Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, 2023
  • M.S., Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, 2021
  • B.S., Civil Engineering, Tufts University, 2014
Licenses & Certifications
  • Professional Engineer Materials Science and Mechanics, California, #42571
  • Certified English XL Tribometrist (CXLT)
Professional Honors
  • Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Scholar
  • Tau Beta Pi – Engineering Honor Society
Professional Affiliations
  • International Radiostereometry Society
  • International Women in Biomechanics
  • Orthopedic Research Society

Dr. Niesen offers biomechanical engineering expertise in evaluating injury mechanisms, injury potential, and the kinematics of human movement under injurious versus non-injurious loading conditions.  Dr. Niesen has experience evaluating acute injuries and chronic pathologies of the head, spine, shoulder, and knee in various contexts, including motor vehicle, occupational, and recreational accidents. Her research experience includes biomechanical testing using human volunteers, cadaveric specimens, anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs) ("crash test dummies"), and computational models. Dr. Niesen's research has been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at various conferences.

Prior to joining Exponent, Dr. Niesen was a graduate researcher in the Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory at the University of California, Davis where she led a research initiative to evaluate a novel implant design in total knee replacement patients. In this role, she developed a custom radiographic imaging system and protocols that improved the accuracy of measuring knee implant stability and movement.

Dr. Niesen also has experience developing advanced biomechanical computer models and simulations in Research and Development at Stryker. Within Stryker's Joint Replacement division, she worked in close collaboration with surgeons to enhance the design of innovative concepts and conducted cadaveric research pertaining to the human knee.