Karin Wuertz-Kozak
Professor
Karin Wuertz-Kozak
Professor
Education
BS, MS, University of Regensburg (Germany); Ph.D., University of Ulm (Germany); MBA, University of Cumbria (UK)
Bio
Dr. Wuertz-Kozak is a pharmacist by training, holds a Ph.D. in Human Biology from the University of Ulm in Germany and an MBA in Leadership and Sustainability from the University of Cumbria in the UK. After a Postdoc at the University of Vermont in the US, she was a group leader at the University of Zurich and the ETH Zurich in Switzerland. Before joining RIT in October of 2019, she was appointed as Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich for 3 years, where she was the recipient of the Swiss National Science Foundation Professorship Award. Currently, Dr. Wuertz-Kozak holds the position of Kate Gleason Endowed Full Professor of Biomedical Engineering and leads the Tissue Regeneration and Mechanobiology Laboratory. Her laboratory aims to understand the cellular mechanisms underlying specific pathologies, with a focus on inflammation, and to utilize this knowledge for the development of novel treatment options that allow for tissue regeneration and pain reduction. Specifically, the group uses cells, biomaterials, biologics, genome engineering, and mechanical cues to promote tissue regeneration.
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Currently Teaching
In the News
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April 1, 2024
RIT faculty member becomes fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering
Becoming an AIMBE Fellow is one of the organization's most prestigious honors, representing the most accomplished individuals across academia, industry, education, clinical practice, and government.
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September 1, 2023
RIT researchers pioneer solutions for degenerative disc disease and back pain
Researchers are improving non-invasive treatment options for degenerative disc disease, an ailment that impacts 3 million adults yearly in the U.S. Using state-of-the-art gene editing technology in mesenchymal stem cells, the researchers will add to the growing field of regenerative medicine, the process of producing cellular therapies to alleviate pain and lack of mobility.
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March 22, 2023
RIT honors 14 researchers added to prestigious PI Millionaires group
RIT faculty members, who led research initiatives as principal investigators, were honored at a reception on March 21 to celebrate the individuals who helped the university reach record awards surpassing $92 million and place among the top private research universities in the country.
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February 23, 2024
Wuertz-Kozak co-authors journal article
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April 19, 2022
Wuertz-Kozak joins leadership team of lumbar spine society