Sonia Bansal

Sonia Bansal is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Duke University, affiliated with the Pratt School of Engineering. She holds a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania (2020) and a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Columbia University (2014). Her work focuses on biomechanics, biomaterials, and orthopedic engineering, with a particular emphasis on meniscus structure-function relationships and educational innovations in engineering curricula.

Dr. Bansal's research integrates biomechanical analysis, tissue engineering, and large-animal models to study meniscus injury and repair. She has contributed to advancements in meniscal scaffold design and the understanding of meniscus regeneration mechanisms. Her teaching portfolio includes courses on mechanics of solids, biomedical design, and tissue biomechanics, emphasizing student professional development.

Her educational innovations address DEI criteria in biomedical engineering curricula, reflecting her commitment to inclusive pedagogy. Awards include the Penn Bioengineering Department's first Graduate Fellowship for Teaching Excellence. She has published extensively in journals like Journal of Orthopaedic Research and Acta Biomaterialia, with a focus on translational applications in orthopedics.

Bansal is also active in K-12 STEM outreach and has led design projects such as a pressure-sensitive insole for runners during her undergraduate studies. Her work bridges clinical needs and engineering solutions, with a vision for advancing regenerative therapies and equitable educational practices.