Dr Critchley graduated from Coventry University in 2002 with a PhD in Process Analysis Software for the draw bending of small diameter thin walled tubes. Prior to this she gained an MSc in Computer Aided Engineering (1992) and an Honours Degree in Engineering (1991), from Coventry University.
She started her career in Engineering through an course aimed at getting more women into engineering and joined this course based at Jaguar Cars on the technician apprentice training program. This led to other technician training mainly within the automotive sector in Coventry, gaining a BTEC in Engineering which allowed her to successful join a degree course in the same.
Dr Critchley has had a varied career, within Automotive and Aerospace Engineering, which included some career breaks. Mainly in the area of Computer Aided Engineering, she spent time lecturing, but is now industry based.
Katherine is currently a member of The Institution of Engineering and Technology. She is enthusiastic about promoting Engineering as a career path for all, as well as promoting ways to help and support women who have had significant career breaks to find a pathway back into a career in engineering.