Leif Ristroph

Leif Ristroph is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University. His research bridges experimental physics and applied mathematics, focusing on fluid-structure interactions in both biological and geophysical contexts.

Key research areas include:

• Biophysical Flows: Aerodynamics of insect flight (Applied Mathematics Laboratory), hydrodynamics of fish schooling, and flow-sensing mechanisms via the fish lateral line system
• Geophysical Flows: Shape evolution during erosion, dissolution patterns in fluid flows, and bubble formation dynamics

Recent publications (2019-2015) explore:

• Flow interactions in flapping swimmers and hovering systems
• Evolutionary optimization of wing shapes and self-sculpting processes
• Stability mechanisms in tandem flapping and insect flight

His work has been featured in major media outlets like Nature, New York Times, and ScienceDaily. Ristroph's lab at NYU's Applied Mathematics Laboratory combines physical experiments, computational models, and theoretical analysis to study complex fluid-structure interactions.