معرفی
Martha Grady serves as Associate Professor and Associate Department Chair in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Kentucky's Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering. Her research integrates mechanical engineering principles with biomedical applications through the Grady Lab, where she leads experimental investigations into thin film adhesion mechanics at biological interfaces.
Her educational background includes:
- 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)
Grady's research centers on experimental solid mechanics applied to biomedical challenges, particularly biofilm adhesion on medical implants. She pioneers laser-induced spallation techniques to quantify adhesion forces in biological systems, bridging mechanical engineering with dentistry, microbiology, and materials science. Her work addresses critical problems in medical device infections by developing novel measurement approaches for biofilm adhesion strength on titanium implant surfaces.
Analysis of her recent publications reveals consistent focus on biofilm mechanics across dental, orthopedic, and space medicine applications. Key trends include development of standardized adhesion measurement protocols, investigation of surface modification effects on bacterial attachment, and exploration of nanoparticle transport through biofilm matrices. Her research spans from fundamental mechanics to clinical applications, with strong emphasis on translational outcomes.
Scientific recognition includes:
- Lighthouse Beacon Foundation Scholar designation
- NSF CAREER Award for biofilm mechanics research
- Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship for Academic Diversity at University of Pennsylvania
Grady actively mentors graduate students through competitive stipend programs, with trainees pursuing careers in academia, national laboratories, and industry. Her research program is supported by significant external funding including NASA EPSCoR grants for space-related biofilm studies and NSF funding for fundamental mechanics research. She maintains strong interdisciplinary collaborations across UK's Colleges of Engineering, Dentistry, and Medicine.
The Grady Lab operates as a multidisciplinary research hub specializing in laser spallation, atomic force microscopy, and single-particle tracking. Current projects include biofilm adhesion in microgravity environments, additively manufactured metal interfaces, and intracellular nanoparticle dynamics, with equipment supporting high-strain-rate mechanical testing and nanoscale characterization.
