Dr Jorge Amaya Catano
Faculty of Engineering,
School of Mech., Medical & Process Engineering
Biography
I am a Research Fellow - Mechanical and Validation Engineer at the Centre for Biomedical Technologies of QUT. I hold PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Queensland University of Technology, completed in June 2024. My academic journey began with a Master's degree in Engineering from EAFIT University (2014), followed by leadership roles in mechanical engineering, focusing on manufacturing, production, design, and equipment installation. I also contributed to academia as a lecturer, tutor, and research assistant. Transitioning to biomedical engineering, I worked as a design engineer for a medical devices research company, developing an implantable device for heart failure. My doctoral research centred on cardiovascular and tissue engineering, with expertise in fluid dynamics, biomaterials, bioreactor development, 3D printing, bio-fabrication, and cell culture techniques. I am passionate about leading innovative projects across engineering disciplines, particularly in biomedicine.
Personal details
Positions
- Research Fellow - Mechanical and Validation Engineering
Faculty of Engineering,
School of Mech., Medical & Process Engineering
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy (Queensland University of Technology)
Teaching
QUT (Queensland University of Technology). Tutor / Guest Lecturer - Jul 2021 - Jun 2023 · 2 yrs. I conducted weekly face-to-face tutorials on EGH424 Biofluids and EGB125 Design for Manufacture, guiding students through the subject matter. I also diligently assessed and graded progress assignments and workshops.
EAFIT university. Adjunct Professor - Jul 2014 - Jul 2018 · 4 yrs - Medellin, Colombia. I conducted weekly face-to-face technical drawing (MI0230) lectures and tutorials. I also diligently assessed and graded progress assignments and midterms. Student evaluations are available on the University website.
Experience
BioQ Devices - QHeart Medical, Engineering Consultancy. MECHANICAL DESIGN ENGINEER
February 2019 – August 2024 | I led the design process for implantable medical devices targeting hypertension and heart failure. I was responsible for prototype development, fabricating mock testing loops, and device performance validation. My role also involved selecting appropriate materials, ensuring adherence to documentation and standardization processes, and assisting in acute animal trials for Type II and III medical devices.
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Queensland University of Technology, Casual Professional. RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Semester 1 2023 Semester 2 2021 | I focused on designing and manufacturing patient-specific phantoms used by a scientific team for particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). These phantoms were used for fluid dynamic analysis and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) validation, as well as measuring deformation and strain on arterial conduits. My responsibilities included overseeing the entire process from design conception to prototype fabrication, ensuring precise and accurate models for research purposes. |
Sesmacol SAS. (Medellín, Colombia), TECHNICAL SERVICE ENGINEER
October 2016 – December 2018 | My role involved a wide range of responsibilities, including equipment commissioning, maintenance supervision, installation, troubleshooting, failure analysis, and reporting. I represented prominent brands of rotating equipment from the USA and Europe, including FS Elliott centrifugal compressors, Dekker vacuum pumps, EGGER centrifugal pumps, Wangen Pumps, and SPX Dryers. |
Dumhos Investments (Medellin, Colombia), PRODUCTION MANAGER
September 2015 – September 2016 | In this role, I led functions including the design and layout planning of medical units, production scheduling, coordination of material procurement, team leadership, and the implementation of standardization projects. |
Publications
QUT ePrints
To find publications by Jorge, visit QUT ePrints, the University's research repository.