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Mechanical Engineering
BYU Applied Biomechanics Engineering Laboratory

Alumni

PhD Graduates

  • Daniel Orr, PhD (2024), “Compliant Structures Facilitate Less Invasive and Biomechanically Improved Lumbar Spinal Implants,” (Design Engineer, Stryker)
  • Aubrie Taylor, PhD (2022), “Improvement of Ex Vivo Testing Methods for Spine Biomechanical Characterization.” (Forensic Engineer, MRA Forensic Sciences)
  • David Wood, PhD (2022), “Optimization of a Smart Sensor Wearable Knee Sleeve for Measuring Skin Strain to Determine Joint Biomechanics.” (Research and Development Engineer, Sandia National Laboratories)
  • Stephanie Morco, PhD (2021), “Characterizing Bacterial Resistance and Microstructure-Related Properties of Carbon-Infiltrated Carbon Nanotube Surface Coatings with Applications in Medical Devices.” (Instructor, Central Carolina Community College)
  • Dean Keith Stolworthy, MS, PhD, PE (2015), “Advancing biomechanical research through a camelid model of the human lumbar spine.” (Senior Consultant, Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc.)
  • Gregory Von Forell, MS, PhD, MBA (2013), “Computational and experimental study of degeneration, damage, and failure in biological soft tissues.” (Senior Development Engineer, NextStep Arthropedix)
  • Daniel Robertson, PhD (2013), “Quantifying the nonlinear, anisotropic, material response of spinal ligaments.” (Assistant Professor, Currently weighing offers)

MS Graduates

  • Paul McMullin MS (2023), “Dynamic Segmental Kinematics of the Lumbar Spine During Diagnostic Movements,” (Varex Imaging)
  • Darci Billmire MS (2023), “Detecting Lumbar Muscle Fatigue Using Nanocomposite Strain Gauges,” (Explico Engineering)
  • Andrew Gibbons MS (2023), “Lumbar Skin Strain Fields in the Context of Skin Adhered Wearables,” (Dean Biomechanics)
  • Dillon Despain, MS (2021), “Design Validation of a Multi-Stage Gradually Deploying Stent,” (Merit Medical).
  • Adin Martineau, MS (2018), “Estimation of Knee Kinematics Using Non-Monotonic Nanocomposite High-Deflection Strain Gauges.” (Medtronic)
  • Parker Rosquist, MS (2017), “Modeling Three Dimensional Ground Reaction Force Using Nanocomposite Piezoresponsive Foam Sensors.”
  • Michael Sanders, MS (2015), “Effects of Various Mobility Aids on Lower-Extremity Muscle Activity.” (Nexus Spine)
  • Amanda Beatty, MS (2015), “Design and Validation of a Complex Loading Whole Spinal Segment Bioreactor.” (R&D Mechanical Engineer, Dexcom)
  • Daniel Baradoy, MS (2015), “Composition based modeling of silicone nickel nano-composite strain sensors with applications in fetal monitoring” (Sales Associate, Stryker Canada)
  • Mitchell Hortin, MS (2015), “Ligament model fidelity in finite element analysis of the human lumbar spine.” (Safety CAE Engineer, General Motors)
  • Darrell Skousen, MS (2013), “Design exploration and analysis of carbon-filled carbon nanotube vascular stents.” (Engineer, Merit Medical)
  • Jeremy Alsup, MS (2013), “Mimicking the mechanical behavior of intervertebral disc degeneration.” (Engineer, Reliance Medical Systems)
  • Jeff Harris, MS (2012), “The biomechanical implications of an intrinsic decompressive pre-load on a posterior dynamic stabilization system.” (Senior Engineer, Nexus Spine)
  • Tim Bishop, MS (2011), “A proteolytic model for simulating the mechanics of disc degeneration in bovine cadaveric tissue.” (Manager, Business Analytics, Symantec, Received MS/MBA from BYU)
  • Shaun Jeffs, MS (2011), “Passive load-bearing capacity of the human lumbar spine in the neutral standing postures.” (Managing Engineer, Delta V Biomechanics)
  • Rachel Bradshaw Willardson, MS (2011), “Mechanical characterization of the interspinous ligament using anisotropic small punch testing.” (Product Development Engineer, Jhpiego – Global Health Innovation)
  • Gregory Von Forell, MS, PhD, MBA (2011), “Biomechanical Implications of Lumbar Spinal Ligament Transection: A Finite Element Study.” (Senior Development Engineer, NextStep Arthropedix)
  • Dean Keith Stolworthy, MS, PhD, PE (2011), “Characterization and Biomechanical Analysis of the Human Lumbar Spine with In Vitro Testing Conditions.” (Senior Consultant, Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc.)