Joseph Klaesner

Joseph Klaesner is a Professor of Practice in Biomedical Engineering at the McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis. He specializes in rehabilitation engineering and teaching design, with a focus on biomechanics and medical device innovation. His research includes projects on wheelchair propulsion biomechanics, low back pain movement analysis, stroke recovery, and neuropathic foot ulcer prevention. He has been teaching senior BME design courses since joining WashU in 1998.

Education:

• PhD, Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 1995
• MS, Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 1993
• BS, Biomedical Engineering & Electrical Engineering, Marquette University, 1987

Research Interests: Professor Klaesner’s work bridges clinical and engineering challenges in rehabilitation. He collaborates with medical researchers to develop technologies improving mobility and recovery for patients. His teaching emphasizes design thinking, preparing students to address real-world biomedical problems.

Awards: Recognized as a Top Innovator in St. Louis by Alive Magazine (2015).

Advising & Grants: He has taught senior design courses continuously for over two decades but no specific grants are listed here. His mentorship focuses on fostering student innovation in biomedical engineering.

Labs & Affiliations: Affiliated with the Center for Women’s Health Engineering, contributing to interdisciplinary efforts in healthcare technology.