Jazmin Merae Cruz, Phd

I am a biomechanist with over 9 years of research experience. With a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (Biomechanics specialization), I focus on designing and conducting human subjects research using motion capture systems, wearable sensors, and advanced biomechanical modeling to assess user performance, ergonomics, and injury risk.

During my undergraduate studies, I worked at Ethicon San Angelo, a Johnson & Johnson company known for producing medical sutures. This experience opened my eyes to the impact engineers can have in healthcare, motivating me to pursue graduate research focused on human-centered design. My passion for injury biomechanics has only grown as I work to make meaningful advancements in the field.

During my graduate studies, I began working at my university as a tutor for students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum disorders at the TECHniques Center (TC). My experience at the TC allowed me to foster a mentor-mentee relationship with my students beyond my tutoring job title in ways like guiding their resume writing, preparing them for interviews, and coaching their time management. This experience inspired me to ensure my career allows time for me to continue mentoring while conducting meaningful research.

Currently, I am a Biomedical Research Engineer at the Air Force Research Laboratory in Dayton, Ohio, where I use my biomechanics expertise to enhance human performance and safety for our warfighters. My work centers on using computational modeling (e.g. OpenSim, LS-DYNA) to study spinal forces in various scenarios, helping us understand and prevent injuries.

Beyond research, I’m deeply committed to fostering community and professional development. As a co-founder of Latinx in Biomechanix, I lead and contribute to initiatives focused on mentorship, inclusivity, and productivity, always striving to uplift and empower those around me.