The College of Podiatric Medicine (CPM) is proud to congratulate Jill Kawalec, Ph.D., on her promotion to Professor this July. Dr. Kawalec has a Bachelor of Bioengineering degree from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as a master’s degree and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, both earned from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.
Originally hired with the former Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in 1996, Dr. Kawalec began her career with the college as an Assistant Professor and Director of Research. Following the acquisition of OCPM by Kent State University in 2012, she was promoted to Associate Professor and Division Head of Research. She now serves as Professor and Division Head for Pre-Clinical Sciences while maintaining her role as Director of Research.
Dr. Kawalec’s research expertise has been demonstrated not only through her home base at CPM but also at Kent State University’s Liquid Crystal Institute and the Fashion School through the development of a fabric that may provide an early warning sign to one of the biggest risks of diabetes. Thanks to Dr. Kawalec’s research and partnership with teams from the Liquid Crystal Institute and Fashion School, the unique fabric was constructed so that any infection, causing an increase in temperature, or poor circulation that causes a decrease in temperature, can be detected by a sock. Patients wear the socks in the morning and if they notice a change in color, most likely blue or green indicating heat, they would call the doctor. The team hopes to have the sock on the market in a few years.
At CPM, Dr. Kawalec oversees the daily operation of the Research Office. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she provides the administrative oversight for all the research performed at CPM and chairs its Institutional Review Board/Research Committee. Dr. Kawalec works closely with faculty and students every day, developing and conducting research in their areas of interest.
Please join CPM in congratulating Dr. Kawalec on her recent promotion and thanking her for her years of service to the community.