Faculty Directory

Biography

Dr. Knaus’s research uses engineering principles to explain fundamental biomechanics of multiscale muscle design needed to solve problems that will improve human mobility, health, and performance. As director of the MyoEngineering Lab, she applies mechanical engineering expertise to myology, the study of muscle structure-function, using detailed computer simulations of complex muscle-tendon structures and innovative experimental measurements of human biomechanics and physiology.  Before joining Colorado School of Mines, Dr. Knaus received her BS in Mechanical Engineering and Physics and PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Virginia. She also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California San Diego with the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance. She is an active member of the American Society of Biomechanics, American College of Sports Medicine, American Society of Mechanical Engineers Bioengineering Division, and the International Women in Biomechanics.

Research

• Multiscale mechanical interactions of muscle and tendon
• Finite element modeling of 3D muscle and connective tissue structures
• Relationships between mobility performance and musculoskeletal properties that vary with age, sex, exercise, and injury

Labs & Research Centers

• MyoEngineering Lab

Publications

• See publications in Google Scholar

Additional Information

Recent Courses

• Introduction to Finite Element Analysis
• Musculoskeletal Biomechanics