Viscoelastic Response of Blood: Experimental Characterization and Comparison
Student Researcher
Jenna Robertson
University of Mary Washington
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Matthew Fleenor
Associate Professor of Physics University of Mary Washington
Why This Research Matters
Blood flow plays a critical role in human health. Changes in blood viscosity and elasticity can impact circulation and may influence the diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions.
This research helps improve our understanding of how blood behaves under different physiological conditions while providing valuable experimental data for future studies in biomechanics and biomedical engineering.
Project Overview
Blood is a complex fluid whose flow behavior changes depending on factors such as temperature, red blood cell concentration, and the forces acting upon it. Understanding these properties is important for improving our knowledge of human physiology and developing biomedical applications.
Through support from a STEMNetX Research Grant, Jenna Robertson is conducting research under the mentorship of Dr. Matthew Fleenor to investigate the viscoelastic properties of blood. The project focuses on experimentally characterizing how blood responds under different conditions and comparing those responses to existing theoretical models.
By studying blood's mechanical behavior, this research contributes to a growing body of knowledge at the intersection of physics, biology, and biomedical science.
Research Goals
The objectives of this project include:
Measuring the viscoelastic response of blood under varying conditions.
Investigating how temperature affects blood flow behavior.
Examining the influence of red blood cell concentration on blood viscosity.
Comparing experimental findings with established scientific models.
Providing undergraduate research experience in experimental physics and biomedical science.
Meet the Research Team
Jenna Robertson
I am a second-year student at the University of Mary Washinton majoring in Applied Physics and Biomedical Sciences, with a strong interest in experimental research and problem solving. I am currently doing research in the material science field, looking to further the questions I have. Beyond my coursework I am an active member of my schools Society of Physics Students chapter, even attending CU*IP in the previous year. I also participate in the WeSTEM program at my school – a volunteer-based community outreach program to help show more kids more science. When I am not doing science, you can also find me on the Rugby pitch, a sport that has taught me how to work as a team and more discipline than you can imagine. Through the STEMNetX Fellowship I aim to grow my skills as a scientist and researcher. I am hopeful to expand my skill set, connect with mentors, and learn new types of techniques and tools that can help grow my goals and ambitions as a student.
Dr. Matthew Fleenor
Fleenor's STEMM interests arise primarily from his training as an observational astrophysicist, a science educator, and a materials scientist. As a curriculum developer for the Skynet Robotic Telescope Network, many student projects arise, most recently involving galaxy evolution and interstellar gas dynamics. As a science educator, Fleenor cultivates awareness about physics and its applications to all aspiring physicists regardless of background. As a program builder, Fleenor creatively utilizes expertise from the community and avidly supports student development. Previously trained in materials science and engineering, Fleenor works with majors to explore how physics integrates within other STEMM disciplines (like biomedicine, geology, and marine science). All of these activities are highly collaborative as Fleenor enjoys the process of learning and relating to others.
STEMNetX Impact
The STEMNetX Research Grant program supports undergraduate students and faculty mentors as they pursue innovative research projects across STEM disciplines. By providing funding and research opportunities, STEMNetX helps students develop the skills, experience, and professional networks needed to become the next generation of STEM leaders.
We are proud to support Jenna Robertson and Dr. Matthew Fleenor as they advance scientific understanding through hands-on research and discovery.