Christine Trinkle

Christine Trinkle serves as Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Kentucky's Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering, where she has been a faculty member since 2008. Her academic journey began with undergraduate and master's degrees at Kentucky, followed by a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley, establishing deep institutional roots while bringing cutting-edge research expertise to the department.

Education

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 2008
• MSME in Mechanical Engineering, University of Kentucky, 2003
• BSME in Mechanical Engineering, University of Kentucky, 2001

Dr. Trinkle's research program bridges engineering and biomedicine through four interconnected pillars: Biologically-Inspired Design leverages natural systems to solve engineering challenges; Micro-scale Design and Fabrication develops novel techniques for creating intricate 3D microstructures; Microfluidic Systems enables advanced cell culture platforms and diagnostic tools; and Lung/Ventilator Mechanics addresses critical respiratory care problems. Her work consistently translates fundamental surface science into biomedical applications, particularly in cancer modeling and respiratory therapy.

Analysis of her 15 publications (2005-2022) reveals an evolving research trajectory where early work established foundational microfabrication techniques (microcontact printing, PDMS patterning), while recent publications demonstrate sophisticated integration of these methods with biological systems—particularly in tumor organoid development, advanced ventilator concepts, and lung colonization models. The consistent thread across all work is the application of micro-scale engineering to solve pressing biomedical problems, with increasing focus on translational impact in oncology and critical care.

Scientific Awards

• Lighthouse Beacon Foundation Scholar

As Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Trinkle oversees curriculum development and student advising for mechanical engineering majors. Her leadership role combined with sustained publication output in high-impact journals (including ACS Omega, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, and Journal of Colloid and Interface Science) indicates active research funding, though specific grants aren't detailed in the source material. Her collaborative approach is evident in publications spanning engineering, oncology, and respiratory medicine.

Her research group operates at the intersection of microfabrication and biomedicine, with particular emphasis on developing platforms for 3D cell culture and respiratory mechanics. Current projects appear focused on tumor microenvironment modeling and next-generation ventilator systems, leveraging the university's biomedical engineering resources and clinical partnerships.