I am very grateful to be able to share my passion for improving people’s lives and the opportunity to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. Making the Forbes Under 30 in Healthcare list is a great honour and a validation for all the hard work and unwavering support of my family and mentors, and their belief that with determination you can achieve your dreams.
Dr Antonia Pontiki, Teaching Fellow, School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences
11 April 2024
Dr Antonia Pontiki joins Forbes 30 under 30 list for Science and Healthcare
Dr Pontiki from the School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences has been included in this year’s Forbes 30 under 30 list of achievers in the field of Healthcare for her work using 3D printing to create patient-specific prosthetics, and artificial organs for medical students to practice skills on.
Dr Pontiki's research focuses on surgical simulations and patient-specific prostheses created through 3D printing. These include prosthetic ribs to help rebuild chest walls after surgery as well as artificial organs that can be used by medical students to practice on without requiring cadavers. Pontiki's research is now looking to develop 3D-printed prosthetics to replace other bones in the body, particularly for reconstructive surgery after accidents.
Tonia was an exemplary PhD student. Her PhD work resonated so well with our School's mission to engineer better health for society. She made a direct impact on the lives of cancer patients. We are very lucky to have her teaching, supervising and inspiring the next generation of students at King's.
Professor Kawal Rhode, Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Head of Education, School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences.
Talking about Dr Pontiki’s research, Mr Andrea Bille, consultant thoracic surgeon at Guy's and St Thomas' said: "The technique is extremely efficient, and the 3D reconstruction is reliable and effective for the patients, offering them a personalised model with reduced cost.”
Outside of her academic research, Dr Pontiki is a passionate advocate for public engagement and outreach, with recent appearances including the BBC’s flagship science and technology programme BBC Click,and as a guest speaker at Ada Lovelace Day Live, the international celebration of the achievements of women in STEM.
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Teaching Fellow in Biomedical Engineering
Professor in Biomedical Engineering and the Head of Education at the School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences