Erika Palmer

Erika Palmer, PhD is a lecturer in the Social Impact track at the ATLAS Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder, where she teaches Fieldwork Methods and the Technology for Social Impact Lab. Her work sits at the intersection of science, education, and inclusion, with a focus on equitable access to innovation in both healthcare and learning environments. She is particularly interested in how design and technology can support equity in healthcare and STEM education.

With over 20 years of experience in the medical device industry, Erika is a health technology innovator and consultant specializing in innovation strategy and product development. She has been part of the founding team of two early-stage medical device startups and currently advises companies working at the interface of engineering and clinical need. She also serves as an Advisor for the Program Development Associate Initiative at the Stanford Mussallem Center for Biodesign.

In addition to her academic and professional work, Erika is deeply engaged in STEM education at the K–12 level. She serves on the Board of Directors at Prospect Ridge Academy, a K–12 charter school focused on math and science, and Broomfield STEM, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding inclusive, high-quality STEM learning opportunities for youth.

Erika earned her PhD in Bioengineering from the joint program at UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco, an MS in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley, and a BS in Bioengineering from UC San Diego. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship in medical device innovation at the Stanford Mussallem Center for Biodesign.