the idea that I wanted to help people and improve their quality of life. I was in the 3rd year of my undergraduate degree when I first learned about biomechanics. The more I began to understand about the ‘engineering’ of humans and their movement, the more curious I became. I decided to design a knee brace during my undergraduate design project, and that led me to connect with my long-time mentor and master’s degree supervisor Professor Kevin Deluzio (Canada). It was during my master’s degree that I first combined biomechanics and clinical research in a study of patients with knee osteoarthritis. Through my contact with these patients in the laboratory, I saw how desperate they were for new treatments that would allow them to remain physically active and avoid surgery. I continued to blend my skills in engineering and clinical sciences during my PhD at the University of Melbourne where I trained with world-leading osteoarthritis researchers. Here at Griffith University, I’m very fortunate to be part of a team that excels in technology development which, combined with my training and expertise, I utilise to design efficacious interventions for osteoarthritis prevention in young and middle-aged adults.

Personally, what has been your most interesting research while at GCORE at the Menzies Health Institute Queensland?

Laura: Since joining GCORE, I have been very fortunate to be involved in a number of exciting and interesting research projects which will hopefully someday impact the quality of life of many people. Some of our current projects include: (i) using biofeedback technology to train people with hip osteoarthritis to move more effectively, (2) evaluating the effect of fatigue on movement and symptoms in young athletes with hip-related pain, (3) evaluating the implications for the semitendinosus muscle following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a hamstring graft, (4) using field-based technology to evaluate risks for injury in female football players, (5) developing innovative technology to restore movement in people with spinal cord injury.

For students wanting a career in Exercise Science, are there any methods which you believe lead to success?

Laura: It does not matter what a student wants to pursue as a career, as long as they are curious, passionate, and focused. However, many students enter university uncertain of what they’d like to do for a career. This is certainly how I felt early in my undergraduate degree. It took me several years to find a clear direction. There is nothing wrong with this, as long as you are constantly trying new experiences and exposing yourself to different aspects of exercise science. Participating in different types of research is a great way to understand the different sub-disciplines of exercise science. Volunteering for a sports team or shadowing an exercise physiologist will also give you great exposure. Through this process, you will find many things that you don’t enjoy, and eventually, the aspect that you are most passionate about!

From looking into your current research you seem to live and breathe biomechanics. What are your favourite things to do outside of research?

Laura: My passion for biomechanics really translates into physical activity and movement in my life outside of work. I’m totally obsessed with hot yoga and love running and riding my bike. One of the best parts about living in Queensland is being able to be outside all year round (no snow!). I really try to take advantage of this and go for hikes and swims at the beach when time allows.