Professor
Amy Zavatsky
BSc DPhil (Oxon) MA
Reader in Engineering Science
Tutorial Fellow, St Edmund Hall
Email:
Tel: 01865 617738
College: St Edmund Hall
Location: Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Marcela Botnar Wing, Oxford OX3 7LD

Professor Amy Zavatsky studied Bioengineering as an undergraduate at the University of Pennsylvania. Having received a Thouron Award for postgraduate study in the UK, she enrolled at the University of Oxford (Hertford College) and completed a doctorate in the area of orthopaedic biomechanics. She subsequently held a post-doctoral research appointment in Oxford University’s Department of Engineering Science, alongside a Junior Research Fellowship and Lecturership in Engineering at St Hilda’s College. She is currently a Reader in Engineering Science and a Fellow and Tutor in Engineering at St Edmund Hall.

  • Biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system
  • Motion and loading of the joints at the hip, knee, ankle, and foot
  • Gait analysis and motion capture for research and clinical use

 

Biomechanics

Multi-segment foot modelling

This project aims to develop a more advanced multi-segment foot model that incorporates the motion of the forefoot in a clinically useful and practical way. Applications include gait analysis and design of foot prosthetics and is carried out in collaboration with the Oxford Gait Laboratory at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford University Hospitals.

Data visualization for clinical gait analysis

The aim of this project is to use recent advances in the theory and practice of data visualization to reduce the cognitive load and facilitate the treatment decisions of those involved in clinical gait analysis and to improve the experience of students learning about clinical gait analysis.

 

If you have an interest in the biomechanics of the lower limb and a strong background in mechanical or biomedical engineering or a related technical area and would like to apply for to Oxford for postgraduate study at the master’s or doctoral level, then please contact me to discuss possible projects and funding sources.

  • University of Oxford, Department of Engineering Science, Teaching Awards (Bronze – for
    supervision and student support, 2022; Silver – for excellent lecture delivery and tutorial teaching, 2021)
  • University of Oxford Teaching Award (for sustained excellence in the teaching of biomechanics
    and for contributions to establishing the MSc in Biomedical Engineering, 2008)
  • Philip Leverhulme Prize (The Leverhulme Trust UK, 2003)
  • Institution of Mechanical Engineers Thomas Stephen Prize (best research paper based on
    a higher degree thesis in the area of engineering in medicine, 1993)
  • Wellcome Trust (UK) Prize Studentship (1991-93)
  • Thouron Award (British-American Student Exchange Fellowship, 1989-91)

Prof Zavatsky teaches undergraduate courses in mechanical, civil, and biomedical engineering.

  • Junior Proctor, University of Oxford (2012-13)
  • Associate Head of Department (Graduates) & Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Engineering Science (2016-17)
  • Convener, Biomedical Engineering Panel (2004-09)
  • Acting Director, M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering (2006-07)
  • Tutor for Undergraduates, St Edmund Hall (2020-23)
Comparison of the hindfoot axes of a multi-segment foot model to the underlying bony anatomy
Zavatsky A,  Paik AMH,  Leitch J,  Kothari A,  Stebbins J,  et al. (2023)
Glyph visualisation of physical examination measurements for clinical gait analysis to aid cognitive efficiency
Hsieh H-P,  Chen M,  Harrington M,  Lewis A,  Zavatsky A,  et al. (2023)
Marker cluster rigidity in a multi-segment foot model
Chan P-H,  Stebbins J,  Zavatsky A,  et al. (2021)
Muscle length in flatfeet and neutral feet using a new multi-segment, musculoskeletal foot model
Krautwurst BK,  Mellon S,  Koning B,  Zavatsky A,  Andersen ,  Stebbins J,  et al. (2019)
Are flexible flat feet associated with proximal joint problems in children?
Zavatsky A,  Theologis T,  Kothari A,  et al. (2018)
Viscoelasticity of Tendons Under Transverse Compression
Buckley CP,  Salisbury STS,  Zavatsky A,  et al. (2018)