Research Areas

Biomechanics; Cardiovascular Disease; Biomaterials; Sustainable Materials; Biodegradation; Medical Devices;

Leask Lab

The Leask lab uses engineering principles and analyses to answer basic questions in medicine and material science. A core research focus is the biomechanics and pathobiology of cardiovascular disease. The lab uses tissue samples, histopathology, and biomechanical tissue testing to better understand the development and consequences of cardiovascular diseases. This research is being used to develop clinical support tools and medical devices. The lab pioneered a three dimensional vascular cell culture system that allows blood components and endothelial cells to be exposed to a realsitic dynamic environment and has used these techniques to understand vascular mechanobiology and the pleotropic mechanisms of drugs.

Another focus of the lab is in the design and testing of new materials. Toxicity testing and biodegredation studies of material additives are being used to re-engineer polymer formulations.  The research aims to create plastic products with sustainably sourced components that are non-toxic, readibly biodegraded and limit leaching into to the environment.

Research Affiliations

McGill University Health Centre; Montreal Heart Institute; Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill; Department of Bioengineering, McGill

Contact

Richard L. Leask, PhD, PEng.
Professor, Associate Chair
Department of Chemical Engineering
McGill University
3610 University St. Montreal QC H3A 0C5
(514)398-4270
richard.leask@mcgill.ca