Kirsten Tulchin-Francis, PhD

Kirsten Tulchin Francis

Contact Information

Learn more about Kirsten Tulchin-Francis
Biography

With nearly 25 years of experience in biomechanics, Kirsten Tulchin-Francis, PhD, has been studying the science behind how children and young adults with orthopedic and neurological conditions walk, jump and play through motion capture. MoCap, as it is frequently referred in the movie and video game industry, uses high-speed cameras, special force sensing plates in the floor and computers to track the 3D movement of the head, arms, legs, and feet as kids walk, squat, bend and run. Along with doctors, physical therapists, engineers, and other researchers, Dr. Tulchin-Francis studies how surgery and other treatment options improves the function and lives of young patients. She holds Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in biomedical engineering and a PhD in Kinesiology- Biomechanics.

Patient Care
Academic and Clinical Areas
  • Orthopedic Innovation Fellowship
    Faculty
  • Primary Department
    Orthopedics
Awards, Honors & Organizations
  • Finalist, D-Magazine Healthcare Innovator of the Year, 2021
  • Best Poster Award, Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society, 2021
  • AAAS IF/THEN Ambassador, Lyda Hill Philanthropies, 2021
  • Women Who STEAM Award, The Links, Inc-Dallas Chapter, 2019
  • Best Poster Award, Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society, 2016
  • Best Clinical Paper, Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America, 2009
  • Best Poster Award, Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society, 2008
  • Board of Directors, Member-at-Large, Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine, 2022 - Present
  • Research Committee Chair-Elect, Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine, 2022 - Present
  • President, Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society, 2021 - Present
  • Motion Analysis Research Interest Group Chair, Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine, 2021 - Present
  • Associate Member, Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America, 2020 - Present
  • Research Committee Member, Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America, 2017 - 2019
  • Secretary/Treasurer, Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society, 2016 - 2020
  • Candidate Associate Member, Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America, 2013 - 2020
  • Member, Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society, 1998 - Present
  • Member, American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine
  • Member, American College of Sports Medicine
  • Member, American Society of Biomechanics
  • Member, International Society of Biomechanics
Education

Graduate School Texas Woman's University Date Completed: 05/11/2012
Graduate School Marquette University Date Completed: 08/31/2001
Undergraduate School Trinity College Date Completed: 05/28/1998
Clinical Interests
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Hip Disorders
  • Limb Deficiency
  • Neurological Movement Disorders
  • Scoliosis
Contact Information
Orthopedics