Kristi Bartlett

Kristi Bartlett is an Assistant Professor in Product Design at the University of Kentucky, specializing in virtual reality, spatial ability assessment, and equity in design education. Her work bridges technology and pedagogy through projects like the OVPR Curate Program and UNITE Research Priority Area initiatives.

• Doctor of Philosophy, Purdue University (2023)
• Master of Science, University of Houston (2019)

Research interests focus on:

• Virtual reality applications in design education
• Equity and inclusion in design disciplines
• Critical analysis of spatial skills assessment tools
• Generative AI ethics in creative processes
• Interdisciplinary medical device development
• Collaborative virtual learning environments

Recent publications analyze AI-generated design renders, mental rotation assessment in VR, and gender dynamics in industrial design. Her projects examine immersive technologies, historically excluded student experiences, and sustainability integration in engineering curricula.

Current grants include:

• Comparing Physical and Virtual Reality Product Models (2025-2026, UK OVPR)
• Mixed Reality in Product Design Education (2024-2025, UK IRC)
• Equity in Healthcare Design (2024-2025, UK UNITE)
• Historically Excluded Students in Design (2024-2025, UK UNITE)