Kristin D. Zhao

Dr. Kristin D. Zhao is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Mayo Clinic, with a joint appointment in the Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering. She serves as Chair for Research in her primary department and directs the Assistive and Restorative Technology Laboratory, focusing on translational rehabilitation technologies.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science, University of Minnesota
• M.A. in Kinesiology (Biomechanics), University of Texas at Austin
• B.A. in Physics, University of Texas at Austin

Research Focus: Dr. Zhao pioneers assistive technologies (exoskeletons, myoelectric prosthetics) and dynamic imaging (4D CT, fluoroscopy) to address spinal cord injuries, osteoarthritis, and neuromuscular diseases. Her work emphasizes sex differences, health disparities, and lifespan interventions—from infant motor development in spina bifida to adult prosthetic customization. Collaborations include St. Catherine University, Vanderbilt, and the Italian Institute of Technology.

Publication Trends: Recent articles highlight spinal cord injury rehabilitation, biomechanical risk modeling, advanced medical imaging for joint pathologies, and neuromodulation therapies. Research consistently integrates engineering, clinical practice, and patient-centered outcomes.

Grants & Collaborations: Funded by NIH, DoD, and Paralyzed Veterans of America, key projects include:

• 4D CT Imaging for Wrist Ligament Injuries (NIAMS, 2017–2022)
• Dynamic Joint Instability Assessment (NIAMS, 2010–2013)
• SoftHand Pro Prosthetics (collaboration with Italian Institute of Technology)

Laboratory: Leads a multidisciplinary team of physicians, engineers, and therapists developing restorative technologies for neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders.