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Katie Matlack
Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Professional Background
Katie Matlack is a distinguished researcher and academic specializing in the fields of acoustics and mechanics of materials. With a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience, she has dedicated her professional career to the innovative design of materials that actively manage and control acoustic and elastic wave propagation. Serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Katie is passionate about advancing the understanding of wave mechanisms and their applications in various high-tech domains.
Her cutting-edge research focuses on the development of tailored materials that provide passive solutions for controlling the flow of acoustic and elastic information. This focus contributes significantly to diverse applications such as nonlinear ultrasonic imaging, which aims to enhance imaging capabilities in complex materials, and elastic metamaterial design that explores the manipulation of material properties to achieve enhanced vibration absorption and elastic cloaking - processes essential for improving the performance and durability of engineering materials in practical applications. Her innovative contributions are poised to intersect with numerous industries, leading to advancements in sound control, structural integrity, and material science.
Education and Achievements
Katie Matlack's academic journey is marked by her rigorous training in mechanical engineering, beginning with her Bachelor of Science degree from the esteemed Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). At MIT, she laid the foundation for her understanding of mechanical systems and materials science, further reinforced by her Master's degree and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Her comprehensive education provided her with a robust framework for tackling complex engineering challenges.
Throughout her time at Georgia Institute of Technology, she honed her research skills as a National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellow. This pivotal role allowed Katie to engage in high-level research while working closely with leading academics in the field. Additionally, she gained practical teaching experience as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and contributed to curriculum development through her role as a Teaching Practicum Assistant, where she refined her abilities to educate and inspire the next generation of engineers.
Career Highlights
After earning her Ph.D., Katie's expertise led her to a prestigious position as an ETH Postdoctoral Fellow at ETH Zurich, one of the leading universities in science and technology globally. Her time in Switzerland was a transformative period that expanded her research horizon, enabling her to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the field of mechanical engineering. This opportunity allowed her to explore groundbreaking research themes, solidifying her role as a leader in the realm of acoustics and mechanics.
In her current position at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Katie engages with undergraduate and graduate students, imparting her knowledge while encouraging them to pursue innovative ideas in mechanical engineering. Her dedication to education and research, combined with her expertise in developing advanced sensing systems and materials manipulation, positions her as a significant contributor to engineering education and research in acoustics.
Achievements
Katie Matlack's achievements highlight her commitment to excellence in her field. As a successful NSF Graduate Research Fellow, she has contributed valuable insights to the realms of acoustic imaging and material mechanics. Her publications and presentations reflect her pioneering work on various projects related to vibration absorption and metamaterial development, establishing her as an authority in these areas. Through her research endeavors, Katie continues to inspire both her colleagues and students while driving forward the boundaries of mechanical engineering. As she progresses in her career, she remains dedicated to fostering innovation within the academic community and translating her findings into practical applications that benefit society.
