As a department of the School of Medicine, we support and integrate the research of graduate students from several disciplines. We have recently collaborated in and supported the research of Ph.D. and Master's level graduate engineering students emphasizing biomechanics and other bioengineering specifically related to orthopedics. We have also recently had a Postdoctoral Fellow with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering working in our labs.

Nicole D'Souza
University of Kansas School of Medicine, 2027
Madison & Lila Self Memorial Scholar, 2021-2022
The University of Kansas, Bioengineering Graduate Program

Nicole earned a B.S. (2021) in chemical engineering with a concentration in bioengineering from the University of Kansas (KU) in Lawrence, KS.

Nicole's research involves investigating the use of novel antimicrobial agents in bone cement to prevent prosthetic joint infection in orthopedic implants.

Will Kuenne 
The University of Kansas, Bioengineering Graduate Program

Will earned a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO.

Will's research involves investigating and the characterization of the Hydroxyapatite-Like Layer from the formation of Bioactive Glass.

Rylie Parr
First-Year Dean's Fellow 2025
The University of Kansas, Bioengineering Graduate Program

Rylie earned a B.S. (2024) in Chemical Engineering and a minor in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Kansas (KU) in Lawrence, KS. 

Rylie's research involves investigating the multifunctional properties of borate bioactive glass in bone cement to promote bone regeneration and antimicrobial activity surrounding orthopedic implants.

Hannah Zahn
The University of Kansas, Bioengineering Graduate Program

Hannah earned a B.S. in Medical, Cellular, and Molecular Biology, summa cum laude, from Austin Peay State University where she was also the captain of the NCAA Division I women’s soccer team.

Hannah’s OREC research involves investigating the applications of bacteriophages in the treatment and prevention of wound and surgical site infections.

Outside of the OREC, Hannah has research experience with the NIH-funded T35 program at the University of South Carolina, where she conducted research involving healthcare analytics, infectious diseases, and AI applications in medicine. 

University of Kansas School of Medicine Student Summer Research Training Program (KUMC SRTP):

Under this program, medical students spend the summer between their first and second year of medical school participating in research projects, while gaining hands-on research experience. These projects are performed under the direction of and in collaboration with the orthopedic surgery faculty. Many medical students continue to participate in research throughout the year.