Bonnie Sumner

Visiting Instructor, Biology

Bonnie Sumner began as an adjunct instructor at UP in the fall of 2018. She honed her skills teaching anatomy and physiology laboratories and lectures for the last two years. She is excited to not only continue teaching as a visiting instructor, but expand her efforts advocating and mentoring students at UP. Bonnie completed her undergraduate degree at University of Colorado in anthropology and integrative physiology, and her master’s degree at Stony Brook University in anatomical sciences. Her research is focused on the biomechanics of bipedal walking, which she has applied to several fields. This broad multidisciplinary research was applied to comparisons of human and chimpanzee walking, orthopedic patients with implanted devices, textile electromyography electrodes for remote monitoring, and muscle function in healthy adults. She has published her research in peer reviewed journals and presented at several national scientific conferences. Besides her work as an academic, Bonnie has applied her skills to other industries. She was a tissue recovery technician at Lions Visiongift, the local eye bank, performing sterile cornea removals. She has given back to her community by not only teaching, but also helping to restore sight. When Bonnie is not working she enjoys hiking, cooking, yoga, art, biking, and reading. Although not originally from Portland, she has fallen for the community spirit and kindness of the city.