In our latest episode of Behind the Bench from AJP-Heart and Circ, co-hosts Dr. Tommy Martin and Dr. Charlotte Usselman interview bioengineer and first author Dr. Amy Garrett. Dr. Garrett joined the Auckland Bioengineering Institute in 2016, where she completed a Masters in Engineering followed by a PhD. After joining the cardiac energetics group for her post-doc, Dr. Garrett embarked on a research journey tackling the development of the Windkessel loading system for work-loop contractions. What’s that, you’re wondering? The work-loop calorimeter is an experimental device fine-tuned by the Auckland Bioengineering Institute over the past 20 years. The device performs stress-length work-loops on cardiac trabeculae. It is both fascinating and complicated. Good news: Dr. Garrett explains everything! Find out more about her scientific journey, and why Windkessel loaded loops are important. Listen now.

Amy S. Garrett, Denis S. Loiselle, Andrew J. Taberner, June-Chiew Han Slower shortening kinetics of cardiac muscle performing Windkessel work-loops increase mechanical efficiency Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, published August 31, 2022. DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00074.2022