Kyriaki Kalaitzidou
What is your connection to Georgia Tech?
I joined the Woodruff School and the Georgia Tech community in 2007 as faculty and 16 years later I am still very proud to be a Yellow Jacket.
What is your current professional role? Please list a few notable career accomplishments.
Currently I am a Full Professor and serve as the Associate Chair for Faculty Development in the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering. I consider going through the academic ranks, a result of hard work and dedication, to be the epitome of my career accomplishments. More specifically, I am very proud of graduating 13 Ph.D. and 11 M.S. thesis students and working with more than 60 undergraduate researchers in the last 15 years. As an Associate Chair, my notable career accomplishments are the “Woodruff Academic Leadership and Management Fellows Program” and the “Faculty Mentoring Program” that enable faculty to develop their soft skills, become inclusive leaders and reach their potential as mentors to their students and as leaders.
Why are you passionate about WoW?
I am very passionate about WoW because it empowers women, because each of us needs an opportunity, help, support, and a little reminder along the way especially when we are challenged that yes, we can do this and that no we are not alone.
What are your hobbies and passions?
Playing basketball, watching soccer, going fishing with my boys, cooking, and reading.
What is your favorite quote?
"Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most important of all, LOVE for what you are doing!" -Pele
What advice would you give a young female engineer?
Break any mold, be you, and do not fake it until you make it, ask for help when needed. It may not be easy but it’s totally worth it! Do not forget that everyone is smart around here, be also kind to make the difference!