Dr Matthew Blacklock

Assistant Professor

School: Engineering, Physics and Mathematics

Matthew completed an MEng in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Manchester in 2006, followed by a PhD in Mechanical Engineering in 2010. He subsequently joined the Materials Department at the University of California, Santa Barbara as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, working within the National Hypersonic Science Center, before moving to RMIT University in Melbourne as a Research Fellow.

Matthew joined Northumbria University in 2017, where he is now Lead for Mechanical Engineering in the School of Engineering, Physics and Mathematics. His subject research focuses on the mechanics of composite materials and the development of advanced computational methods for predicting thermo-mechanical behaviour and damage in complex material systems.

In parallel, Matthew leads pedagogic research exploring the impact of activity-based and blended learning approaches in engineering education. His work focuses on constructive alignment, authentic assessment, and the design of inclusive learning environments that build confidence and professional identity in engineering students. He is a Senior Fellow of Advance HE and a recipient of Northumbria’s Distinguished Teaching Fellowship in 2023.

Campus Address

Wynne Jones 302

Email Matthew

Research Themes and Scholarly Interests

The overarching theme of my research is the mechanics of composite materials with an emphasis on advanced computational methods. This work spans the Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, and Materials Science disciplines. More specifically, research topics include the thermo-mechanical behaviour of ceramic matrix composites, statistical characterisation and regeneration of woven composite specimens, and the prediction of damage in textile composites. My current research focus attempts to transfer my skills and expertise in woven textile composites to the field of additive manufacturing. 3D printed continuous fiber-reinforced composites are an emerging material that have the potential to transform the composites industry. The barrier to realising these benefits is a robust modelling approach that is both fast and accurate. The aim of my research is to develop a suite of modelling tools to enable the design of the underlying material architecture to optimise performance of structures based on operational requirements.

My educational research focuses on how curriculum design and pedagogy can enhance learning in engineering higher education. I explore activity-based and blended approaches that connect theory with practice to build student confidence, engagement, and professional identity. Drawing on constructive alignment principles, I design learning environments that promote deep understanding and authentic problem solving. My current work examines the impact of flipped classrooms, simulation-based learning, and live industry projects on student attainment and self-efficacy, with the aim of developing evidence-based frameworks that make engineering education more inclusive and closely aligned with professional practice.

Key Publications

Please visit the Pure Research Information Portal for further information
Enhancing mode I fracture resistance of aluminium-carbon fibre-reinforced polymer hybrid composites via boehmite crystallisation and through thickness reinforcement, Raja Adzhar, R., Blacklock, M., Birkett, M. 1 Feb 2025, In: Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials
Enhancing the Analysis of Student-Provided Feedback through Large Language Models, Blacklock, M. 3 Jul 2025, UK and Ireland Engineering Education Research Network Annual Symposium Proceedings 2025, Manchester, University of Manchester
Workshop: Planning & Implementing Activity-Based Learning, Blacklock, M., Connor, C., Penlington, R. 5 Nov 2025, UK and Ireland Engineering Education Research Network Annual Symposium Proceedings 2024, Ulster, University of Ulster
Additive Manufacturing of Polymer Composites, Blacklock, M. 13 Mar 2024
Characterisation of print path deviation in material extrusion, Blacklock, M., Sherugar, S., Birkett, M. 1 Aug 2024, In: Progress in Additive Manufacturing
Implementation of Enquiry-Based Activity Modules for Authentic Learning in Engineering, Blacklock, M., Connor, C., Penlington, R. 28 Jun 2024, UK and Ireland Engineering Education Research Network Annual Symposium Proceedings 2023, Warwick, University of Warwick
Characterisation of Print Path Deviation in 3D Printed Continuous Carbon Fibre Composites, Sherugar, S., Birkett, M., Blacklock, M. Aug 2023, Proceedings of the 2023 International Conference on Composite Materials, Belfast, Queens's University Belfast
A Numerical and Experimental Study of Adhesively-Bonded Polyethylene Pipelines, Guilpin, A., Franciere, G., Barton, L., Blacklock, M., Birkett, M. 19 Sep 2019, In: Polymers
A cohesive network approach for modelling fibre and matrix damage in composite laminates, Joosten, M., Yang, Q., Blacklock, M., Wang, C. 15 Dec 2018, In: Composite Structures
Blending Theory, Software and Practice: An Elemental Shift in Engineering Education, Blacklock, M. 24 Oct 2018, The First Spring Colloquium of the United Kingdom & Ireland Engineering Education Research Network, Northumbria University

Current and Recent Projects

Please visit the Pure Research Information Portal for further information
KTP 3-D printed Models, Hackney, P. (Principal Investigator), Blacklock, M. (Co Investigator), Innovate UK, 01/12/21 - 31/03/24, £195,944.00

Professional Activity

Please visit the Pure Research Information Portal for further information
Invited talk: Experiential learning and AI-enhanced feedback to build confidence in engineering students 2026
Organising a conference, workshop, ...: AI and the Future of Feedback in Higher Education 2026
Invited talk: AI-enabled feedback and learning design in Higher Education 2025
Participating in a conference, workshop, ...: Practical Engineering Education 2024 2024