Carolyn Sparrey

Carolyn Sparrey is an Associate Professor and Graduate Student Supervisor in the School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering at Simon Fraser University (SFU). She leads the Neurospine Biomechanics Laboratory, focusing on injury prevention and management through biomechanical research. Her work bridges engineering principles with clinical applications, collaborating with Vancouver General Hospital and accident reconstruction experts.

Dr. Sparrey holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (UC Berkeley, 2008), M.A.Sc. (UBC, 2004), and B.A.Sc. (University of Waterloo, 2001). Her research emphasizes spinal cord injury mechanics, tissue material characterization, and patient-specific modeling. She teaches courses like MSE 420 (Biomechanical Engineering) and MSE 222 (Kinematics and Dynamics).

Her lab’s current projects include mechanical characterization of neurological tissues, thermodynamic modeling of spinal cord injury treatments, and injury prevention device design. Funding opportunities are available for exceptional graduate students through NSERC and CIHR awards. Undergraduate and co-op students can engage in projects aimed at publishing or presenting results.

Dr. Sparrey actively promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, with a focus on translating engineering solutions into clinical practice. Her teaching philosophy prioritizes preparing students for industry, research, and societal contributions through innovative curricula.