Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, 2024
  • B.S., Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona, 2019
Professional Honors
  • Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award
  • Siebel Scholar, Class of 2024
  • National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow
Professional Affiliations
  • Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)

Dr. Gonzalez applies her expertise in tissue engineering, mechanobiology, and biomechanics to analyze human injury mechanisms. With a background in cardiac tissue engineering and soft tissue mechanics, Dr. Gonzalez applies a multidisciplinary approach to evaluate injury mechanisms and biomechanical responses in various environments, including motor vehicle, occupational, and recreational incidents.

Dr. Gonzalez has conducted extensive research in biomaterials characterization and mechanical testing, utilizing techniques such as rheology, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, she has experience with high-resolution imaging techniques such as confocal imaging, traction force microscopy, and developing in-vitro models to assess cellular and tissue-level responses to stimuli. Her work has contributed to the development of engineered tissues and the role of electromechanical properties in tissue maturation. Dr. Gonzalez has presented her research at multiple interdisciplinary conferences and published first-author and co-authored articles in biomaterials and bioengineering journals.

Prior to joining Exponent, Dr. Gonzalez was a Postdoctoral Researcher and Ph.D. Candidate in Bioengineering at the University of California, San Diego. Her research focused on conductive biomaterials for cardiac tissue engineering, utilizing biomaterial platforms to enhance cardiomyocyte maturation in two-dimensional and spheroid models. Dr. Gonzalez also has experience in biotechnology entrepreneurship. As a Co-founder and Vice President of Research and Development at OxyLo, Inc., she has contributed to enzyme-loaded biomaterials for hypoxia-related applications and regulatory strategy development. Her combined expertise in bioengineering, biomechanics, and regulatory standards allows her to approach human injury assessments and product safety with a unique, interdisciplinary perspective.