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 Boucher is Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). Prior to coming to WPI, her work positioned her work at the intersection of enrollment management, student success, and academic affairs. At WPI Debra oversees the summer session offerings and works to leverage summer activities to support strategic initiatives. She works to build systemic supports for vulnerable students, smooth the pathway for transfer students, and build collaborative systems of support for all students. In her spare time, Debra enjoys baking bread, spending time with family, ...

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 ...