PhD Candidate in Mechanical Engineering

Graduate Fellow

Topics Amy can bring to your classroom:

Physics

Chemistry

Applied Mathematics

Engineering

Strength and Mechanics of Materials

Sustainable Energy

Ergonomics

Composite Materials

Polymers

Education:

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Current Research:

Currently I am researching a porous material for soft-tissue fixation. Soft-tissue injuries refer to the damage of muscles, ligaments, or tendons and include injuries such as knee ligament and rotator cuff tears. These types of injuries are frequent occurrences; over 2 million soft-tissue fixation procedures are estimated to be performed in 2012! Metallic devices are historically used for fixation, but have been losing market share due to incompatibility with medical imaging techniques such as MRI. Biodegradable polymeric devices are designed to degrade during healing, but due to the nature of degradation, experience a fast and substantial decrease in strength and stiffness relative to the course of healing. Recently clinicians have started moving away from biodegradable devices and opting for inert polymeric materials. I am working on making a porous polymeric device that is interactive with the surrounding bone. Once the device in implanted in the body, bone cells will penetrate and grow in the pores of the material. This results in a permanent implant that is not only strong enough to hold the necessary load, but also matches the stiffness of bone and is compatible with medical imaging techniques.

Background:

I was born and raised in Cheyenne, WY and love the state. I did my undergrad at the University of Wyoming and after spending just one semester at the University of Utah, high-tailed it back to Laramie for graduate school. I have always had a passion for math and science and can’t wait to share it with you and your class!