Paul Rumbach

Paul Rumbach serves as an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Notre Dame's College of Engineering. His primary focus lies in developing and instructing undergraduate laboratory courses within the AME program.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from University of Notre Dame (2016)
• B.S. in Applied Physics and Mathematics from Indiana University-Bloomington (2010)

Rumbach's research centers on plasma-liquid interactions, with particular emphasis on solvated electron generation and applications in energy conversion. His experimental work combines plasma physics, optical diagnostics, and high-voltage circuit design to investigate phenomena like plasma-induced chemistry at liquid interfaces. This research has direct applications in fields ranging from cancer treatment to carbon capture.

His publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to plasma-electrochemical systems, with a focus on interfacial phenomena between plasmas and liquids. Key research threads include solvated electron detection, plasma-generated chemical synthesis, and pattern formation at plasma boundaries. His work frequently appears in high-impact journals including Nature Communications and Physical Review.

Rumbach has developed three cornerstone laboratory courses for AME undergraduates:

• AME Lab I: Sophomore-level course covering measurements, data analysis, and technical writing
• AME Lab II: Junior-level course spanning solid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and mechatronics
• Automation and Controls Lab: Advanced course teaching system design for industrial process control

His teaching materials include 12 detailed lab modules (M1-M12) covering electronics review, actuator systems, robotic legs, pendulum damping, and remote control systems.