Research output per year
Research output per year
Research activity per year
My research focuses on the mechanical, developmental and physiological determinants of the masticatory system in vertebrates from clinical, and basic science perspectives.
I received my BA at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in 2003, my MSc on Human Osteology and Palaeopathology from the University of Bradford, UK in 2006 and then I obtained my PhD at the University of York, UK in 2010, funded by Marie Curie and the Bakalas Institution. Following my PhD, I joined the Structure and Motion Laboratory at the Royal Veterinary College as a 3 year Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Postdoctoral Fellow, where I worked on comparative locomotor mechanics of large mammals. In the last two years of my postdoctoral appointment, I received a EU Marie Curie Reintegration Fellowship on chewing mechanics, during which I rounded my training working closely with Professors Callum Ross (University of Chicago) and Paul Dechow (Texas A&M University College of Dentistry. On March 2013, I relocated to Australia to start my first academic appointment as a Lecturer in Anatomy at the School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland and in 2016 I received my tenure.
On February 2018 I relocated to Monash University, where I currently hold a Senior Lectureship in Anatomy and serve as the Head of the Moving Morphology and Functional Mechanics Laboratory. At Monash I also serve as Deputy-Chair as the Monash Animal Research Platform 1. I am also Associate Editor for the journals Royal Society Open Science, Organismal and Evolutionary Biology and Frontiers in Zoology and member of the Editorial Board for the journals Anatomical Record and Scientific Reports.
My laboratory focuses on two major programmes a) Functional Comparative Feeding Mechanics and b) Jaw fracture repair. Using a combination of in vivo experimental techniques, material testing, musculoskeletal simulations and mathematical models we study the function of the musculoskeletal system in healthy conditions and the effect of trauma and degenerative joint diseases on tissue function.
Visit my lab at: https://www.monash.edu/discovery-institute/panagiotopoulou-lab/home
Twitter @dropanagio
Our laboratory skills include: analysis and collection of in-vivo experimental data using electromyography, strain gauges and bite force transduction; dissection techniques, muscle physiological cross sectional (PCSA) analysis; medical imaging techniques including micro Computer Tomography, Magnetic Resonance; 3D virtual reconstruction (Aviso/Mimics); Finite Element Analysis (Abaqus); 3D animation (Maya); 3D kinematics (Vicons Nexus); 3D high-speed fluoroscopy and motion capture (XROMM).
Awarded grants & fellowships
2022-2023: Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Career Continuity Grant, Monash University. CIA [Panagiotopoulou O]. $50,000.
2022-2024: FAPES-Monash University Collaboration Seed Program (FAMOUS). Determinants of jaw shape and function in Gnathostomata. 2020/14780-1. CIA [Panagiotopoulou O (CIA), Kohlsdorf T (CIA). $68,000
2018: Panagiotopoulou O (CIA), Monash University, Project Start Up Grant
2016: Panagiotopoulou O (CIA), Early Career research Travel Grant and School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland.
2016: Panagiotopoulou O (CIA),Dr Jose Iriarte-Diaz (CIA) Outreach Grant Society of Experimental Biology. Determinants of the mammalian feeding system design.
2015: Research Collaboration Seeding Grant, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences & Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland: CI. [Smith M., Tucker K., Panagiotopoulou O., Hatton A.]. Lower limb kinematics and muscle control after lateral ankle sprains. $23,927
2014: University of Queensland (UQ) Major Equipment and Infrastructure (MEI) & National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Equipment Grant – 2014000089 CI. [Hug F., Tucker K., Hodges P., Lichtwark G., Panagiotopoulou O., Cresswell A., Carroll T., Emerick Salomoni S., Crossley K., Barber L., Claus A.]. Quantification of muscle mechanical properties by an innovative shear wave elastography technique for basic and clinical science . $69,000.00
2013: University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences-Project Start up Grant
2010: EU Marie Curie FP7 Reintegration Fellowship (PI). MACACA project. Determinants of mandibular form during intra oral food processing. €30,000
2009: Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Research Grant (Named Postdoc). Comparative biomechanics and pathology of mammalian feet. £433,077
Symposium Chair in International Conference
2017: Invited co-Editor with Dr. Iriarte-Diaz of a special issue on “Determinants of Mammalian Feeding System Design” in Zoology Volume 124
2016: The 11th International Congress of Vertebrate Morphology (ICVM). Determinants of the mammalian feeding system design (co-chair with Dr. Iriarte-Diaz)
My lab consists of passionate and highly motivated young scientists that share an insatiable desire for learning new skills in the field of functional anatomy and biomechanics. Integrating students into research is a necessity for enriching their academic experience beyond the classroom and for creating a vibrant laboratory atmosphere that provides learning opportunities for all.
I am always keen to work with positive students who love science and are open to exploring new experimental and simulation techniques. If this is you, please contact me for further discussion.
Research Associate
1. 2022-Ongoing Dr Tahlia Pollock. Paediatric Jaw trauma and fixation.
Higher Degree Research
1. 2022-Ongoing Harry George Driscoll (Associate Advisor). Primary Advisor: Prof Marcus Pandy, Department of Mechanical Engineering. The University of Melbourne.
Thesis Title: Development of an improved biomechanical model for simulation of full-body neuromusculoskeletal function during dynamic exercise.
2. 2020-ongoing Kathleen Garland (Associate Advisor). Primary Advisor: Associate Professor Alistair Evans, School of Biology, Monash University
Thesis title: The evolutionary and developmental mechanisms behind a universal power law for the growth and form of bird beaks."
3. 2018-2022 Dr Silke Cleuren (Associate Advisor). Primary Advisor: Associate Professor Alistair Evans, School of Biology, Monash University
Thesis title. Effectiveness of a snake strike: Fang shape and sharpness, penetrative ability and strike performance
4. 2017- 2021: Dr Hyab Mehari Abraha (Primary Advisor, Monash University). Associate Advisors: Professor Callum Ross (University of Chicago); Professor Andrea Taylor (Touro University); Dr. Iriarte-Diaz (University of the South)
Thesis title: Biomechanical insights into the repair of mandibular angle fracture.
5. 2015-2020: Dr Andreas Jannel (Associate Advisor). Primary Advisor: Dr Steve Salisbury, The University of Queensland, Australia.
Thesis title: Palaeoecological and biomechanical inferences of sauropodan dinosaur tracks from the Lower Cretaceous Broome Sandstone of the Dampier Peninsula, Western Australia.
6. 2015-2018: Dr Tianyi Feng (Associate Advisor).Primary Advisor: Associate Professor Steve Johnson, The University of Queensland, Australia.
Thesis title: Spermatogenesis and Sperm Assessment in the Australian Giant Tiger Prawn, Penaeus monodon (Fabricius, 1798).
7. 2010-2014: Dr. Sharon Warner (Associate Advisor). Primary Advisor: Professor John R Hutchinson The Royal Veterinary College, UK.
Thesis title: Basic principles of foot design, locomotor impact mechanics and disease in large mammals (funded by the Royal Veterinary College and BBSRC).
MSc Veterinary Science 2015-2016: Christina Quah (Associate Advisor). Primary Advisor: Assoc. Professor Chiara Palmieri, School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia
Thesis title: 3D reconstructed computer models of bone pathology in a koala and bridled nail tail wallabies and their potential application to veterinary education.
2022: Joshua Bland (Associate Advisor). Thesis title: The functional morphology and biomechanics of Devonian lungfish feeding mechanisms. Primary Advisor: Prof. John Long and Dr Alice Clemens.
2021: Claira Lee (Primary Advisor). Thesis title: Biomecanics of the human mandible post symphyseal fracture and fixation
2021: Nicholas Kong (Primary Advisor). Thesis title: Biomechanics of the human mandible post combined angle and symphyseal fracture fixation.
2010-2012: BVet Med Hons students working on animal foot pressures during locomotion (Geekie Cameron, Murphy Joshua Ian, Phillipa Dobbs, Lisa Brown, Katherine Jones, Erin Carney); on subchondral bone density in horses (Amy Amelleney) and on material properties of mammalian foot tendons and ligaments (Gamston Timothy Allan) (Associate Advisor). Primary Advisor: Professor John R Hutchinson
2022-Ongoing: University of Chicago medical student (Bryce Hendren-Santiago). Systematic Review on Jaw fracture.
2022: DEV3990, Research Project (Elizabeth Skvortsova) Monash University. Biomechanics of the Macaca mulatta juvenile mandible during chewing
2021: DEV3990 Research Project (Zachary Dicker) Monash University. Biomechanics of the human jaw during chewing.
2020-2021: University of Chicago Pritzker medical student(Michelle Shang). Jaw fracture mechanics
2020: University of Chicago Pritzker medical student (Pranav Haravu). Jaw fracture mechanics
2019: DEV3990 Research Project (Natalia Zivcic) Monash University. Cortical thickness in the primate jaw.
2018: DEV3990 Research Project (Erin Jones) Monash University. The effects of developing dentitin on the biomechanics of the primate jaw.
2017: Anatomy and Function of foot muscles (Michael Valdinocci) Recipient of the School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland. Winter Scholarship.
2015-2016: Sheep Foot Locomotor Pressures (Manuel Wailan); 3D reconstruction of the elephant foot (Rebecca Morrison); Investigation of the pathological and non-pathological Bilby hock (Xavier Jovellanos)
2014-2015: BioMed students working on 3D reconstructions and foot joint kinematics (Jan Janzekovic, Vyjayanthi Kinhal, Cameron Sunderland, Philip Janowicz).
2013-2014: BioMed students working on mammalian foot kinematics (Esther McElrea, Philip Janowicz (recipient of the School of Biomedical Sciences Student Award), Cameron Sunderland, Peter Steyn.
Teaching within Anatomy and Developmental Biology
BMS2011, Semester 1, Structure of the human body: An evolutionary and functional perspective
Modules:: Head & Neck; Thoracic Viscera; Abdominal Viscera; Pelvis
RAD 1031, Semester 1, Radiographic Anatomy
Modules: Lower Limb
GMA1010, Semester 1&2, Foundations of Medical Practice
Modules: Pelvis & Abdomen
MED2031, Semester 1, Medicine
Modules: The nephron & posterior abdominal wall and kidneys
MED1022, Semester 2, Theme III Medical Curriculum
Modules: Overview of thoracic cage and spaces; cardiovascular system; Abdomen; clinical anatomy of knee & leg; ankle and foot on bipedalism; Lower Limb III, Chest wall & diaphragm; cardiovascular systems
DEV2022, Semester 2, Human Anatomy and Development: tissues and body systems
Modules: Anatomy of the skull; ontogeny of the skull
DEV3990, Semester 1&2, Research action in anatomy and developmental biology
Research affiliate Rory Hensman Elephant Research Unit, South Africa
Mimics Materialise, software review
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
Lecturer in Anatomy, University of Queensland
Mar 2013 → Feb 2018
Marie-Curie Research Fellow, Royal Veterinary College, University of London
Jan 2010 → Dec 2012
BBSRC Postdoctoral Fellow, Royal Veterinary College, University of London
Dec 2009 → Dec 2012
Marie-Curie Research Assistant, University of York
Sep 2006 → Sep 2009
Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment / Debate › Other › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Panagiotopoulou, Olga (Recipient), 2005
Prize: Other distinction
Panagiotopoulou, Olga (Recipient), 2023
Prize: National/international honour
Panagiotopoulou, Olga (Recipient), 2021
Prize: National/international honour
Panagiotopoulou, Olga (Recipient), 2016
Prize: Other distinction
Panagiotopoulou, Olga (Recipient), 2009
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
Tahlia Pollock (Speaker), Pranav N. Haravu (Speaker), Andrea B. Taylor (Speaker), Russell R. Reid (Speaker), Callum F. Ross (Speaker) & Olga Panagiotopoulou (Speaker)
Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Contribution to conference
Callum Ross (Invited speaker), Dale L. Robinson (Speaker), Jose Iriarte Diaz (Speaker), David C. Ackland (Speaker), Andrea B. Taylor (Speaker) & Olga Panagiotopoulou (Invited speaker)
Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Contribution to conference
Olga Panagiotopoulou (Invited speaker), Claira Lee (Speaker), Jose Iriarte Diaz (Speaker), Russell R. Reid (Speaker) & Callum Ross (Speaker)
Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Contribution to conference
Harry G Driscoll (Speaker), Olga Panagiotopoulou (Speaker) & Marcus Gordon Pandy (Speaker)
Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Contribution to conference
Harry G Driscoll (Speaker), Olga Panagiotopoulou (Speaker) & Marcus Gordon Pandy (Speaker)
Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Contribution to conference
11/08/21
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Expert Comment
6/11/19
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Research
6/11/19
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Research