Meet the Team

My interest in biomechanics stems from my curiosity at a young age to understand how physics affects performance and injury in sports. This curiosity led me to study biomedical engineering as an undergraduate here at WPI, while a love of writing led to a double-major in Professional Writing. My passion continued as I pursued my doctorate in biomedical engineering, studying how mechanical forces contribute to the initiation and progression of osteoarthritis in the knee. I am excited to be back at WPI, as its project-based educational approach aligns with my passion for teaching and ...

Debra joined WPI in 2017 where she continues a career dedicated to supporting undergraduate students. Prior to WPI, Debra spent many years working to build systemic supports for student success. Previous roles positioned her work at the intersection of enrollment management, student success, and academic affairs. At WPI Debra oversees the development of summer undergraduate course opportunities and virtual student support systems, along with other initiatives to provide high quality opportunities to WPI undergraduates. In her spare time, Debra enjoys baking bread, spending time with ...

Kathy Chen joined The STEM Education Center at WPI after 15+ years as a professor in Materials Engineering at California Polytechnic (Cal Poly) State University, San Luis Obispo where she served as Department Chair and lead many K-12 and community STEM outreach activities. In her current role to support PreK-12 STEM educators and to transform STEM education, she works to broaden the participation of students in STEM (especially those from underrepresented and excluded groups) by advancing equity in education through holistic and innovative approaches. She also currently leads the Central MA ...