headshot of Koren Roach

Dr. Koren Roach

PhD

Positions

Assistant Professor

Schulich School of Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering

Assistant Professor

Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Radiology

Adjunct Assistant Professor

Faculty of Kinesiology

Affiliations

Full Member

McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health

Child Health & Wellness Researcher

Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute

Contact information

Location

Office: CCIT124

I'm looking for...

Research partners

Background

Educational Background

BSc Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute,

PhD Bioengineering, University of Utah,

Postdoctoral Scholar Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco,

More Information

Research Interests

My research leverages multimodal analyses that investigate how joint biomechanics, quantitative measures of joint health (via MRI), physical activity, and demographics, particularly sex differences, contribute to the onset and progression of musculoskeletal diseases, such as osteoarthritis. My long-term research goal is to identify biomechanical and/or image-based biomarkers that predict patients who are at a higher risk for osteoarthritis at a time point when non-surgical, interventional treatments are most likely to effectively prevent progression of the disease.

Dr. Rogers-Bradley and Dr. Roach at the University of Calgary are currently recruiting graduate student research assistants interested in pursuing an MSc in Mechanical Engineering (MME) or Biomedical Engineering (BME). Recruitment is for research projects in the areas of powered orthosis development and human biomechanics. Open positions provide a stipend ($23,300+, DOE) and have an anticipated start date of January 1, 2025.

Summary of key responsibilities

Literature Review: Conduct thorough reviews to identify research gaps and summarize relevant findings in mechanical and biomedical engineering.

  • Design and set up experiments, lead data collection and analysis.
  • Technical design of mechanisms and actuators, applying first principles concepts to novel designs.
  • Maintain records of experimental procedures, data, and analysis processes.
  • Work closely with other researchers, faculty, and students, contributing insights and fostering a collaborative research environment.
  • Lead the preparation of research papers and conference presentations.

 

Qualifications/ requirements:

  • A BSc in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or Kinesiology.
  • Prior research experience in biomechanics, human motion analysis.
  • Strong work ethic and ability to independently drive research projects.
  • Track record of academic publications strongly preferred.
  • A minimum of 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study of the undergraduate degree.
  • Must meet admissions requirements for desired academic program (MME MSc or BME MSc).

 

How to apply

Interested candidates should send:

  • CV
  • Academic transcripts
  • Cover letter (< 1 page)
  • Writing sample (e.g., published academic papers, conference abstract, course project)

 

To Dr. Rogers-Bradley (emily.rogersbradley@ucalgary.ca ) and Dr. Roach (koren.roach@ucalgary.ca) with the subject line "Application for Research Assistant - your name." Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.Applications submitted by August 15, 2024 will receive full consideration.

Note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply to funding opportunities available to University of Calgary graduate students. Students with a fellowship or other source of funding will be strongly considered regardless of current availability of open positions.