Martha E. Grady

Martha E. Grady is an Associate Professor and Associate Department Chair in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Kentucky. Her research integrates synthetic and biological materials mechanics, focusing on biofilm adhesion and biomedical interfaces.

• Education: Ph.D. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2014), M.S. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2011), B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (University of Central Florida, 2008)

Her research interests include:

• Adhesion mechanics in biofilms and synthetic materials
• Biomaterial characterization for biomedical devices
• Functional interfaces in aerospace and medical applications
• Multidisciplinary collaboration (biology, dentistry, chemistry, materials science)
• Experimental solid mechanics and thin film mechanics
• Laser-induced stress waves and bacterial cell wall mechanics

Scientific awards:

• Lighthouse Beacon Foundation Scholar
• Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship for Academic Diversity (University of Pennsylvania)

Grady mentors graduate students such as Sahar Afshari (PhD), Will Anderson (MS), and former advisees JD Boyd (PhD), Amir Ehsani (MS), Joree Sandin (MS), and Lauren Mehanna (PhD). Her lab explores biomedical interfaces through experimental mechanics, advancing understanding of biofilm adhesion and medical device infections.