Dr Eryn Kwon is a Senior Research Fellow at the Mātai Medical Research Institute, where she leads the concussion research programme. Her work is dedicated to improving our understanding and treatment of mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), otherwise known as concussion.

Eryn completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Auckland, earning a combined Bachelor of Engineering and Science degree, with majors in biomedical engineering, physics, and chemistry. She continued her studies at the same university for her Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, focusing on forensic modelling. This research extended into her Ph.D., where her thesis, titled “Anatomically realistic physical and computational models of cranial ballistic impact and associated backspatter,” explored how blood spatter from gunshot wounds can be analysed to help forensic investigators link patterns at crime scenes to specific events.

Now at Mātai, Eryn uses her expertise to study mTBI/concussion, collaborating with the Auckland Bioengineering Institute and the Centre for Brain Research. Her research focuses on modelling the brain’s complex structures and understanding the rapid changes that occur after injuries. She is particularly interested in gathering data to develop a system for detecting concussion biomarkers. 

Combined with the advanced MRI imaging technology at Mātai, her work aims to create a precise model of concussion that provides accurate assessments and tailored predictions for each individual’s injury and recovery scenario. This work is essential for improving the diagnosis and treatment of concussions and enhancing patient outcomes.