Kelsey Willson Email & Phone Number

I am an active researcher collaborating on translational research projects with both internal and external teams. I am in charge of manufacturing bioprinted tissues for both in vivo and in vitro studies. I also actively participate in writing research papers, preparing reports to outside collaborators, and delivering research presentation in public forums. Current collaborations include the development of 3D printed skin models for disease modeling and 3D printed liver models for use in studying solid organ development in vitro and in microgravity.

Wake Forest University

As a PhD student, I focused on the advancement of biomedical tissue constructs through the application of 3D printing. My research currently focused on the development of large-scale vascularized tissue samples, monitoring functionality alongside viability. I completed several projects developing large-scale liver constructs with custom perfusion systems. Both extrusion and DLP printing were used to develop vascularized liver constructs with altered functionality. This research included participation in the NASA Vascular Challenge and sending samples to the International Space Station. In addition, I worked on the development of multi-layered skin constructs, fabricated through extrusion printing and matured both in vitro and in vivo. This research resulted in improved skin models with decreased scarring, improved surgical handleability, and the development of pigmentation post-implantation. Research was performed at Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, working under Dr. Anthony Atala and in conjunction with Dr. James Yoo, Dr. Sang Jin Lee and Dr. Shay Soker.

Seattle

My position at the University of Washington required me to design, fabricate, and characterize porous materials. These materials had a wide variety of uses including tissue reconstruction and small molecule sensing. I designed new shapes to increase the number of uses for these materials and incorporated them with microsphere technology for application as a long term biodegradable contraceptive implant.

Greater Seattle Area

I collected and analyzed data from lower limb amputees. My project included motion capture and writing custom Matlab software to analyze the motion capture data from patients. I was also involved in the quality control of these procedures and software systems designed by those who were writing analysis code before I joined the team.

My position at the University of Washington required me to design, fabricate, and characterize porous materials. These materials have a wide variety of uses including tissue reconstruction and small molecule sensing. In my position I designed protocols for making these materials, completed analysis with scanning electron microscopy, assisted in implantations, performed necropsies and completed histology (H&E, trichrome, and fluorescent staining) with these materials. I was also responsible for writing up the results of these experiments and presenting them to collaborators and my peers. As part of my position at the UW, I also collaborated on several industry projects with groups from around the country.

I developed a 3D porous tube made of polyurethane for the replacement of the ureter following severe urinary tract infections.

University Of Washington

I assisted in the development, fabrication, and testing of a fluorescent glucose sensor. I helped complete testing on the materials, including the development/use of flow through chambers, mechanical characterization (Instron testing), and scanning electron microscopy. I also assisted in implant surgeries, necropsies, and histology, and was responsible for data processing and creating presentations to update collaborators on the project.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Bioengineering And Biomedical Engineering

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Bioengineering And Biomedical Engineering

Activities and Societies: Husky Archery Club, Society of Women Engineers, UW Tango Club