As a department of the School of Medicine, we support and integrate the research of graduate students from several disciplines. We have recently collaborated in and supported the research of Ph.D. and Master's level graduate engineering students emphasizing biomechanics and other bioengineering specifically related to orthopedics. We have also recently had a Postdoctoral Fellow with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering working in our labs.

Kara A. Hageman, MPH
Madison & Lila Self Graduate Fellow, 2020-2024
The University of Kansas, Bioengineering Graduate Program

Kara earned a B.S. (2018) in biomedical engineering with a focus in biomaterials and minors in chemistry, and polymer science and engineering from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in Cleveland, OH. Following her undergraduate studies, she earned both a Master of Public Health and a Master of Bioethics and Medical Humanities (2020) from CWRU.

Kara's research involves investigating better methods to prevent prosthetic joint infection in orthopedic implants by utilizing bone cement as a drug delivery system.

Nicole D'Souza
Madison & Lila Self Memorial Scholar, 2021-2022
The University of Kansas, Bioengineering Graduate Program

Nicole earned a B.S. (2021) in chemical engineering with a concentration in bioengineering from the University of Kansas (KU) in Lawrence, KS.

Nicole's research involves investigating the use of novel antimicrobial agents in bone cement to prevent prosthetic joint infection in orthopedic implants.

Will Kuenne 
The University of Kansas, Bioengineering Graduate Program

Will earned a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at Rockhurst University in Kansas City,MO.

Will's research involves investigating and the characterization of the Hydroxyapatite-Like Layer  from the formation of Bioactive Glass

M2 KU Medical Student Summer Research Training Program

Under this program, medical students spend the summer between their first and second year of medical school participating in research projects, while gaining hands-on research experience. These projects are performed under the direction of and in collaboration with the orthopedic surgery faculty. Many medical students continue to participate in research throughout the year.

Remy Braun
M2, Univeristy of Kansas Medical Center
BS, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Minor, Iowa State University  

Remy's research is focused on understanding the mechanical performance of Nitinol surgical staples and how they may be utilized in hand fracture repair.

Carlos Silva 
M2, University of Kansas Medical Center ProgramCarlos Silva, M2, BS, Biology, Chemistry Minor, University of Missouri-Kansas City

BS Biology, Chemistry Minor, 

Carlos's project involves exploring the optimal use of orthopedic staples for hand and wrist surgery.