Biomedical Technologies to Support Warfighter Health
All dates for this event occur in the past.
This seminar is being held online via Zoom.
Speaker: Kristin Gilchrist, Uniformed Services University; Geneva Foundation
Abstract: The mission of Uniformed Services University 4D Bio3 Center for Biotechnology is to support and enhance the readiness, health, and well-being of America’s Warfighters, veterans, and their families by innovation, modernization, and translation of state-of-the-art biomedical technologies and services. This seminar will highlight a few of 4DBio3’s internal research and development projects. One is the development of a 3D cellular model of the blood brain barrier (BBB) to simulate blast-induced injury. Blast injury is common cause of traumatic brain injury in military populations and leads to dysfunction of the BBB. A second area of emphasis is on tissue engineering efforts to development treatments for musculoskeletal injuries which are common among service members. These efforts include a 3D bioprinted human meniscus that mimics the structure and composition of the native meniscus. This device can be used to repair meniscal tears which often result in duty restrictions or separation from service. Another tissue repair technology under development, is a 3D printed osteochondral plug for treatment of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis involves the gradual breakdown of cartilage on joint surfaces, and disproportionately impacts active-duty service members. The 3D printed plug can be used to replace damaged cartilage and underlying bone without the need for donor tissue.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Kristin H. Gilchrist is the Associate Director of Research for Uniformed Services University 4D Bio3 Center for Biotechnology. Dr. Gilchrist joined 4D Bio3 in 2021 after 15 years as a research scientist in the Technology Advancement and Commercialization division at RTI International. She completed her undergraduate education in biomedical engineering at Vanderbilt University and received her masters and doctoral degrees in electrical engineering from Stanford University.
Dr. Gilchrist has spent the past two decades applying engineering principles and technology to solve biomedical problems. At 4D Bio3, she manages projects focused on application of biotechnology to enhance the readiness and health of America’s Warfighters. At RTI she managed numerous technology development projects leveraging wearable sensors to provide actionable information for health and wellbeing. These efforts included pre-symptomatic detection of respiratory illness, rapid assessment of mild traumatic brain injury, and detection of seizures in children with epilepsy. Before joining RTI in 2005, Dr. Gilchrist was a research scientist at MCNC Research and Development Institute where she developed microscale devices for medical imaging and chemical sensing applications.