Kara Ashcraft Ph.D.
About Kara Ashcraft Ph.D.
Kara Ashcraft, Ph.D., is a Clinical Research Scientist specializing in biomechanics and human sport performance for athletes with lower limb impairment. She has extensive experience in research and clinical settings, having worked at various organizations including SI-BONE and Orthopedic Associates, LLC.
Current Role at SI-BONE
Kara Ashcraft serves as a Clinical Research Scientist at SI-BONE, a position she has held since 2024. In this role, she focuses on advancing clinical research initiatives related to musculoskeletal health. Her work involves applying her expertise in biomechanics to enhance understanding of spinal conditions and treatments. She collaborates with a team of professionals to design and implement research studies that contribute to the development of innovative solutions in the field.
Previous Experience at ActiVie, LLC
Before joining SI-BONE, Kara Ashcraft worked as a Research Scientist at ActiVie, LLC for five months in 2023. During her tenure, she contributed to research projects that aimed to improve health outcomes through innovative approaches. Her role involved applying her knowledge in biomechanics and human physiology to support the company's research objectives.
Education and Expertise in Biomechanics
Kara Ashcraft earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biomechanics from the University of Colorado Boulder, where she studied from 2017 to 2023. Her doctoral research focused on the biomechanics of running and long jump, examining the impact of prosthetic design and muscle activation on athletic performance and injury risk. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology/Pre-Nursing from Metropolitan State University of Denver and a Bachelor of Arts in Physiology from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Research Contributions and Specializations
Kara Ashcraft has conducted significant research on human sport performance, particularly for athletes with lower limb impairments and amputations. She utilized motion capture, force plates, and musculoskeletal modeling in her studies. Her work emphasizes the importance of understanding joint stiffness and muscle activation in relation to performance and injury prevention. She has collaborated with interdisciplinary experts to further scientific knowledge and improve clinical practices in biomechanics.
Early Career and Background
Kara Ashcraft began her career in the fitness industry, working as a Personal Trainer at Equinox from 2009 to 2011. She later transitioned to a role as a Medical Assistant at Orthopedic Associates, LLC from 2011 to 2014 in the Greater Denver Area. These early experiences provided her with a foundation in health and fitness, which she built upon through her academic pursuits and subsequent research roles.