Debra D. Charlesworth

Biography

Debra Charlesworth began her career at Michigan Tech as an undergraduate student in mechanical engineering. At Northwestern University, she studied biomedical engineering and her research focused on the development and characterization of a novel composite biomaterial to improve the longevity of total hip replacements.  Returning to Michigan Tech, her research program developed new biomaterials and characterization methods for them. She is also interested in engineering education, co-authoring several papers on the topic and presenting at meetings. Currently, Debra is the Assistant Dean of the Graduate School for Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.  She is primarily responsible for leading orientation for new graduate students, reviewing theses and dissertations, improving degree processes for current students, and working with students to help them succeed in graduate school.