Anthony J. Petrella, Assistant Professor

University of Pittsburgh, Ph.D.

Dr. Petrella is director of the Computational Biomechanics Group. Areas of research interest include computational and also experimental study of the musculoskeletal system. Specific areas of focus include spine, hip, and knee mechanics.

Homepage - http://inside.mines.edu/~apetrell/
Dr. Petrella joined CSM in the fall of 2006 to continue the exciting growth of research and teaching in the area of Bioengineering. Dr. Petrella came to CSM after a 6 year career with Johnson & Johnson where he managed the computational biomechanics research group for DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. - a world leader in the design and manufacture of joint replacement implants. Dr. Petrella continues to pursue his interest in orthopaedic biomechanics and has expaneded his research focus from the knee and hip replacements designed by DePuy to also include spine biomechanics. The Computational Biomechanics Group that Dr. Petrella directs uses advanced non-linear finite element methods together with subject-specific anatomy and statistical techniques to simulate spinal function in three states: healthy, degenerated, and surgically reconstructed. The long term goal of the group's spine modeling work is to improve clinical outcomes from spine arthroplasty procedures through a deeper understanding of the variables that affect clinical success.

In the classroom Dr. Petrella teaches Computer Aided Engineering (EGGN 413), Musculoskeletal Biomechanics (EGGN/BELS 425), Computational Biomechanics (EGGN/BELS 428), and Bio-Solid Mechanics (EGGN/BELS 598). He was recently awarded a grant from the Center for Engineering Education to develop innovative teaching tools for the Bioengineering curriculum - a strong indicator of the CSM committment to excellence in engineering education.

Current Courses - Fall 2009
EGGN315A - Dynamics
EGGN428A / BELS428A - Computational Biomechanics
EGGN528A / BELS528A - Computational Biomechanics