Marguerite Matherne

Marguerite Matherne serves as an Associate Teaching Professor in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University's College of Engineering. Her appointment follows a distinguished doctoral trajectory at Georgia Tech where her biomechanics research gained international recognition through features in the New York Times, Science, and Discovery Channel Canada.

Education

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology (2021)
• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology (2016)

Research Focus

Professor Matherne's dual research program investigates biological particle manipulation systems and engineering pedagogy. Her biomechanics work reveals how honey bees manage pollen through specialized hairs and pollenkitt, and how mammals utilize tail movements for mosquito repulsion—findings with implications for soft materials manufacturing. Concurrently, she pioneers evidence-based teaching methodologies including active learning and universal design principles in mechanics education.

Publication Analysis

Her 2017-2024 publications demonstrate clear dual trajectories: biological studies focus on fluid-structure interactions in pollination and animal defense mechanisms, while educational research quantifies pedagogical effectiveness in mechanics instruction. The biomechanics work consistently bridges fundamental biological observations with engineering applications, particularly in soft matter and adhesion phenomena.

Scientific Recognition

• National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
• Georgia Tech President’s Fellowship
• Best Presentation Award at ASEE 2024 Annual Conference

Educational Leadership

Matherne implements Tech to Teaching Certificate methodologies including just-in-time teaching frameworks that demonstrably improve student learning outcomes in Mechanics of Materials. Her mentorship extends to undergraduate researchers, with students receiving Spring 2025 PEAK Experiences Awards for projects conducted under her guidance. She actively contributes to engineering affinity groups including SWE and SHPE through the College of Engineering's recognition programs.