Biografie

Simon Wüest is a senior research associate at the Institute of Medical Engineering at the Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture (Hochschule Luzern). His research interests cover the influence of gravity on biological systems (gravitational biology) and how cells respond to their mechanical environment (cellular mechanosensation). His current focus is on the effect of microgravity (weightlessness) on cartilage cells and the possible role of mechanosensitive ion channels. Participation in several parabolic flight campaigns and a sounding rocket mission highlight his career. Besides conducting basic research in zero gravity, he also enjoys developing the required scientific instrumentation.

After completing his apprenticeship as a mechanic at ETH Zürich, Simon Wüest studied Systems Engineering (bachelor) at the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland. Subsequently, he joined the University of Bern for his master in Biomedical Engineering. As a part-time master student, he also developed so-called Random Positioning Machines (RPMs), which are used to expose biological samples to simulated microgravity. Finally, in collaboration with the Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture, he completed the PhD program in Biomedical Engineering of the University of Bern.

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Selected Publications

• Cytosolic calcium and membrane potential in articular chondrocytes during parabolic flight
• Retrograde Analysis of Calcium Signaling by CaMPARI2 Shows Cytosolic Calcium in Chondrocytes Is Unaffected by Parabolic Flights
• Electrophysiological experiments in microgravity: lessons learned and future challenges
• Fluid Dynamics Appearing during Simulated Microgravity Using Random Positioning Machines
• Simulated Microgravity: Critical Review on the Use of Random Positioning Machines for Mammalian Cell Culture