Staff Spotlight: Dr. Laura Haya
Dr. Laura Haya, Ph.D., serves as Director of Research and Engineering at Red Maple Trials.
Laura leads R&D activities in our state-of-the-art facilities, including research programming, planning, design, management, execution and publication.
Laura holds B.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering and completed her Post Doctorate at the University of Waterloo, where her research focused on fluid dynamic research and the design and validation of fluid mechanic systems. Laura is applying her experience and expertise towards the development and research of our Allergen Challenge Theatre™ and Naturalistic Exposure Chamber™.
What is it about biomechanics and fluid dynamics that interests you?
Biomechanics is fascinating to me because evolution is the ultimate engineer. The human body in particular is a genius design, optimized over millennia, and consisting of a multitude of physical and chemical mechanisms and systems all working together to keep us alive. I became enamored with fluid mechanics during my undergrad, because I realised that we are surrounded by fluid flow phenomena every day. Learning about it made me see everything differently: clouds, airplanes, even my hair dryer. It was also my most challenging subject which made it particularly interesting to me. When choosing a field of study for grad school, I found a compromise and specialised in biofluid mechanics where I researched blood flow characteristics past heart valves.
What are some personal highlights from your research career?
I am proud of the facility I built for my PhD research, in which I duplicated in the lab the pressure and flow conditions of the human heart and aorta. It was particularly challenging because biological processes are irregular and there are complex mechanisms in vivo that regulate them. I believe the output of my facility was among the best published to date. I was also very proud of getting my work published in the Journal of Fluid Mechanics, as that is a rather respected journal among fluid dynamicists.
What are you most excited about in your new role as Director of Research and Engineering?
I am really excited to work at the interface between engineering, research, medicine and industry. I love seeing people from all sides come together to push clinical research forward. I’m excited to use my expertise towards real life applications where I will see direct results. I’m excited to learn about something new. I love that I am working with a young company where I will be able to see my influence and with whom I can grow and learn together.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I am currently kept quite busy by my 11 month old daughter at home. It’s so much fun watching her learn and grow. When she lets me, I also love to garden, knit, and exercise.