Rate My Professor Michael Simmonds

Professor Michael Simmonds is a Professor in the School of SHS - Exercise Science at Griffith University, part of Griffith Health. He leads the Biorheology Research Laboratory and the Mechanobiology Research Laboratory. His research specializations encompass biorheology and mechanobiology, with a focus on the biophysical and biochemical properties of blood cells. Simmonds investigates how artificial life support devices, such as heart-lung machines and artificial hearts, alter blood properties through multi-scale mechanobiological processes. This includes examining the impacts of artificial materials and high mechanical forces on blood cell structure, function, aggregation, and blood flow in microvasculature essential for nutrient and gas exchange. He collaborates with mechanical engineers, medical professionals, and scientific organizations to advance safer medical devices and improve outcomes in cardiothoracic surgery.

Simmonds holds a Doctor of Philosophy, specializing in hemorheology, blood biophysics, type 2 diabetes, physiology, and cardiovascular science. His career at Griffith University includes significant achievements, such as receiving the Queensland Young Tall Poppy Award in 2018 for research on blood protection in artificial medical devices and in 2021. He also won the 2019 Fresh Science Judge's Award for best presentation. Simmonds has obtained funding through Australian Research Council Discovery Projects, including a 2023 grant of $407,907 with colleagues Dr. Hongjie An and Dr. Antony McNamee. He contributes as a Research Integrity Adviser and participates in initiatives like advanced manufacturing for biomechanical research and transdisciplinary consortia for revolutionary artificial hearts. Key publications feature 'Severe acute hypoxia impairs recovery of voluntary muscle activation' (2021), 'Physical properties of blood in patients with differing severities of sepsis' (2018), and 'De-mystifying the targeted removal of red blood cells' (2024). His work drives innovations to eliminate blood trauma in extracorporeal therapies, influencing clinical practices and device regulatory approvals.