Michele J. Grimm, Ph.D. Associate Chair Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering Wayne State University Assistant Professor Department of Mechanical Engineering Wayne State University Director, Orthopaedic Biomechanics Adjunct Assistant Professor Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Detroit Medical Center Wayne State University

Research Interests

Orthopaedic Biomechanics. Primary interests center on the biomechanics of bone in its normal and diseased state. Current projects include:

• The development of a finite element model of vertebral fracture due to atraumatic and traumatic loads
• Measurement of bone mechanical properties on both the macro and micro-scale using ultrasonic techniques

Other projects include:

• Characterization of synthetic bone substitutes for laboratory testing
• Mechanical characterization of orthopaedic implant designs
• Determination of the material properties of brain matter

Funding Sources

• National Science Foundation, Visiting Professorship for Women, 1994 - 1997
  The Role of Age-Related Changes to Cortical and Trabecular Bone in the Occurrence of Traumatic and Atraumatic Vertebral Fractures
  
  
• Centers for Disease Control, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, 1996 - 1999
  RPPG in Biomechanics - Project #4: Ultrasound Assessment of Braint Tissue Properties
  
  
• Centers for Disease Control, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, 1999 - 2002
  Biomechanics of Head Injury
  
  
• National Science Foundation, Research Experiences for Undergraduates, 1995 - 2003
  Research Experiences in Automotive Safety, Composite Materials, and Bioengineering
  
  

Teaching Interests

BME 5010 - Engineering Physiology

An introduction to quantitative physiology for biomedical engineers. Includes the major organ systems of the human body as well as cellular physiology.

BME 5210 - Musculoskeletal Biomechanics

A graduate level course which introduces the topics of musculoskeletal kinematics and kinetics and the structure, function, and properties of orthopaedic tissues. Also open to advanced undergraduates.

BME 5370 - Introduction to Biomaterials

Graduate level course exploring the properties of biological materials (bone, ligament, skin, etc.) and materials commonly used in biomedical applications. Includes a discussion of biocompatibility and the criteria to consider when designing an implant for application. Also open to advanced undergraduates.

BME 7210 - Tissue Biomechanics

Advanced graduate course which examines the complex mechanical behavior of human tissues, including bone, ligament, tendon, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels.

Orthopaedic Biomechanics

Course for Orthopaedic Surgery Residents on basic biomechanics as applied to orthopaedics, including mechanical concepts, properties of orthopaedic tissues, biomaterials and biocompatibility, joint forces and moments, and mechanics of the spine.

Education

• Ph.D. -- Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 1995
• M.S.E. -- Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 1992
• B.S. -- Biomedical Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, The Johns Hopkins University, 1990
  
  

Recent Publications

A list of recent publications is available.

Composed by Michele J. Grimm. Last modified on July 29, 1999.