Kathryn Woodcock, Ph.D.
Journal Committee Chair, Professor & Director of THRILL Laboratory, Toronto Metropolitan University
Dr. Kathryn Woodcock is Professor at Ryerson University in Toronto 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. Her projects include accident and error analysis, task demand modelling, and interface design, pertaining to guests, operators, and inspectors. She produces and directs the Ryerson Invitational Thrill Design Competition for postsecondary interdisciplinary teams.
Her research, innovation, and service have been published in over 75 peer-reviewed chapters, journal articles and conference papers and over 200 other presentations and publications for both industry and professional audiences. Dr. Woodcock is extensively involved in professional training and consulting to designer/ manufacturers and owner/ operators, 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.
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 and Master’s degrees in Systems Design Engineering at University of Waterloo, and PhD in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at University of Toronto, all specializing in human factors engineering.