Dr. Katherine Grigoriou
Dr. Katherine Grigoriou
Dr Katherine Grigoriou is an aerospace composites researcher and lecturer in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Monash University. Her research focuses on the long-term durability and environmental degradation of advanced fibre-reinforced composites used in aerospace and protective applications. Her work combines experimental mechanics, finite element modelling, and applied materials science to support data-driven policy, enhance safety, and extend the service life of critical structures. She collaborates closely with industry and government agencies on projects with real-world impact.
Dr Grigoriou has previously worked in the Defence sector within the Platforms Division, where she supported the sustainment of aircraft. Her work contributed to the evaluation of structural integrity, ageing aircraft programs, and life extension strategies—experience that continues to shape her industry-informed research in aerospace composites.
Dr Grigoriou is a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion in engineering. As the 2023–2024 Chair of the Department’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee, she actively leads initiatives that support underrepresented groups in STEM, including mentoring programs, inclusive teaching practices, and policy development. She is especially committed to supporting women in engineering and aerospace, empowering early-career researchers and students to thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace), RMIT University
- Doctor of Philosophy (Aerospace Engineering), RMIT University
Expertise
- Composite Materials Durability
Specialises in the environmental and mechanical degradation of fibre-reinforced composites, particularly under hygrothermal, UV, and mechanical stressors. Research focuses on understanding damage mechanisms that influence long-term performance in aerospace applications.
- Composite Characterisation and Testing
Experienced in experimental characterisation of fibre-matrix systems, including thermal, mechanical, and microstructural analysis to assess durability, ageing effects, and material property evolution under simulated operational conditions.
- Multifunctional Composites and Thermal-Mechanical Modelling
Experienced in characterising and modelling multifunctional composites, including thermoelastic stress analysis and electrical behaviour, to support damage tracking, failure prediction, and aircraft structural health monitoring.
- Fire Performance of Composite and Hybrid Materials
Specialist in evaluating and enhancing the fire structural performance of fibre-reinforced polymer composites, fibre-metal laminates, and multifunctional sandwich structures, with a focus on aerospace and lightweight applications.
Other Professional Services
Head of Culture, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (2025 – )
Chair, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering – Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee (2023–2024)
Committee Member
- Department Executive Committee (2025- )
- Department Advisory Committee (2024-2025)
- Department Research Committee (2023-2024)
- Early Career Researcher Committee (2023-2024)
- Industry Advisory Committee (2023-2025)
Awards and Recognitions
2024 Early Career Researcher (ECR) Support Grant Recipient
Awarded competitive funding to advance research on the durability and degradation of composite materials for aerospace and protective applications.
2023 Teaching Award Nominee
Nominated for excellence in teaching, recognising strong student engagement, inclusive learning design, and innovative assessment practices.
2026 Monash Accelerating Women’s Success Grant, $5,000
2026 Monash Research Node Grant, $18,500
2026 Monash Research Talent Accelerator Grant, $30,000
2025 ARC Research Training for High Speed Propulsion, Rocket and Launch Systems, $5.0 M
2024 Early Career Researcher (ECR) Support Grant Recipient $10,000
Supervision
PHD
Mathew P
Assessing the Environmental Durability of Kevlar in Explosive Ordnance Disposal Suits to Support Evidence-Based Life Extension Policies
2024
Son T
Synergistic Degradation of CFRP Laminates Under Hygrothermal, Cryogenic, and Mechanical Loading for Aerospace Applications
2024
Undergraduate
Connor M
Numerical Modelling Of Ultraviolet Degradation Of Aerospace Grade Carbon Fibre Epoxy Laminates
2024 to 2024
Ashish J, Caroline L, Jayanth S, Karina F
MHPR Composite Landing Legs
2024 to 2024
Eliza N, Eliza H, Anthony B
Food Waste at Monash
2024 to 2024
Sineka K, Isaac V
Effect of Fibre Orientation on Hygrothermal Conditioning Effects of Aerospace Grade Carbon Fibre Epoxy Laminates
2024 to 2024
Liam W, Marcus S, Ayra F
Effect of Ageing Temperature on the Moisture Uptake and Hygrothermal Degradation of Aerospace Grade Carbon Fibre Epoxy Laminates
2024 to 2024
Jude R, Tom H, Lachlan H
Industry Project (Strider Aerospace): development and optimisation of a novel modular space-frame airframe architecture.
2026
Anton C, Lachlan H, Jasmine M
Industry Project (Victoria Police): Stab Performance of Soft Armour After Environmental Degradation
2026
Nickhil P, Jonathon L, Amber D
Industry Project (ACS-A): Thermal Modelling of Ablative Materials
2026
Rahul M, Ashwath R
Industry Project (ACS-A): Optimising Carbon Preform Architecture
2026
Teaching Commitments
- MAE4426 - Finite Element Analysis and Composite Structures
- MAE3411 - Aerospace Structural Mechanics