From the Lab: How mathematics is powering medical innovation – Ri Science Podcast with Becky Shipley

Mathematics is increasingly pivotal in revolutionizing healthcare through engineering and computational modeling. This briefing explores Professor Becky Shipley’s journey from pure mathematics to applied healthcare engineering at University College London (UCL), showcasing how mathematical frameworks underpin advancements in understanding complex biological systems and designing life-saving medical devices. The insights are crucial for professionals interested in interdisciplinary approaches integrating math, engineering, and medicine for innovation and practical impact.

From Pure Mathematics to Healthcare Engineering

Becky Shipley began her academic path studying mathematics at Oxford without a fixed career plan, driven by passion rather than a predetermined field. Her undergraduate studies gradually introduced her to applied mathematics, particularly its applications in physiology and biology—fields she hadn’t engaged with previously due to early academic choices.

The turning point came when she discovered how mathematics could describe natural phenomena such as blood flow and biological processes, bridging physics, chemistry, and biology. This approach allowed her to develop models that not only deepen biological understanding but also inform medical interventions.

Her PhD work focused on modeling blood flow in very small blood vessels (capillaries), particularly related to cancer, laying the groundwork for her later research. Motivated by impactful real-world problem-solving, she transitioned from a mathematics department to engineering at UCL in 2012—a multidisciplinary environment with robust clinical collaborations—allowing her to apply mathematical concepts directly to healthcare challenges.