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Sumanta Acharya is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Illinois Tech's Armour College of Engineering. His career spans computational methods, experimental fluid mechanics, and combustion, with affiliations including ASME, AIAA, and ASTFE. Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota (1982) M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota (1980) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (1978) A leading expert in thermal and fluid sciences, Acharya focuses on gas turbine heat transfer, turbulence modeling, and advanced cooling systems. His work integrates Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with experimental validation for applications in biofuels , hydrogen combustion , and phase change materials . Recent publications highlight innovations in Brayton cycle integration, impingement cooling, and aerothermal performance optimization. Awarded by ASME, AIAA, and LSU, his honors include the ASME Heat Transfer Memorial Award (2011) and ASME Fellow (1999). He has contributed to key committees, including the ASME Heat Transfer Division Executive Committee and the Department of Energy's University Turbine Systems Research program. Researcher to Know, Illinois Science & Technology Coalition (2022) ASME Dedicated Service Award (2019) AIAA Thermophysics Award (2015) Contact: sacharya1@illinoistech.edu | Phone: 312.567.3701

• Thermal and Fluid Sciences
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Turbulence Modeling
• +5 more

James Tinjum is a Professor in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, College of Engineering. His interdisciplinary expertise spans geotechnical, geological, environmental, transportation, and sustainable energy engineering. Education PhD 2006, University of Wisconsin-Madison MS 1995, University of Wisconsin-Madison BS 1993, University of Wisconsin-Madison Research Interests Professor Tinjum’s research integrates energy geotechnics with environmental sustainability. He investigates wind energy site design, district-scale geothermal heating/cooling systems, beneficial reuse of industrial byproducts (e.g., coal-combustion residuals, cement kiln dust), life-cycle environmental analysis, and remediation of contaminated sites. Additional focus areas include thermal conduction in unsaturated soils, landfill liner performance, and PFAS management in Wisconsin. Recent Research Directions His 2020–2024 publications reveal a strong emphasis on geothermal system performance , wind-turbine foundation–soil interaction , and emerging contaminant transport (PFAS, chromium). Fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing (FO-DTS) is a recurring enabling technology, applied to both geothermal borefields and landfill covers. Life-cycle assessment methodologies are consistently employed to quantify environmental benefits of renewable energy and waste-reuse strategies. Scientific Awards 2018 Fellow, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 2003 ASCE Zone III Practitioner Advisor of the Year 2002 ASCE Wisconsin Section Outstanding Young Engineer Teaching & Mentoring Professor Tinjum teaches core geotechnical courses (Soil Mechanics, Foundation Systems) alongside specialized offerings in wind-energy balance-of-plant design and sustainable systems engineering capstone. He supervises numerous master’s and doctoral students through GLE 790/890 research credits each semester. Labs & Teams He directs field-scale instrumentation campaigns at two wind-turbine sites and multiple campus/district geothermal installations, leveraging fiber-optic sensing networks and thermal response testing to advance energy geotechnics.

• Energy Geotechnics
• Environmental Geotechnics
• Wind Energy Civil/Geotechnical Design
• +4 more

Patrick Phelan is a Professor and Associate Dean of Graduate Programs at the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University (ASU). He holds additional roles as a Senior Global Futures Scientist and Editor-in-Chief of Frontiers in Energy Efficiency . His research focuses on sustainable energy systems, thermal management, and energy efficiency, with notable contributions to solar energy, thermal transport processes, and industrial cooling technologies. Phelan has extensive administrative experience, including managing the U.S. Department of Energy’s Emerging Technologies Program and the National Science Foundation’s Thermal Transport Processes Program. Education: Postdoctoral Fellow, Tokyo Institute of Technology (1990–1992) Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley (1990) M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1987) B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Tulane University (1985) Research Interests: Thermal engineering and heat transfer Sustainable energy systems and cooling Energy efficiency in buildings and industry Thermogalvanic systems and advanced materials Decarbonization and community benefit strategies Professional Associations: Fellow, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Member, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Current Activities: Leading the ASU Energy Efficiency Center Contributing to the Energy for Rural Arizona initiative Advancing agricultural cold chain efficiency Teaching courses on heat transfer and energy systems (e.g., MAE 589, MAE 576)

• Thermal Engineering
• Sustainable Energy Systems
• Energy Management
• +3 more

Wing Ng serves as Alumni Distinguished Professor and Chris C. Kraft Endowed Professor in Virginia Tech's Department of Mechanical Engineering within the College of Engineering. His career spans over four decades with continuous contributions to aerospace thermal systems and fluid dynamics research since joining Virginia Tech in 1984. Dr. Ng's academic foundation includes: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1984) M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1980) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University (1979) His pioneering research focuses on aeroacoustics of drones and jet engines, where he develops advanced diagnostics for turbine flow measurements and investigates transonic turbine blade aerodynamics. Current work explores aerothermal particle interactions in gas turbines and clean energy applications for wind turbines. His experimental approach bridges fundamental fluid dynamics with practical aerospace engineering solutions, particularly in cooling systems for high-temperature components. Analysis of recent publications (2024-2025) reveals three dominant research thrusts: turbine cooling optimization (film/phantom cooling configurations), particle dynamics in gas paths (impact/rebound mechanics), and novel measurement techniques (strain sensors, multiphase flow diagnostics). These studies consistently target performance enhancement and durability improvement in turbomachinery through experimental validation. Dr. Ng's exceptional contributions are recognized through: Virginia Tech Faculty Entrepreneur Hall of Fame (2017) William E. Wine Award for teaching excellence (2014) Multiple Certificates of Teaching Excellence (1985,1988,2011,2014) Dean's Award for Research Excellence (2013) Consecutive Best Paper Awards from ASME/AIAA (2001-2013) Fellow of ASME (1996) and Associate Fellow of AIAA (1992) As director of the Ng Lab, he maintains active collaborations with industry partners through Techsburg, Inc. (where he serves as Chairman) to translate research into commercial applications. His work on drone aeroacoustics and turbine diagnostics directly informs next-generation propulsion systems while addressing critical challenges in particle ingestion and thermal management.

• Aeroacoustics
• Turbomachinery
• Heat Transfer
• +6 more

David Bogard is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, holding the Baker Hughes Incorporated Centennial Professorship. He leads research in thermal-fluid systems and turbulence, with a focus on turbine blade cooling and drag reduction. His work combines experimental and computational methods to optimize film cooling designs, thermal barrier coatings, and internal cooling channel configurations. Key contributions include studies on shaped film cooling holes, additive manufacturing applications, and crossflow effects in turbine components. Educational background: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University (1982). Joined UT Austin faculty immediately post-Ph.D. Research interests emphasize turbine aerothermal performance, with specializations in: Adjoint-optimized film cooling hole geometries Compressible flow effects on cooling efficacy Additive manufacturing for turbine cooling components Thermal degradation mechanisms and contaminant deposition Recent work includes evaluating adjoint-optimized cooling hole performance (2024), printability of additively manufactured cooling geometries (2023), and crossflow-fed shaped hole analysis (2022). His research bridges fundamental fluid mechanics with industrial turbine design challenges. Awarded the 2002 Outstanding Graduate Advisor at UT Austin. Over 130 technical publications span experimental validation, CFD modeling, and turbine cooling innovation. Active in collaborative industry projects with companies like Baker Hughes. Labs/Teams: Turbulence and Turbine Research Cooling Laboratory. Collaborates with research centers focusing on aero-thermal systems and advanced manufacturing.

• Thermal Fluids Systems
• Turbulence Research
• Turbine Blade Cooling
• +5 more

Professor Mohammad E. Taslim is a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University's College of Engineering. He holds the role of Program Director for the Master of Science in Energy Systems program. His academic expertise spans experimental and numerical research in gas turbine cooling technology, renewable energy systems (solar/wind), non-Newtonian fluid dynamics, and nano-sensor development. Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arizona (1981). Research focuses on heat transfer optimization in turbine blades, multiphase flow analysis, and energy sustainability. He leads projects funded by organizations like General Electric Aviation and the American Chemical Society. Key research areas include: 1) Advanced gas turbine cooling strategies, 2) Sand separation systems for helicopter engines, 3) Non-rotating wind energy generation. Notable publications include studies on droplet dynamics, film cooling effectiveness, and rib-roughened channel heat transfer. Awards include the 2022 Faculty Research Team Award, Fellowships from ASME and AIAA, and multiple patents (e.g., non-rotating wind turbine and carbon nanotube ladder technology). Active in academic leadership, he advises students on study abroad programs like the Vietnam Dialogue, integrating field visits with engineering coursework.

• Gas Turbine Cooling Technology
• Solar Energy
• Wind Energy
• +7 more

Amrita Basak serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering within the College of Engineering at Pennsylvania State University. Her research focuses on advancing metal additive manufacturing technologies, particularly for gas turbine applications. She maintains her laboratory in 233 Reber Building at University Park, PA. Her primary research interests center on laser-based additive manufacturing processes including Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) and Laser Directed Energy Deposition (LDED). Specific expertise spans nickel-based superalloys, melt pool dynamics, microstructure-property relationships, fatigue behavior of additively manufactured components, and AI-driven process optimization. Her work addresses critical challenges in thermal distortion control, surface roughness effects, and high-temperature performance of turbine components. Analysis of her recent publications reveals strong emphasis on integrating machine learning with experimental methods to optimize additive manufacturing processes. Key trends include Gaussian process regression for melt pool modeling, Bayesian optimization for thermal management, reinforcement learning for parameter control, and multi-fidelity modeling approaches. Her research bridges fundamental materials science with practical engineering applications in aerospace and energy sectors. Scientific Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2024) for gas turbine research DARPA Young Faculty Award (2022) for multi-laser additive manufacturing Materials Research Institute Roy Award (2023) Professor Basak actively mentors graduate students including R. Pal, N. Menon, and A. Kushwaha who appear as first authors on multiple publications. Her research is supported by significant grants including NSF CAREER funding, Office of Naval Research grants (2024), and DARPA funding. Current projects include 'On-Demand 3D Printing of Food-Grade Biopolymer-Encapsulated Ferrate(VI) for Individualized and Equitable Access to Drinking Water' and metal additive manufacturing research for gas turbine hot section components.

• Additive Manufacturing
• Metal 3D Printing
• Laser Powder Bed Fusion
• +6 more

Dr. Je Hyeong Bahk is an Associate Professor jointly affiliated with the Departments of Mechanical and Materials Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Cincinnati. His research focuses on thermoelectric materials and systems, wearable/flexible electronics, and nano-scale thermal transport phenomena. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications. Education: Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara (2010) M.S., Electrical Engineering, Seoul National University (2000) B.S., Electrical Engineering, Seoul National University (1998) Research Interests: Human body-heat energy harvesting Thermoelectric materials and device fabrication Wearable/flexible electronics Nano-scale electron/thermal transport physics Thermoelectric air conditioning systems Recent Contributions: Dr. Bahk's work includes advancements in binder-jet printed ceramic composites, low-dimensional carbon-based energy harvesting, and thermoelectric cooling systems. His lab, the Thermoelectric Energy Conversion Lab, develops next-generation solid-state cooling and energy conversion technologies. Awards: 2023 URC Faculty Scholar Award 2016 UC Faculty Development Award 2010 Editor’s Choice Paper Award Lab & Team: The Thermoelectric Energy Conversion Lab collaborates on projects such as firefighter jacket cooling systems and nanocarbon-based composites. Recent student advisees include Thiraj, Nitin, Isaac, Anirudh, and Ahmad.

• Thermoelectric materials
• Energy harvesting
• Wearable electronics
• +4 more

Joseph Meadows is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech's College of Engineering. His research focuses on combustion, heat transfer, and computational fluid dynamics, with applications in rotating detonation engines and thermoacoustic instability mitigation. He leads the Advanced Propulsion and Power Laboratory. Education: Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alabama and University of Memphis. Professional History: Associate Professor since 2025, Assistant Professor (2017–2025), and Combustion Design Engineer at Siemens Energy Inc. (2014–2017). His work bridges experimental and computational domains, emphasizing dynamic injector response , fuel inhomogeneity , and mesoscale wood combustion modeling . Recent publications highlight 2D/3D CFD comparisons and acoustic diagnostics in high-temperature environments. While no explicit awards are listed, his research impacts gas turbine design and clean energy systems.

• acoustics
• clean energy
• combustion and fire
• +3 more

Prashant Singh is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Mississippi State University, where he also serves as the Assistant Director of the Industrial Assessment Center. His research is centered on advanced thermal systems, particularly in heat transfer enhancement, electronics cooling, and gas turbine internal cooling technologies. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech, an M.S. from Arizona State University, and a B.Tech. from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India. Research Interests: His work spans Heat Transfer Enhancement , Porous Media Flows , Advanced Electronics Cooling , Thermal Interface Materials , and Thermal Energy Conversion and Storage . He employs both experimental and numerical methods to investigate thermal performance in rotating and stationary environments, with a focus on turbomachinery and compact cooling systems. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in jet impingement cooling , serpentine cooling channels , metal foams , and rotational heat transfer effects . These studies are critical for improving efficiency and reliability in gas turbines and high-power electronics. The keywords across these works include Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, Fluid Dynamics, and Materials Science, with subfields such as Coriolis force mitigation, micro-roughness, and transient thermography. Scientific Awards: Warren M. Rohsenow Award 2017 (ASME IMECE) YETEP Award 2018 and 2017 (ASME IGTI) IGTI Travel Award 2016 New Horizon Fellowship (2015–16) Darryl E. Metzger Memorial Fellowship (2013–14) Outstanding Reviewer, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer Advising and Grants: While specific student names are not listed, his graduate research assistant roles and current faculty position indicate active mentorship of graduate students. He has secured recognition through competitive fellowships and awards, suggesting strong grant-writing ability and research impact. His collaborations with Dr. S.V. Ekkad and others indicate team-based research in high-pressure thermal environments. Labs and Teams: He is affiliated with the Industrial Assessment Center and conducts experimental thermal research involving transient liquid crystal thermography, jet impingement rigs, and rotating heat transfer facilities. His work often involves interdisciplinary teams focused on energy systems, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable thermal management.

• Heat Transfer Enhancement
• Thermal Fluid Sciences
• Porous Media Heat and Fluid Flow
• +10 more

Lesley Wright is an Associate Professor in the J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University, holding the Jana and Quentin A. Baker ‘78 Career Development Chair. She serves as ABET Coordinator and leads research in gas turbine cooling, convective heat transfer, and fluid mechanics experimentation. Her work emphasizes experimental methods and advanced measurement techniques like pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) for film cooling effectiveness analysis. Education: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University (2006) M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University (2003) B.S., Engineering with Mechanical Engineering Concentration, (2001) Research Interests: Wright’s research focuses on optimizing turbine blade cooling through jet impingement, serpentine channel designs, and advanced thermal measurement technologies. She collaborates with the Turbomachinery Laboratory to develop solutions for high-temperature applications in aerospace and energy systems. Publications: Her recent work highlights contributions to film cooling performance, heat transfer enhancement in rotating channels, and the application of machine learning for temperature field reconstruction. Over 50 peer-reviewed articles and two textbooks ( Experimental Methods in Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics and Analytical Heat Transfer ) reflect her expertise. Awards: Walker Outstanding Service Award (2023) AIAA Associate Fellow (2023) ASME Fellow (2021) SAE Ralph R. Teetor Educational Award (2015) Lab Affiliations: Wright is affiliated with the Turbomachinery Laboratory, advancing research in turbomachinery cooling, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics. Her team employs state-of-the-art facilities for experimental validation and computational modeling.

• Heat Transfer
• Fluid Mechanics
• Gas Turbine Cooling
• +4 more

Omid Askari is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Mississippi State University, College of Engineering. His research focuses on combustion science, plasma-assisted ignition, alternative fuels, and high-pressure flame dynamics. He leads the Plasma and Combustion Research Laboratory and has an extensive publication record in high-impact journals such as Applied Energy , Fuel , and Journal of Energy Resources Technology . Education: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Northeastern University, 2016 M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, 2007 B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Karaj, 2005 His research interests include combustion kinetics , plasma-assisted ignition , alternative and low greenhouse gas fuels , high-pressure spray combustion , flame stability , and laser diagnostics . His work bridges fundamental thermodynamic modeling with practical energy applications, particularly in propulsion and sustainable fuel systems. He has made significant contributions to understanding the behavior of syngas, hydrogen, and gas-to-liquid fuels under extreme conditions. The recent articles highlight a strong trend in combustion of alternative fuels (syngas, GTL, H2/CO), flame speed and stability analysis , thermal plasma properties , and turbine cooling . These works employ advanced computational and experimental techniques, often involving high-pressure environments and kinetic modeling. Scientific Awards: Outstanding and Recognized Reviewer Award, Journal of Fuel, Elsevier, 2016 Alfred Ferretti Award for Excellence in Mechanical Engineering, Northeastern University, 2015 Best Student Paper Award, ASME Solar Energy Division, 2015 Outstanding Graduate Award, Sharif University of Technology, 2007 Distinguished Student Award, University of Karaj, 2005 Scientific Elite, National Elite Institute, 2005 Dr. Askari has secured research funding through assistantships and institutional support. He has mentored students through the Young Scholar Program at Northeastern University and has served as a reviewer for leading journals. His past roles include postdoctoral research and laboratory management, demonstrating leadership in academic research teams. He currently advises graduate students and leads an active research group focused on next-generation combustion technologies. He directs the Plasma and Combustion Research Laboratory , which focuses on experimental and computational studies of ignition, flame propagation, and emissions in advanced combustion systems. The lab utilizes optical diagnostics and high-pressure combustion chambers to investigate fundamental flame properties relevant to aerospace and automotive applications.

• Combustion Engineering
• Plasma-Assisted Ignition
• Alternative Fuels
• +12 more

Oleg A. Evdokimov is a Professor at the Soloviev Rybinsk State Aviation Technical University in the General and Technical Physics Department. His research focuses on advanced combustion technologies and vortex flow applications for aerospace and energy systems. Education: PhD in Aircraft Engines (2009-2013) Thermophysics (2007-2009) Technical Physics (2003-2007) Research Highlights: Dr. Evdokimov's work explores vortex combustion chambers for hydrogen and ammonia fuels, film cooling optimization in turbine blades, and low-emission combustion technologies . His studies span experimental and numerical approaches to analyze swirling flow combustion, two-phase flow dynamics, and multifuel burner systems. Article Insights: Recent publications examine bidirectional vortex combustors for hydrogen-oxygen mixtures, ammonia combustion without auxiliary systems, and advanced cooling techniques for aerospace components. The research demonstrates expertise in combustion stability , pollutant emission control , and thermal management systems .

• Combustion Engineering
• Vortex Flows
• Gas Dynamics
• +3 more

Vigor Yang is a Regents’ Professor and Ralph N. Read Endowed Chair in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology . His work bridges fundamental and applied research in propulsion systems , combustion science , and machine learning . Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, California Institute of Technology M.S., Mechanical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University B.S., Power Mechanical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan Dr. Yang’s research spans supersonic combustion , neural networks for fluid dynamics, supercritical fluid mixing , and energetic materials . His work integrates experimental diagnostics , high-fidelity simulations , and data-driven modeling to advance aerospace propulsion and energy systems. Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary trends in machine learning for CFD , detonation dynamics , and multi-scale combustion modeling . Articles emphasize turbulent flow prediction, surrogate modeling, and thermodynamic property evaluation under extreme conditions. AIAA Air-Breathing Propulsion Award (2005) Pendray Aerospace Literature Award (2008) Propellants and Combustion Award (2009) Worcester Reed Warner Medal (2014) by ASME Lifetime Achievement Award (2014) by JANNAF Reed Aeronautics Award (2025) Honorary doctorate (2019) by Cheng Kung University Dr. Yang leads the Ben T. Zinn Combustion Laboratory and contributes to the Strategic Energy Institute . He has served as editor-in-chief for journals in propulsion and machine learning, and his Yang Aero Maker Space fosters hands-on aerospace education.

• Aerospace Propulsion
• Combustion Science
• Fluid Mechanics
• +5 more

Randy L. Vander Wal is a Professor at The Pennsylvania State University, holding appointments in the John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering within the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. His research spans multiple areas of energy and materials science with a strong focus on nanomaterials synthesis and characterization. Dr. Vander Wal's research interests include energy generation through nanostructured catalysts for hydrocarbon processing, energy utilization through metal oxide gas sensors, energy conversion through nanostructured lubricants, and energy storage through new battery materials. His expertise also covers laser diagnostics for measuring species, temperature, pressure and flow, as well as various analytical methods including microplasmas and laser-based techniques like LIBS, LIF, LII, CRD, and DFWM. His work in materials chemistry focuses on nanomaterial syntheses using methods such as CVD, plasma, electrospinning, combustion, aerosol, mechanical processes and ablation, followed by comprehensive characterization and application testing. A significant contribution to the field was coining the term 'nanostructure' to describe the atomic layer planes comprising soot, enabling statistical comparison through custom algorithms developed specifically for HRTEM image quantification. Dr. Vander Wal's research portfolio demonstrates strong trends in carbon nanomaterials, particularly graphene and other graphitic forms, with applications spanning energy conversion, environmental monitoring, and advanced composites. His recent publications show increasing focus on sustainability applications, decarbonization technologies, and environmental health impacts of combustion products. His academic contributions extend to teaching courses including EGEE 120: Oil: International Evolution, ENVSE 406: Sampling and Monitoring of the Geo-Environment, FSC 431: Chemistry of Fuels, and several advanced graduate courses in nanotechnology and catalytic materials. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Chemical Physics from The University of Wisconsin with research on 'The Vibrationally Mediated Photodissociation of Water,' and undergraduate degrees in Physics, Chemistry, and Math from Calvin College.

• Nanomaterials Synthesis
• Carbon Nanomaterials
• Energy Conversion
• +7 more