FACULTY
Kathryn Havens, PhD
Associate Professor of Clinical Physical Therapy
University of Southern California
1540 Alcazar Street, CHP 155,
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9006
Dr. Kate Havens specializes in biomechanics and anatomical science. As a passionate educator, she teaches Anatomy in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, as well as in the Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy and Keck School of Medicine. Her interest in online education led her to translate her courses to a hybrid learning format and lead others within the division, through the DPT@USC Development Team, and outside the university, through workshops and tutorials.
Her research interest is perinatal health. She studies biopsychosocial aspects of new motherhood and focuses her laboratory work on biomechanics underlying lumbopelvic pain and dysfunction in postpartum mothers. Her current work is on a fundamental aspect of early motherhood — transportation of infants. Caregiving is an all-consuming occupation, and new mothers often continue to suffer from pregnancy-related pain and body changes while also caring for their new baby. These new babies matter too! Dr. Havens also collaborates on infant motor development research through the Development of Infant Motor Performance Laboratory and Infant Neuromotor Control Laboratory. Together, she aims to use her expertise and an interdisciplinary approach to further the body of research knowledge available to provide high-quality, evidence-based care to this community.
- Doctor of Philosophy, Biokinesiology, University of Southern California, 2013
- Master of Science, Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, 2005
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2004