BME Seminar Series: Kirsten Kinneberg, PhD

Title:

A Teaching Philosophy Focused on Knowledge and Confidence

Abstract:

I believe that knowledge and confidence are two of the most important assets a professor can instill in their students. As an instructor, I aim to create an environment where students can put their knowledge to the test and develop the confidence to successfully approach problems in the world outside the classroom. I have observed that a combination of high expectations and hard work, along with the guidance to meet those expectations, drives students to succeed.     

As a graduate student at the University of Cincinnati and a post-doc at the University of Colorado in Boulder, my research focused on tissue engineering of tendon, the tendon-to-bone enthesis, and the osteochondral interface. I plan to use my experiences in research to bring relevant and exciting examples to the laboratory. In my experience, knowledge retention increases when a student can connect with the material via real world examples. 

Brief Bio:

In 2006, Kirsten earned a B.S. degree in biomedical engineering (with a minor in chemistry) from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. The focus of her Bachelor’s was cell and tissue engineering. After graduation, she moved to Ohio and began her graduate work at the University of Cincinnati (UC) as a NSF IGERT fellow. Under the advisement of Dr. Jason Shearn and Dr. David Butler, her research focused on tissue engineering of the tendon and the tendon-to-bone enthesis (insertion site). She completed her PhD in 2011 and moved to Colorado to work as a post-doctoral research assistant for Dr. Virginia Ferguson at the University of Colorado in Boulder. There, her research focused on tissue engineering of the osteochondral interface. In addition to conducting research, she also acted as a laboratory manager, mentored an undergraduate student through a one-year project, and advised graduate students as needed. Kirsten currently resides in southern California, near Los Angeles.