Kristan Worthington, assistant professor in the Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Iowa, is among 84 early career engineers selected to present at the Grainger Foundation Frontiers of Engineering Symposium in September 2022. Worthington, who is also a faculty affiliate in the Iowa Technology Institute, will join other groundbreaking engineers from industry, academia, and government at the event hosted by Amazon.

Worthington’s research group uses photopolymerization to control the 3D architecture and mechanics of materials for application in biology and medicine. These materials can be used in ocular tissue engineering, oral wound healing, pulmonary in vitro models, and stem cell fate engineering. Her work was recently recognized with a CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation.

“This symposium will feature many researchers across a variety of disciplines, which is truly exciting,” said Worthington. “I am eager to discuss technical work as well as expand my knowledge around inclusive teaching, health and research equity, and best practices for cultivating diverse and welcoming communities in STEM and higher education.”

The symposium will explore four research themes: Microbes: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly; Conversational AI; Technology and Racial Justice and Equity; and Hydrogen: A New “Universal” Energy Carrier for the Carbon-Free Future.

“The ability to envision what is not yet possible, to create solutions to today’s problems that benefit all of society in the future, and to be open, inclusive, and diverse in our thinking and the abilities of ourselves and others — these are the hallmarks of outstanding engineers,” said NAE President John L. Anderson. “The Grainger Foundation Frontiers of Engineering symposium helps foster this collaborative spirit in young U.S.-based engineers by bringing a diverse group together from different technical areas and work sectors to spark innovation, broaden their perspectives on new approaches to engineering problems, and develop long-term relationships that are critical in advancing our nation’s future.”

For more information on the and a list of presenters, visit the website.