Dr. Kristina Petersen is joining the Office of Education as the Assistant Dean for Student Success and Access. Dr. Petersen holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Cardiff University and brings with her a wealth of teaching and administrative experience. She has previously served as the Assistant Dean of College Academic Support Programs, Graduate Biochemistry 1 and 2 Course Director, and Co-Director of the Office of Academic Support and Counseling at both New York Medical College and Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Dr. Petersen’s extensive experience includes roles such as Associate Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Co-Module Director of the Fundamental Principles of Disease course. She has also been a dedicated advocate for students with disabilities, having created and implemented a longitudinal disabilities inclusion curriculum and developed numerous educational initiatives to support student success.
Her research and work in medical education have earned her numerous accolades, including the 2022 Alpha Omega Alpha/Association of American Medical Colleges Robert J. Glaser Distinguished Teacher Award and the 2022 Coalition for Disability Access in Health Science Education Award for Excellence in Scholarship in Disability Inclusion. She has been an active contributor to the field, with publications and presentations on topics such as academic remediation for medical students with disabilities and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical student resilience.
In her new role, Dr. Petersen will work with Dr. Nichole Zehnder, Associate Dean for Educational Strategy, to support our MD students with varying abilities and academic challenges. She will ensure our medical students are equipped to provide competent and compassionate care to individuals with disabilities. Her extensive experience and skills will be invaluable as we continue to build on the exceptional work of the Office of Education at WashU Medicine.
Kristina’s husband, Kellen, is a researcher in the neurosciences building and they have two daughters, ages 3 and 5, Caroline and Adella. As a family, they love to swim, dance, and sing!
“I am excited to join such a dynamic team of medical educators and to work collaboratively to support and enhance access for students. I look forward to learning from so many talented people,” said Petersen.
Please join us in welcoming her to our team!