معرفی
Dr. Kyoko Yoshida is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Minnesota's College of Science and Engineering. She leads the Pregnancy Research & Engineering Group (PREG), which investigates biomechanical changes during pregnancy with a focus on cardiac and uterine tissue adaptation.
Her research spans biomechanics and computational systems biology, specifically examining how hormonal and mechanical signaling interact to drive tissue growth and remodeling during pregnancy. The Pregnancy Research & Engineering Group employs both experimental and computational approaches to understand these complex processes, with primary focus on the pregnant patient's heart and uterus. Their work aims to reduce heart problems during pregnancy and preterm birth by developing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches based on fundamental biomechanical understanding.
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship (awarded to students)
- University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship (awarded to students)
- Cardiovascular Engineering T32 Program Traineeship
- Earl E. Bakken Medical Device Innovation Fellowship
- 2025 Award for Excellence in Academic Unit Service (to Dr. Yoshida)
Dr. Yoshida mentors multiple graduate students including PhD candidates Paige Nielsen (studying vascular mechanics during pregnancy), Emily Hoffmann (researching uterine biomechanics), and Molly Kaissar (investigating cardiac remodeling during postpartum), as well as MS student Kaitlyn Reagen (examining vascular adaptations). Her students regularly present at conferences including the Society of Reproductive Investigation Annual Scientific Meeting and the Engineering for Women's Health Conference. The Pregnancy Research & Engineering Group also engages in outreach activities, hosting high school visits and organizing lab events.
The laboratory is located in Room 7-136 Nils Hasselmo Hall at the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis, where Dr. Yoshida conducts research at the interface of mechanics and biology to improve maternal health outcomes.
