Kristen Helton

Kristen Helton (Lloyd) is a highly accomplished professional with a strong background in Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering. She holds a PhD in Bioengineering from the University of Washington and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Bucknell University. Kristen has held various significant positions in reputable organizations, showcasing her extensive expertise and leadership skills.

Currently, Kristen Helton serves as the Director of Strategic Initiative at Amazon, where she leads strategic projects to drive growth and innovation. Her previous roles at Amazon include Initiative Lead and Principal Research Scientist, demonstrating her versatile skill set and adaptability. Kristen has also been actively involved in promoting diversity in the field of bioengineering as a Board Member and Sponsorship Chair at Women In Bio.

Before her tenure at Amazon, Kristen was deeply engaged in the biotechnology industry. She co-founded PROFUSA Inc., where she held pivotal roles such as Board Member and Chief Product Officer. Additionally, she co-founded the company and served as VP Research, exhibiting her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to advancing healthcare technologies.

Kristen Helton's academic journey includes research and teaching positions at the University of Washington. She served as a Senior Research Scientist/Engineer, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Graduate Student/Research Assistant, and contributed to the field of mechanical engineering as a Systems Integration Engineer at Cepheid. Kristen's diverse experience further solidifies her expertise and influence in the engineering and biotechnology sectors.