Michelle Kuykendal, PhD, Pe
About Michelle Kuykendal, PhD, Pe
Michelle Kuykendal, PhD, PE, is a Principal Engineer at Exponent, specializing in automotive electronics safety and lithium-ion battery analysis. She holds multiple degrees in Electrical Engineering and Neuroengineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology and Georgia Institute of Technology.
Current Role at Exponent
Michelle Kuykendal serves as a Principal Engineer at Exponent, a position she has held since 2024. In this role, she continues to leverage her extensive experience in engineering and technology. Prior to this, she was a Senior Managing Engineer at Exponent from 2022 to 2024, and a Managing Engineer from 2014 to 2022. All her roles have been based in Phoenix, Arizona, where she has contributed to various projects related to automotive electronics and biomedical technology.
Education and Expertise
Michelle Kuykendal holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Neuroengineering and Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, which she completed from 2008 to 2014. She also earned a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the same institution between 2006 and 2008. Additionally, she obtained two Bachelor of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology, studying from 2000 to 2005. Her educational background supports her expertise in evaluating automotive electronics and lithium-ion battery systems.
Professional Background
Michelle Kuykendal has a significant professional history in engineering, particularly in the field of electrical engineering. She began her career at Exponent in 2014 as a Managing Engineer and progressed to Senior Managing Engineer before becoming a Principal Engineer. Her work primarily focuses on the safety evaluation of automotive electronics, including throttle actuation and braking systems, as well as due diligence investigations for biomedical technology.
Research and Development Focus
Kuykendal specializes in the analysis of lithium-ion batteries, including their charging and protection circuitry. She conducts high-throughput testing for accelerated aging of electrical systems and components. Her expertise extends to evaluating medical devices for FDA compliance and ensuring compatibility with magnetic resonance imaging. This focus on research and development enhances her contributions to the engineering field.
Technical Skills and Contributions
Michelle Kuykendal possesses technical skills in evaluating the safety of automotive electronics and performing due diligence investigations. Her work includes assessing biomedical technology and intellectual property, as well as conducting rigorous testing for electrical systems. Her contributions are significant in ensuring the safety and compliance of various technologies within the automotive and medical sectors.