Ruth Nicholson Klepfer

(612) 922-4507, (612) 624-5817
rklepfer@cs.utah.edu

EDUCATION
Ph.D. Bioengineering, University of Utah, expected February 1999, 3.98/4.0
B.S.E. Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, cum laude, 1989, 3.85/4.0

RESEARCH INTERESTS
Computational Modeling of ECG Fields
Finite Element Analysis
Numerical Analysis
Digital Signal Processing
Modeling of Physiological Systems
Scientific Visualization

EXPERIENCE
University of Utah, Department of Bioengineering
Doctoral Research Project
October 1992 - present
Constructed a computer model of the macroscopic electrophysiology of the heart and torso using the finite element method. Quantified effects of three different sources of variability on simulated electrocardiographic (ECG) and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) fields. The geometry of the model was obtained from MRIs covering the entire torso with special attention given to anatomical and tissue detail near the heart. Sources of variablity studied...
Tissue Inhomogeneities and Anisotropies:

Quantifed effects of inclusion or exclusion of conductive properties of specific tissues.
Considered 7 regions of inhomogeneity and six levels of skeletal muscle anisotropy.

Modeling Approaches for Anisotropy:

Developed 3 original approaches for modeling skeletal muscle anisotropy including an anatomically based approach using 40 individual muscle regions.
Compared the effects of these and two methods used in previous research on simulation results of ECG fields.

Adaptive P-refinement:

Developed code to apply adaptive p-refinementto the model.
Quantified the effects of an adaptive approach on the numerical accuracy.
Simulated ECG fields and fields generated by an ICD.

Project involved extensive coding of the numerical analysis, finite element methods, data analysis techniques as well as an understanding of electrophysiology and cardiology.

Medtronic Inc., Tachyarrythimia Research Internship
January 1997 - April 1997
Constructed three dimensional finite element brick model of the human torso from MR images used in the testing and development of ICDs. Images used demonstrated specific cardiac pathology (ventricular hypertrophy) previously not included in finite element torso models. Model was constructed from over 60 images and more than 50 different regions were segmented.

Andersen Consulting, Senior Consultant
August 1989 - October 1992
Experience in: project management, ISO 9000 pre-audits and compliance, developing project implementation strategy, managing client relations, manufacturing process improvement, instructional presentation, supervision, quality management, software design, coding and testing.

Heart Valve Manufacturer

Detailed analysis of manufacturing quality assurance system and quality control.

Assessed materials flow, work in process and inventory storage.

Developed implementation strategy to improve overall quality, reduce possibility for error and decrease costs.

Environmental Testing Lab

Evaluated working procedures for sample testing to reduce lead time and improve quality.

Suggested opportunities for improvement through automation and procedural changes.

ISO 9000 - Manufacturing

Developed a 3 hour mini-course on ISO 9000 compliance for manufacturing companies.

Taught course to middle and upper management as well as factory line employees.

3M, Co-op Student Biomedical Engineer
January 1987 - August 1988

Assessment and Therapy/Clinical Research

Conducted in-house clinical tests on developmental medical products (electrodes, conductive and non-conductive adhesives) for strength of adhesion, impedance, and skin reactions.

Coordinated clinical study of these products at a local hospital.

SARNS

Designed and built a mock circulatory system for a pediatric ventricle assist device (PVAD).

Responsible for complete implementation of system: determination of requirements and constraints, conceptual design, mechanical drawing, and assembling machined pieces.

Determined appropriate instrumentation, calibration and correlation to physiology.

Optimized the molding process for the polyethylene bladder of the device.

Vision Care

Assisted in modifying design modifications for fluorocarbon contact lenses to improve fit and consistency in the molding process using Unigraphics CAD.

PUBLICATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

X. Min, R.N. Klepfer, R. Mehra. "An ICD patient finite element analysis model for atrial and ventricular defibrillation". Medtronic 16th Annual Science and Technology Conference, 1997.

R.N. Klepfer, C.R. Johnson, R.S. MacLeod, "The Effects of Inhomogeneities and Anisotropies on Electrocardiographic Fields: A Three-Dimensional Finite Element Study".
IEEE Trans. on Biomedical Eng., pp. 706-719, Vol. 44 No.8, 1997.
IEEE EMBS 17th Annual International Conference. Poster, abstract. pp. 233-234, 1995.

R.N. Klepfer, "Introduction to the Finite Element Method", "Simulation Studies of ECG Fields using FEM",
University of Minnesota, Guest Lecturer, 1996,
Applications of High Performance Computing in Biomedical Engineering (BMEn 5004).

R.N. Klepfer, C.R. Johnson, "The Effects of Inhomogeneities and Anisotropies on Electrocardiographic Fields: A Three-Dimensional Finite Element Study". Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Fall Conference, 1996.

HONORS

University of Utah Presidential Fellow (1992-1993)
University of Utah, Graduate Student Advisory Committee, co-chair (1992-1994)
University of Iowa Presidential Scholarship (1985-1989)
Iowa Consulting Engineers Council Scholarship (1988)
Alpha Eta Mu Beta Biomedical Engineering Honors Society (1988-1989)
National Merit Scholar (1985)
MASWE Memorial Scholarhsip (1988)
Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Fraternity (1987)
NCAA Division I Academic All-American, volleyball (1986)

Last updated December 1998. Click here for my home page.