Research Associate
Ben Christensen is a research associate in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Utah where he performs research for both the National Venter for Voice and Speech and the Keck Center for Tissue Engineering. He also co-instructs courses on fundamentals of bioengineering and biomaterials.
Dr. Christensen received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Bioengineering. He is an active member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Society for Biomaterials, and Society for Neuroscience.
Dr. Christensen’s current research for the NCVS involves development of a foam bi-layer system for rheological testing which would allow testing of materials at resonance frequencies dependant on the bi-layer properties. This would facilitate testing at strain rates comparable to those found in vocal fold tissue while still being able to maintain the relatively low frequencies necessary with the use of a rheometer. Further, a bi-layer system would allow for testing of liquids or soft gels whose restoring force would otherwise not make them suitable for rheological testing.
