Kathryn Woodcock

Dr. Kathryn Woodcock is a professor and director of the THRILL Lab, involved in unique extracurricular training, research, and knowledge mobilization activities focused on human factors of amusement rides and attractions, pertaining to guests, operators, and inspectors. She produces and directs the Toronto Metropolitan Thrill Design Competition for postsecondary interdisciplinary teams.

Dr. Woodcock is extensively involved in professional training and consulting to designers/ manufacturers and owner/ operators around the world, and is a member of TEA and IAAPA, and serves on Ontario Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) Amusement Devices Advisory Council, Executive Committee of ASTM Committee F24 and AIMS International Board of Directors, past member of IAAPA Global Safety Committee, and included on the Blooloop 50 theme park influencer list in 2020. She co-founded the Themed Experience and Attractions Academic Society and serves as Editor of the Journal of Themed Experience and Attractions Studies.

Her research, innovation, and service have been published in over 75 peer-reviewed chapters, journal articles, conference papers, and a U.S. patent, and over 200 other presentations and publications for industry, professional, and academic audiences. She is a registered Professional Engineer, IAAPA Certified Attraction Executive, Canadian Certified Professional Ergonomist, and a Fellow of the Association of Canadian Ergonomists. She earned Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in Systems Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo, and Ph.D. in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the University of Toronto, all specializing in human factors engineering.