Kristina Rinker heads up the Centre for Bioengineering Research and Education

Kristina (Tina) Rinker has been appointed the new director of the Centre for Bioengineering Research and Education (CBRE), effective July 1. She will serve in this role for a five-year term.

“I am very excited to take on this new role. The bioengineering community in the Schulich School of Engineering is outstanding and biomedical engineering is a strategic research priority at the university, which presents unique opportunities” says Rinker.

She first began a position in the Centre for Bioengineering Education (CBE) and the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering in 2005. Rinker is strongly involved with the development and instruction of courses in the undergraduate biomedical engineering specialization. She also has a joint appointment in the Faculty of Medicine’s Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, and is a member of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta.

As director, Rinker wants to build on the successes achieved to date. “My vision is to continue the excellent programs offered by the CBRE and expand interactions with industry, government and the community, in accordance with the Eyes High strategic direction.”

Rinker is also the principal investigator of the Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering Research Laboratory (CMBRL), with a focus upon cardiovascular disease and cancer.  Her primary research space is in the CCIT building adjacent to the Engineering Complex.  She is actively involved in technology development and commercialization, and industry and government partnerships.  She brings to the CBRE director’s role extensive experience in biomedical engineering across campus, along with prior experience at Duke University and Colorado State University.

 “I am looking forward to interacting with everyone who is involved with, and interested in, bioengineering research and education in the Schulich School of Engineering.  Together, we will promote a vibrant, inclusive, interactive, and productive program,” says Rinker.