Karthik Somasundaram

Karthik Somasundaram is an Assistant Professor in the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at Marquette University and the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). He serves as the Director of the Trauma Biomechanics Laboratory (TBM Lab), focusing on computational modeling and biomechanical analysis of trauma, particularly related to motor vehicle crashes and pedestrian safety. His work bridges engineering principles with clinical applications to address real-world healthcare challenges.

• Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University (2019)
• M.S., Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University (2015)
• Postdoctoral Research Associate (2019–2022), Neuroscience Research Labs at Zablocki VA Medical Center and MCW

His research interests center on biomechanics, finite element modeling, and injury prevention through advanced computational simulations. He investigates motor vehicle crash trauma, impact kinematics, and organ-specific injury mechanisms, with a notable focus on gender-based disparities and elderly occupant safety. Recent publications highlight his work on abdominal injury disparities, spine response to blast loading, and occupant posture effects in crash scenarios.

Karthik’s recent articles emphasize trends in computational trauma analysis, spanning finite element modeling, impact biomechanics, occupant safety, and gender-specific injury risk. His studies often integrate human subject testing, anthropomorphic dummy models, and military volunteer data to validate simulations and improve safety protocols.

• Graduate Research Fellowship, Wayne State University (2014–2019)
• Best Paper Award, National Technical Symposium, Anna University (2010)
• Best Paper Award, National Technical Symposium, Anna University (2009)

As a grant recipient, Karthik collaborates on projects like Soldier Lethality and Protection (Army Contracting Agency, 2022–2024), combining experimental and computational methods to characterize biological materials. He also contributes to educational resources through courses such as BIEN 6440: Biomedical Engineering Analysis of Trauma.