Research Interests:Â My overarching research theme is the development of a translational approach to improved understanding and treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). This encompasses the initiation and progression of early post-traumatic OA and understanding and treatment of late-stage OA, with the primary objective of improving diagnostic and therapeutic patient care. In pursuit of this objective, I use novel imaging techniques to develop imaging biomarkers to determine early OA related joint changes and to understand characteristics and treatment of late-stage OA. Imaging is coupled with experimental biomechanical testing to develop validated computational models to further understand mechanistic pathways leading to joint degeneration.
Biography
Dr. Nikolas Knowles is a leading researcher working at the intersection of bone biomechanics and skeletal adaptation related to degenerative conditions. His research explores the fundamental mechanisms of bone adaptation, revealing how micro- and nano-scale mechanical stimuli influence cellular behavior and structural remodeling. Dr. Knowles' work spans experimental models, computational simulations, and translational research, aiming to bridge the gap between basic science and clinical application, with a particular emphasis on the progression and treatment of osteoarthritis.
Throughout his career, Dr. Knowles has published extensively in leading journals, collaborated with interdisciplinary teams across engineering, medicine, and radiology, and contributed to major advancements in micro-scale bone adaptation in osteoarthritis and orthopedic device development. He is passionate about harnessing the body’s innate capacity for adaptation and repair, and his research continues to shape the future of personalized bone health solutions.
Education
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BEng, Carleton University
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MESc, Western University
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PhD, Western University
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PDF, University of Calgary
