Andrew Sommers

Andrew Sommers serves as a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering within Miami University's College of Engineering and Computing. With over 15 years of continuous service at Miami University, he has progressed from Assistant Professor (2007-2013) to Associate Professor (2013-2021) and currently holds the rank of Professor since 2021. His academic foundation includes a Ph.D. (2007), M.S. (2003), and B.S. (2001) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois and Clemson University.

His educational background is highlighted by:

• Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, 2007
• M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, 2003
• B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 2001

Sommers' research focuses on air-side heat transfer and surface engineering with particular emphasis on wettability effects in thermal systems. His work investigates condensate retention, frost growth dynamics, and heat transfer performance in HVAC&R applications. Current projects explore micro-fabrication techniques, wind turbine ice mitigation, gas turbine systems, and surface tension gradient utilization for passive water management. His thermal-fluids expertise spans both fundamental surface science and practical engineering applications.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trajectory in surface wettability engineering for thermal management, with increasing focus on micro/nano-fabrication and ice adhesion reduction. His work bridges fundamental fluid dynamics with practical HVAC&R applications, particularly evident in his 2022-2023 studies on topographical gradients and superhydrophobic surfaces. The consistent publication in high-impact journals like Physics of Fluids and Langmuir demonstrates sustained leadership in thermal-fluids surface engineering.

His scientific recognition includes:

• CEC Outstanding Faculty Research Award (2020)
• ASTFE Best Research Paper Award (2017)
• Arthur Olson Generational Teaching Excellence Award (2012)
• ASHRAE New Investigator Award (2008)
• Miami University RAPID Grant (2022)

Sommers has secured significant research funding from the American Chemical Society, ASHRAE, California Energy Commission, and U.S. Department of Defense. His academic leadership extends to directing Miami University's Thermal-Fluids Laboratory since 2007 and serving on critical committees including the MME Promotion & Tenure Committee and CEC Curriculum Committee. His teaching portfolio includes core thermal-fluids courses such as Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, and Thermodynamics.

As Director of the Thermal-Fluids Laboratory, Sommers maintains active research teams focused on surface modification techniques and thermal management systems. His laboratory work integrates experimental validation with computational modeling, particularly evident in his collaborative studies on frost dynamics and droplet transport mechanisms.