Maria Elizete Kunkel

In 2024, I received the Unifesp 30 Years Women Scientists Award, granted by the Vice Rectorates of Graduate Studies and Research and of Extension and Culture at UNIFESP, in recognition of my technological extension activities aligned with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being). I hold a Bachelor's degree in Physics (UFC), a specialization in Scientific Journalism (UNICAMP), a Master's degree in Bioengineering (USP), and a Ph.D. in Biomechanics from Universität Ulm, Germany. I also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Institut für Bionik at Westfälische Hochschule, Germany. Currently, I am an Associate Professor in the Biomedical Engineering program at the Institute of Science and Technology of the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) and a Visiting Professor at the Institut für Bionik at Westfälische Hochschule. At UNIFESP, I coordinate the Professional Graduate Program in Technological Innovation, which is a pioneer in Brazil for offering a professional doctorate in the field. I founded and coordinate the 3D Orthoses and Prostheses Laboratory (LOP3D), a reference center for developing assistive devices using advanced manufacturing, and lead the Biomechanics and Assistive Technology Research Group. I am also the founder and coordinator of the Mao3D social program, dedicated to prosthetics and rehabilitation for amputees. I serve as Vice President of the Brazilian Society of Biomechanics and as the principal investigator of several projects funded by national and international agencies, such as CNPq, FAPESP, FINEP, Newton Fund (UK), International Development Research Centre (IDRC, Canada), and DAAD (Germany). Additionally, I am a partner at Limbse, a startup developing innovative health solutions with a focus on assistive technologies, and an active member of scientific and social organizations, including the Brazilian Society for the Advancement of Science (SBPC), the Board of Trustees of the USP Support Foundation, and the International Women in Biomechanics group. I previously served as Regional Chair for Latin America at Women in 3D Printing. Contact: Email: elizete.kunkel@unifesp.br , Website: www.mao3d.com.br and Instagram: @maria_elizete_kunkel (Source: Lattes Curriculum)