Kristen Billiar

Kristen Billiar is a distinguished Professor and Department Head at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where she holds the prestigious John Woodman Higgins Professorship in Engineering. Her academic journey and professional career are deeply rooted in the fields of mechanobiology, tissue mechanics, and functional tissue engineering. With a keen interest in wound healing and biomaterials characterization, she has made significant strides in understanding the complex interactions between mechanical forces and biological tissues. At the helm of the Tissue Mechanics and Mechanobiology (TM2) Lab, Professor Billiar leads a team of dedicated researchers exploring the effects of mechanical forces on cell behavior and tissue development. Her research is particularly focused on elucidating the mechanisms that govern cell behavior in response to mechanical stimuli, with a special emphasis on applications related to heart valves and soft tissue mechanics. Professor Billiar is deeply committed to education and mentorship, playing a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of engineers and scientists. She actively mentors students at both undergraduate and graduate levels, encouraging them to engage in innovative research and develop a profound understanding of biomedical engineering principles. Her dedication to student growth and development is evident in the numerous successful careers her mentees have pursued. Her contributions to the field have been widely recognized, earning her numerous accolades, including the honor of being a Fulbright Scholar in Ireland. Additionally, she is a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, a testament to her impact and leadership in the field. Her work has not only advanced scientific knowledge but also provided valuable insights into the development of engineered tissues and the characterization of biomaterials. Professor Billiar's research has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of cell behavior and tissue engineering, particularly in the context of cardiovascular applications. Her innovative approaches and dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in biomedical engineering, making her a respected figure in the scientific community.