Lionel Rayward commenced his PhD with the BSRG in 2018 after working with the team during his final year of Medical Engineering at QUT. As an undergraduate he cultivated an interest in computer modelling, particularly in performing 3D reconstructions of MRI and CT datasets and 3D modelling. Lionel’s work with the BSRG in 2017 on the QUT-Sealy collaborative project yielded many avenues for further scientific enquiry. He was awarded the inaugural Sealy of Australia PhD scholarship to explore how the data and techniques that have been developed in this project could be used in the area of tissue pressure injury prevention. The goal of his PhD studies is to develop a 3D finite element model (FEM) to predict tissue stresses in subjects who are in the lying position. Once he has validated this FEM using ex vivo experimental testing on an animal model, the model predictions will provide new information describing the relationship between interface skin pressure and deep tissue pressure. This will lead to new knowledge of the tissue mechanics associated with the onset of deep tissue injuries. This will be particularly useful in preventing deep tissue injuries, as these may go undetected until significant damage has already occurred. Lionel’s supervisory team includes; Dr Paige Little, Professor Peter Pivonka, Emeritus Professor Mark Pearcy and Professor Graham Kerr.