Kathryn Laurentis

Kathryn Laurentis is a graduate researcher whose work focuses on uncovering the historic contributions of women in engineering. Her work aims to explore both informal contributions and the pioneering women who entered formal engineering roles, providing a nuanced understanding of women's historical roles in engineering and challenging traditional narratives that have often overlooked their contributions. This work is supervised by Professor Sally Male, Professor Cordelia Fine and Dr Gerhard Wiesenfeldt.

Prior to her research, Kathryn graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (First Class Honours) in Chemical Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics and History and Philosophy of Science from the University of Melbourne. She has 25 years of engineering and leadership experience in strategic development, corporate governance, and performance improvement across mining, petroleum, government, consulting, and not-for-profit sectors. Kathryn has seen firsthand the benefit of diversity in engineering and is a passionate advocate for STEM careers, committed to fostering a more inclusive profession.

Kathryn is a Fellow of Engineers Australia, a Chartered Professional Engineer, a Superstar of STEM, and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She has been actively involved in community leadership, serving as a board member for not-for-profit science education, arts and sustainability organisations, and is active with Engineers Australia's museums advisory group, and as Chief Judge for the WA Excellence Awards.