• Manage teams' high priority, strategic projects including the evaluation of new radiation modalities and optimization of internal microbial characterization processes• Lead a team of engineers to identify and introduce sterilization processes for multiple new product development efforts• Conduct sterilization cycle product adoptions and requalifications through authoring and execution of validation testing• Evaluate potential new suppliers through vendor site visits with the… Show more • Manage teams' high priority, strategic projects including the evaluation of new radiation modalities and optimization of internal microbial characterization processes• Lead a team of engineers to identify and introduce sterilization processes for multiple new product development efforts• Conduct sterilization cycle product adoptions and requalifications through authoring and execution of validation testing• Evaluate potential new suppliers through vendor site visits with the purpose of auditing sterilization capabilities• Provide technical sterilization support and review for all commercial medical products (ethylene oxide, steam, and radiation)• Engage with women and students in engineering as a member of the Women's Diversity Network and College Recruiting team Show less

• Support the Bioburden and Bacterial Endotoxin (BET) program to ensure compliance with AAMI ST-72: Bacterial Endotoxins and ISO 11737-1: Sterilization of Health Care Products• Assess the impact of manufacturing process changes to validated state of Bioburden and BET• Assisted the Biosciences Research Team in preclinical studies by conducting in vitro benchtop studies, developing and implementing in vivo test models and methods, and analyzing results to make data driven decisions

Kristen Cardinal• Grow and create tissue engineered blood vessel mimics using adult human endothelial cells• Develop techniques relating to cell growth and electrospinning polymer scaffolds• Combine scaffolds and grown cells to test industry devices and perform related projects• Perform Biocompatibility testing of specific materials and their effect on mouse embryonic fibroblast cells

My Master's thesis focused on creating tissue-engineered blood vessel mimics (BVMs) for use in preclinical testing of vascular devices. These BVMs are composed of electrospun scaffolds made of an assortment of polymers that are seeded with different cell types. This integration of polymers with cells leads to the need for biocompatibility testing of the polymer scaffolds. The first aim of my thesis developed methods for in vitro cytotoxicity testing of polymers used in the fabrication of BVMs… Show more My Master's thesis focused on creating tissue-engineered blood vessel mimics (BVMs) for use in preclinical testing of vascular devices. These BVMs are composed of electrospun scaffolds made of an assortment of polymers that are seeded with different cell types. This integration of polymers with cells leads to the need for biocompatibility testing of the polymer scaffolds. The first aim of my thesis developed methods for in vitro cytotoxicity testing of polymers used in the fabrication of BVMs. This included cytotoxicity testing using direct contact and elution-based methods, along with fluorescent staining to visualize the scaffold effects on cells.The second and third aim of my thesis implemented the newly developed cytotoxicity protocols to evaluate the biocompatibility of existing and novel polymers, ePTFE, PLGA, PLGA with salt, PLLA, and PCL, used in the tissue engineering lab. Overall, my thesis developed and implemented methods to evaluate the biocompatibility of polymer scaffolds used in the BVM model, and found that ePTFE, PLGA, and PLLA scaffold materials were biocompatible and could be implemented in future BVM setups without concerns. Meanwhile, PLGA with salt and PCL’s toxicity was mild enough to urge future cytotoxicity testing on PLGA with salt and PCL before further use in the lab. Show less

• Join virtual and in-person events, serve as a panelist, and assist in answering questions from prospective interns• Endorse Medtronic’s internship program to Biomedical Engineering peers and classmates at Cal Poly• Serve as an "Ambassador-at-Large" with national audiences

• Evaluate feasibility of next generation Continuous Glucose Monitor's sensor membranes by gathering material characterization and performing data analysis to answer study questions• Identify promising potential next generation sensor membrane materials/chemicals• Assist in the drafting and revising of sensor process documentation• Create extensive Pugh Matrix to leverage design, reliability, and manufacturability in defining requirements and criteria for new material evaluation

• Supported GORE EXCLUDER® product family device manufacturing • Performed IQ/OQ/PQ validation activities on new commercial production equipment within a controlled environment • Implemented a variety of changes to update, obsolete, and refine manufacturing documentation per quality system requirements • Presented a comprehensive final presentation to cross-functional teams summarizing internship projects

• Represent the College of Engineering, its programs, and its students to industry representatives, alumni, parents, and prospective students on an individual and college-wide basis • Lead tours of up to 100 visitors introducing each engineering major, related programs, clubs and labs

• Collaborate in a team of 5 to design and build an attachment to assist wheelchair users in playing soccer • Utilize SolidWorks to create 3D models of prototype• Present material in front of faculty in order to continue further prototyping• Conduct research on innovative solutions to complex problems• Experience with Arduino programming and electric circuitry fundamentals

• Interned on the scripting algorithm team for all Voyant Energy devices • Performed surgeries at the San Diego lab to validate the efficiency of the devices in the field• Conducted the formal design process for the SolidWorking and production of an Adhesion Mounting Fixture for more efficient tissue testing• Performed and taught formal test methods for durability, adhesion, and bursting of tissue samples • Analyzed device keys from the medical field to report back to… Show more • Interned on the scripting algorithm team for all Voyant Energy devices • Performed surgeries at the San Diego lab to validate the efficiency of the devices in the field• Conducted the formal design process for the SolidWorking and production of an Adhesion Mounting Fixture for more efficient tissue testing• Performed and taught formal test methods for durability, adhesion, and bursting of tissue samples • Analyzed device keys from the medical field to report back to surgeons• Wrote scripts for the performance of the devices within the medical field Show less

• Analyze the body composition and current health status of fellow students and San Luis Obispo community members by performing several physical tests• Gaining relevant communication skills and professional experience in the health industry

• Led 4-week long program introducing students from grades 7-12 to engineering• Directed the students through various engineering labs and led tours