Kathleen Lamkin-Kennard Headshot

Kathleen Lamkin-Kennard

Associate Professor

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Kate Gleason College of Engineering

585-475-6775
Office Location

Kathleen Lamkin-Kennard

Associate Professor

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Kate Gleason College of Engineering

Education

BS, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; MS, Ph.D., Drexel University

Bio

Dr. Kathleen Lamkin-Kennard received a B.S. in Physics from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and M.S. and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Drexel University. She also spent four years doing research and development for a commercially available, robotic human patient simulator.

Dr. Lamkin-Kennard's graduate work focused on development of a non-linear, coupled, diffusion-reaction model to simulate nitric oxide release, transport, and mechanisms of action in cylindrical microvessels. The model solved multiple, dynamic, non-linear PDEs describing blood flow and mass transport and reaction kinetics of multiple chemical species using finite element methods. After completion of her Ph.D., Dr. Lamkin-Kennard was a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Rochester. She received a National Institutes of Health Kirchstein post-doctoral National Research Scholar Award (NRSA) to develop a 3-D computational microhydrodynamics model of rolling and adhering neutrophils in a cylindrical geometry. Her research there also involved evaluating the effects of hydrodynamics in complex vessel geometries on cellular adhesion and microcirculatory flow profiles.

Dr. Lamkin-Kennard's specific areas of expertise include biofluid dynamics and transport phenomena, biomedical computation and numerical methods, biomaterials, and integrated multiphysics systems modeling, particularly related to microcirculatory, cardiovascular, and cellular systems biology. Within the Mechanical Engineering Department, she has taught Introduction to Biomaterials, System Dynamics, and Mathematics for Engineers I and II courses. She has also supervised numerous Senior Design and M.S. thesis projects. She is also an Affiliated Faculty member for the Biomedical Engineering Program and an Extended Faculty member for the Microsystems Engineering Ph.D. Program.

Dr. Lamkin-Kennard’s research focuses on the use of computational and physical models to simulate integrated human physiological systems. Her primary research area utilizes a combination of multiphysics modeling and experimental studies in custom fabricated microchannels to evaluate the effects of microhydrodynamics and transport phenomena on microcirculatory processes and disease states. Specific areas under investigation include the effects of complex vessel geometries and associated fluid dynamics on cellular adhesion and the role of ischemia-reperfusion in glaucoma. A second area of research focuses on the development and application of novel robotic actuators and sensors for biomimetic robotics and assistive device applications. Two particular areas of interest involve the use of McKibben style air muscles for robotic applications and characterization and testing of electroactive polymer materials for biomedical applications. 

585-475-6775

Select Scholarship

Journal Paper
Jung, John, et al. "Isolating the Influences of Fluid Dynamics on Selectin-Mediated Particle Rolling at Venular Junctional regions." Microvascular Research 118. (2018): 144-154. Print.
Corbaci, Mert, Wayne Walter, and Kathleen A. Lamkin-Kennard. "Implementation of Soft-Lithography Techniques for Fabrication of Bio-Inspired Multi-Layer Dielectric Elastomer Actuators with Interdigitated Mechanically Compliant Electrodes." Actuators 7. 4 (2018): 73. Web.
Published Conference Proceedings
Lamkin-Kennard, Kathleen, et al. "Design of a Wearable Electroactive Polymer Biosensor." Proceedings of the Effective Access Technology Conference, Rochester, NY. Ed. RIT. Rochester, NY: n.p., 2014. Web.
Green, Jared, Elizabeth Debartolo, and Kathleen Lamkin-Kennard. "Characterization of Gait Patterns in Common Gait Rehabilitation Exercises." Proceedings of the Effective Access Technology Conference, Rochester, NY. Ed. RIT. Rochester, NY: n.p., 2014. Web.
Holsen, Luke and Kathleen Lamkin-Kennard. "A Preliminary Analysis of a Computational Flow Model of a Precapillary Arteriole Network in the Choroid, coupled with Oxygen and Nitric Oxide Transport and Reactions." Proceedings of the ASME Summer Bioengineering Conference, June 2011, Farmington, PA. Ed. American Society of Mechanical Engineers. New York, NY: n.p., 2011. Print.
National/International Competition Award Winner
Wrisley, Seaver, et al. ASME Robotics and Mechanisms. Undergraduate Robotic Design Competition 1st Place. Buffalo, NY, 2014.
Hennig, Anthony and Kathleen A. Lamkin-Kennard. Harvard Undergraduate Research Association's National Collegiate Research Conference. Award of Excellence. Boston, MA, 2013.
Invited Keynote/Presentation
Lamkin-Kennard, Kathleen. "An Interactive Flipped Classroom Approach for Teaching Biomaterials." Provost Learning and Innovation Grant Showcawse. RIT. Rochester, NY. 19 Nov. 2014. Conference Presentation.
Provisional Patent
Sullivan, Christopher, Elizabeth Debartolo, and Kathleen Lamkin-Kennard. "Method and System for Monitoring Terrain and Gait and Predicting Upcoming Terrain." Patent US 20140180173 A1. 26 Jun. 2014.
Sullivan, Christopher, Elizabeth DeBartolo, and Kathleen A. Lamkin-Kennard. "Method for Simultaneously Tracking Terrain and Gait." US Provisional Patent Application 61/745,883. 26 Dec. 2012.
Book Chapter
Skuse, Gary and Kathleen A. Lamkin-Kennard. "Reverse Engineering Life: Physical and Chemical Mimetics for Controlled Stem Cell Differentiation." Organ Regeneration: Methods and Protocols. Ed. J. Basu and J.W. Ludlow. New York, NY: Humana Press, 2013. 99-114. Print.

Currently Teaching

MECE-320
3 Credits
This required course introduces the student to lumped parameter system modeling, analysis and design. The determination and solution of differential equations that model system behavior is a vital aspect of the course. System response phenomena are characterized in both time and frequency domains and evaluated based on performance criteria. Laboratory exercises enhance student proficiency with model simulation, basic instrumentation, data acquisition, data analysis, and model validation.
MECE-555
3 Credits
Biomechatronics is an upper level undergraduate and graduate elective course designed to give students an introduction to fundament concepts in Biomechanics as well as how to relate the biomechanics of motion to robotic systems. Course topics will include Biomechanics of Human Motion, Muscle Mechanics, Biomechanics of Prostheses, Artificial Limbs, Rehabilitation Biomechanics and Robotics, Actuators and Control, Biomimetic Robotics, Robotic Surgery, and Sensors. Students will be provided with fundamental pre-requisite knowledge related to each topic through readings, online resources, and in-class demonstrations. A final project is required.
MECE-557
3 Credits
This course provides an overview of materials used in biomedical applications. Topics covered include structure and properties of hard and soft biomaterials, material selection for medical applications, material performance and degradation in hostile environments, and typical and abnormal physiological responses to biomaterials/environments. Some experiments will be performed in class and a major project is required.
MECE-655
3 Credits
Biomechatronics is an upper level undergraduate and graduate elective course designed to give students an introduction to fundament concepts in Biomechanics as well as how to relate the biomechanics of motion to robotic systems. Course topics will include Biomechanics of Human Motion, Muscle Mechanics, Biomechanics of Prostheses, Artificial Limbs, Rehabilitation Biomechanics and Robotics, Actuators and Control, Biomimetic Robotics, Robotic Surgery, and Sensors. Students will be provided with fundamental pre-requisite knowledge related to each topic through readings, online resources, and in-class demonstrations. A final project is required.
MECE-657
3 Credits
This course provides an overview of materials used in biomedical applications. Topics covered include structure and properties of hard and soft biomaterials, material selection for medical applications, material performance and degradation in hostile environments, and typical and abnormal physiological responses to biomaterials/environments. Some experiments will be performed in class and a major project is required.