Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), 2019
  • B.S., Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona, 2014
Professional Honors
  • National Institutes of Health F31 Fellow, 2017-2019
  • Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Fellow, 2016-2019
  • National Academy of Sciences Ford Foundation Fellow, 2014-2017
Professional Affiliations
  • Board Chairman, STEP Student Expedition Program
  • American Society of Biomechanics (ASB)
  • Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
Languages
  • Spanish

Dr. Grijalva's area of expertise includes human biomechanics, occupant kinematics and kinetics, cardiac mechanics, and complex biological system testing. She has conducted a variety of experimental and computation research including the development of optical imaging systems and cardiac tissue characterization.

Prior to joining Exponent, Dr. Grijalva conducted research for the Walter H. Coulter Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University. Her research focused on developing and testing models of engineered biological pacemaker tissues to treat heart rhythm disorders. Dr. Grijalva was awarded the National Institutes of Health (NIH) F31 Predoctoral Fellowship to conduct this research and served as the principal investigator. Her research projects included acquisition and analyses of optical-electrical conduction in heart muscle tissues and detection of spontaneous pacemaker activity using micro-electrode arrays. Dr. Grijalva also served as a mentor for undergraduate and high school students in Emory University SURE and PURSE program.