Director
Staff Scientists
Rich has always been passionate about healthcare and engineering. Rich joined the Orthopaedic Research Lab in Spring of 2018 where he found an interest in ankle biomechanics. His work focuses on subtalar morphology and in-vivo function across surgically treated populations. Rich enjoys hiking and climbing with his partner and their puppy, attending metal shows, and spending time with his family and friends.
With a robust educational background, holding a BS in Biomedical Engineering and an MS in Mechanical Engineering, Andrew stands at the forefront of biomechanical research, specializing in foot and ankle biomechanics. At the core of his expertise lies a growing understanding of the complex relationship between bony morphology, movement, and functionality in the foot and ankle across a diverse pathological spectrum. Andrew's proficiency extends into the realms of robotics and programming, which play a pivotal role in his innovative approach to research. His work and passion are focused on unlocking new possibilities in patient care by tackling challenging questions with creative solutions. Outside the lab, Andrew enjoys spending quality time with his family, friends, and dog, exploring the great outdoors, especially the National Parks. He is also an avid mountain biker, competing in many races and challenges. Andrew tries to embody the essence of a modern engineer: technically skilled, creatively driven, and deeply committed to making a difference in the world, both professionally and personally.
Graduate Students
Kas grew up on a ranch in northeastern Colorado. In 2013 she attended South Dakota School of Mines on a cross country and track scholarship out of high school, eventually transferring to Colorado School of Mines where she completed her BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering. Kas joined the Orthopaedic Research Group in Spring of 2021, applying her mechanical background to ankle biomechanics working with Amy Lenz, PhD. Her work focuses on Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity using weight-bearing CT as well as statistical shape modeling to evaluate 3D parameters of clinical interest. When not in the lab Kas enjoys trail running and climbing in the mountains and deserts of Utah with her dog!
Anthony grew up in Spartanburg, South Carolina and completed his BS in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics at Wofford College in 2015. He went on to complete his MS in Bioengineering with a minor in Robotics at Oregon State University, where he worked on the development of a novel implantable passive differential mechanism for ECRL-to-FDP tendon transfer surgery with Ravi Balasubramanian and Jim Sweeney. In 2020, he was awarded an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Research Fellowship to conduct research in the Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. Anthony joined Amy Lenz’s Research Group in the Orthopaedic Research Laboratory at the University of Utah in 2021 to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Engineering. His dissertation work is centered around the development of a robotic simulator for characterizing foot and ankle biomechanics. When he is not in the lab, Anthony enjoys mountain biking, rock climbing, and skiing with his dog and friends.
Melissa is originally from Steamboat Springs, Colorado and is a third year MD-PhD student at the University of Utah. She has bachelor’s degrees in biomedical engineering and flute performance from the University of Arizona. As a Nordic combined athlete growing up, she was drawn to orthopaedics through sports medicine, but has since developed an interest in rehabilitation after conducting biomechanics research with amputees. She worked in the Human Movement and Biomechanics Lab at the University of Arizona, was a 2019 National Institutes of Health Biomedical Engineering Intern, and has worked in the Orthopaedic Research Lab since 2020. Her PhD research is focused on computational modeling of foot deformity associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which compliments her clinical interests in neuromusculoskeletal diseases with a focus on pediatric populations. Outside of her studies and research, Melissa is involved in leadership for the Utah Medical Orchestra and enjoys playing flute, hiking, baking, skiing, and getting outdoors with her dog, Artemis.
Katrina is a PhD student NIOSH Trainee in Occupational Biomechanics. Prior to pursuing graduate school, she received a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering at the University of Utah. She has presented her and her colleague’s work at the 2022 Utah Safety Conference, ERC Berkeley’s Continuing Education Webinar Series, and ERC Harvard’s Monday Webinar Series. She has experience as the president of the university’s American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) and Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society chapters and is a certified facilitator of the NSF-funded CyberAmbassadors program through Michigan State University that fosters leadership, teamwork, and communication skills of individuals in STEM fields.
Renae was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and is a third-year PhD student studying Biomedical Engineering at the University of Utah. She completed her bachelor’s in biomedical engineering at the University of Rochester where she was also a setter on the varsity volleyball team. Prior to graduate school, she worked for Fluid Biomed and the University of Calgary as an undergraduate researcher performing image processing on OCT image data of their novel stent. Renae joined the Lenz lab in Summer 2023 and has been working on statistical shape modeling with WBCT data of the ankle. The goal of her work is to extend these processes to building a deep learning-based OA grading system for the ankle. Outside of the lab, Renae enjoys hiking, skiing, baking, and photography.
Jordy is a fourth year BS/MS Computer Engineering student doing a minor in Physics alongside Pre-medical coursework at the University of Utah. He was born in Chihuahua, Mexico and raised in West Valley City, Utah and is passionate about advocating for diversity and the marginalized communities in the State of Utah. As a student in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Jordy has narrowed down his interest in rehabilitative robotics and brain computer interfaces for prosthetics. He currently looks forward to starting his MD or PhD (or both) after earning his BS/MS. He currently works under Anthony Le, developing for the robotic simulator. When not ensnared in projects or work, Jordy enjoys herping, hiking, climbing, reading, and taking care of his many unorthodox pets.
Medical Students
Alayna is a second year medical student at the University of Utah. She grew up in the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina and moved to Utah for college where she obtained a BS in chemistry. Since childhood athletic involvement has drawn her towards orthopaedics and sports medicine interests which she plans to pursue throughout her career. When she isn't working or studying, Alayna can often be found riding a bike, camping with her partner and dog, making jewelry, and playing music (fiddle and guitar).
Jacob was born and raised in Reno, Nevada and then attended UCLA where he completed a degree in Physiologic Sciences in 2020. During undergrad, he worked as a Student Athletic Trainer for the UCLA Sports Medicine Internship Program and developed and managed a peer-peer premed mentoring program. Following graduation, he spent his gap year working as a medical scribe in the Renown Regional Medical Center ED. Jacob continued following his passion for medicine at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine where he is a current MS2. Jacob believes that his research experience will allow him to better treat his patients in the future by improving his critical thinking and reasoning skills. Outside of school, he enjoys playing basketball, snowboarding, playing with his dog, and golfing.
Zach grew up in Mapleton, UT and has four younger brothers! He attended Utah County Academy of Sciences and graduated with an Associate of Science from Utah Valley University while in high school. He then went on a service mission to South Africa for two years before returning to The University of Utah and earned a B.S. in Physics (Biomedical Emphasis). Zach joined the foot and ankle orthopaedic research group Summer 2021 interested in medical imaging and 3D reconstructions. His involvement in Dr. Lenz's lab inspired him to pursue a M.S. in Clinical Investigation. He enjoys sports, spending time with friends and family, and exploring in his Jeep.
Steven was born and raised in Reno, Nevada. He attended Drexel University on a wrestling scholarship, where he completed his Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Organismal Biology and Physiology. After working in clinical cancer research, his passion for medicine and research drove him to attend medical school at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. Steven joined the Orthopaedic Research Group during the summer of 2021 as part of the Medical Student Research Program and continues to work on projects to improve clinical diagnostic standards and treatment, which he hopes to utilize when providing care to his future patients. Outside of school and research, Steven enjoys spending time wading in rivers and exploring the outdoors with his fiancée and dog.
Undergraduate Students
Erika is an undergraduate majoring in biomedical engineering and minoring in modern dance at the University of Utah. She grew up in Tucson, Arizona but most recently is from Boulder, Colorado. After watching a TED talk about prosthetics in middle school, she became fascinated with biomedical engineering. She now looks forward to a future career in biomechanics or bioinstrumentation and hopes the Orthopaedic Research Laboratory can be an opportunity to help her reach that dream. In her free time, Erika enjoys dancing, baking, and crafting.
Jordan is an undergraduate student enrolled in the Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering programs at the University of Utah, and has recently been accepted into the Biomedical Engineering BS/MS program. Formerly a Navy Nuclear Submarine Electrician, Jordan is currently researching the pathogenesis of pilon fracture-induced post-traumatic osteoarthritis. They are interested in researching internal power generation for supplying implanted medical devices, the pathogenesis and prevention of ankle and foot mobility impairing ailments, and osteointegration of lower body implanted medical devices. In their free time, they enjoy sport climbing, playing tabletop roleplaying games, hiking, and consuming interactive media.
Visiting Scholars
Takuma is a research fellowship from Japan (2022-2024). After graduating from Nara Medical University in Japan in 2014, he joined the Department of Orthopedic Surgery there as an Orthopedic Surgeon. He is a Japanese board of orthopedic surgery and sports doctor. His major is in foot and ankle surgery and sports medicine, and in his research, biomechanics of the foot and ankle using image analysis. He received his PhD from the same university in 2022. Then he came to Utah University. When he is not in the lab, He enjoys watching sports, of which soccer is his favorite. He also enjoys weekend trips with his family since he came to the U.S.
