Amir Hirsa

Amir Hirsa is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), School of Engineering. He has held academic roles since 1990, progressing from Assistant Professor (1990-1996) to Associate Professor (1996-2005) before becoming a full Professor in 2005. He also serves as Associate Head for Graduate Studies. His courtesy appointments include the Howard P. Isermann Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at RPI and visiting roles at the University of California, Santa Barbara (2007-2007) and Cornell University (2000-2000).

Education: PhD in Aerospace Engineering (University of Michigan), M.S.E. in Aerospace Engineering (University of Michigan), B.S. in Aeronautics (San Jose State University).

Research focuses on fluid dynamics, interfacial phenomena, and biomedical applications. Key areas include protein aggregation (amyloid fibril formation), lung surfactant mechanics, and microgravity fluid systems. His work explores how shear forces and interfacial properties influence biological processes, with applications to diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Recent projects include developing predictive models for virus transport in lung linings (NSF-funded) and studying protein dynamics aboard the International Space Station (ISS) using containerless bioreactors.

Notable contributions include the Ring-Sheared Drop (RSD) module for microgravity experiments and investigations into surfactant behavior under shear. His research bridges computational modeling, experimental fluid mechanics, and biomedical engineering, with implications for drug delivery and disease treatment.

Grants and Collaborations: NSF grants for virus transport modeling and microgravity studies. Collaborations include Arizona State University and international space experiments. Technical expertise extends to fluid-structure interactions, surface rheology, and advanced microscopy techniques. His work has been featured in journals like Microgravity (Nature) and the Proceedings of The Royal Society.