John Montesano

Associate professor, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering

John Montesano is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo and the Director of the Composites Research Group (CRG). His research interests lie in the field of mechanics of fiber-reinforced composite materials and structures. One of the main pillars of Prof. Montesano’s research is to investigate the influence of manufacturing processes on the integrity composite structures. To this end, his group develops advanced virtual simulation tools to predict failure limits and the multiscale performance of composite structures. This research is complemented by rigorous experimental testing campaigns aimed at developing an in-depth understanding of the material characteristics at various length scales and validating developed simulation tools. 

Prior to joining the University of Waterloo, Prof. Montesano was an NSERC Postdoctoral Researcher in Materials Science and Engineering Department at the University of Toronto where he developed multiscale computational models to predict failure of lightweight composite structures. He received his PhD in Aerospace Engineering at Ryerson University in 2012 where he studied the long-term durability of advanced composite materials at elevated temperatures.  He has more than five years of industrial experience working as a Mechanical Designer and Structural Analyst in the aerospace sector. 

Selected Publications: