Dr Pawel Kudela was born in 1979 in Wadowice - Karol Wojtyla's city - who is much better known to all as Pope John Paul II. He studied computer mechanics at the Cracov University of Technology in years 1999-2004. In 2004 he obtained a master degree from the Department of Civil Engeeniring with specialization in the Computer Mechanics. In 2005 he started working at the Szewalski Institute of Fluid-Flow Machinery in Gdansk as a young research assistant. In 2009 he obtained a Ph.D. title in Mechanics from the same Institute and his Ph.D. thesis was awarded by the Head of the Institute Prof. J. Mikielewicz.

His scientific interests are focused on the application of the spectral element method for analysis of the propagation of elastic waves in composite structures, wave scattering by cracks, delaminations, etc. His research is closely related to the field of Structural Health Monitoring.

Mr Pawel Kudela was also involved, as a member of the Szewalski Institute of Fluid-Flow Machinery team, in organisation of DAMAS 2005 International Conference on Damage Assessment of Structures in Gdansk as well as III ECCOMAS International Thematic Conference on Smart Structures and Materials in 2007 held also in Gdansk.

Polish awards:

• 1-year scholarship founded by the Foundation for Polish Science, 2009
• III degree award in nationwide prof. Szmelter's competition for work of technical mechanics, 2007