Kyriaki Kalaitzidou

Kyriaki Kalaitzidou is the Rae S. and Frank H. Neely Professor and Associate Chair for Faculty Development at the G.W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology. She holds an adjunct appointment in the School of Materials Science and Engineering. Her research focuses on manufacturing, mechanics of materials, and polymer nanocomposites, with applications in sustainable energy efficiency and biomedical fields. She earned her Ph.D. from Michigan State University (2006) and has held postdoctoral and academic roles, including at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Education:

• Ph.D., Michigan State University, 2006
• M.S., Michigan Technological University, 2002
• Diploma in Chemical Engineering, Polytechnic School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, 1998

Research Interests: Dr. Kalaitzidou’s work spans multifunctional polymer nanocomposites, stimuli-responsive materials, interfacial interactions, and sustainable manufacturing. Her innovations include strain-engineered responsive particles and eco-friendly coolants using nanoplatelets. Her research emphasizes energy efficiency, biodegradable polymers, and applications in automotive and biomedical sectors.

Awards:

• Rae S. and Frank H. Neely Professor (2019)
• International Quadrant Award Competition, 3rd Place (2007)
• Michigan State University Dissertation Completion Fellowship (2005)

Teaching & Advising: She trains graduate and undergraduate students in polymer processing, characterization, and material design. Her students gain expertise in extrusion, injection molding, and advanced techniques like thermomechanical and rheological analysis.