Kathryn Woodcock is a Deaf Canadian academic, engineer, and researcher, professor in the School of Occupational and Public Health at Toronto Metropolitan University (Toronto, Ontario). She is known for her work in human factors engineering, especially in the safety and design of amusement rides and attractions, accessibility, accident and error analysis, and inclusive design. She is also prominent as one of the longest-tenured Deaf professors in Canada and an advocate for greater inclusion of Deaf scholars in STEM and academia.
Education and Early Career
Woodcock earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo. She then completed a PhD in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the University of Toronto, specializing in human factors engineering[1][2].
Before her academic appointments, during the 1980s, she was an executive at a large hospital, leading a division of roughly 600 people, managing substantial structural and strategic systems changes, and overseeing a budget in the order of CA$20 million (in 1990 dollars). She was active in early occupational health and safety efforts across Ontario, including involvement with the Ontario Hospital Association, and with the establishment of WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) and “Early Return to Work” programs[1].
Since joining Toronto Metropolitan University (previously known by other names), Woodcock has held the position of Professor in the School of Occupational and Public Health. She is also director of the THRILL Lab (Tools for Holistic Ride Inspection Learning and Leadership) since about 2002[1][2].]
Research Focus and Contributions
Woodcock’s research covers a number of areas at the intersection of human factors, safety engineering, accessibility, and entertainment technology. Key themes include:
- Accident and error analysis and investigation in designed public spaces (especially amusement rides and attractions)[1].
- Safety inspection decision-making, and interface design for operators, inspectors, and system users[1].
- Task demand modeling, inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities (including deafness), sign language interpreting, and how design of environments and interfaces affects performance and error rates[1][2].
- Development of mixed-reality immersive motion simulator facilities, and knowledge mobilization in the attractions industry, working with standards bodies, inspectors, and manufacturers[1].
Advocacy, Inclusion, and Service
Woodcock has been vocal about under-representation of Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons in academia and engineering, and the need for accessibility and equity in STEM. She has studied the health, educational, and occupational outcomes of Deaf Canadians, and participated in projects and committees related to disability and accessibility[1][3].
She holds numerous professional qualifications and affiliations: she is a Professional Engineer, a Canadian Certified Professional Ergonomist, IAAPA Certified Attraction Executive, Fellow of the Association of Canadian Ergonomists, among others[1].
Recognition
She is described as the longest-tenured Deaf professor in Canada, and among the first Deaf women to receive a PhD in Engineering in the country[1]. Honours include Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship, Ontario standards/regulation board recognitions, and awards in professional and community organizations[1].
- Toronto Metropolitan University. Kathryn Woodcock – School of Occupational and Public Health Profile. Toronto Metropolitan University.
- Atomic Hands. Dr. Kathryn Woodcock – Deaf STEMists.
- Woodcock, K. About ‒ Kathryn Woodcock, PhD CCPE ICAE PEng. Toronto Metropolitan University blog page.
