Kari Anastasia is the Director of Engineering-Innovation & Product Development, leading product development initiatives within the Institute’s Idea to Reality Center. With a background in MedTech R&D, she has extensive experience in the development of novel technologies for endovascular, neurosurgical, and orthopedic applications. Kari oversees engineering programs to achieve key milestones, ranging from the creation of functional proof-of-concept devices to extensive safety and efficacy evaluations to support regulatory submissions.

With a strong focus on guiding projects through critical development phases, Kari ensures that devices progress efficiently from concept to clinical investigation, meeting the necessary regulatory and safety standards. She was instrumental in implementing the Institute’s ISO 13485 quality management system, designed to support both start-ups and strategic partners. This system has successfully enabled the progression of devices through to EFS studies, all conducted within the Institute.

Kari holds a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering and a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University at Buffalo (UB). Additionally, she holds certificates in Entrepreneurship from Harvard Business School and Engineering Leadership from Cornell University. Kari also serves on the Industry Advisory Council for UB’s Biomedical Engineering department and is an alumna of the WNY Prosperity Fellowship Program, which supports entrepreneurial talent in Western New York.