Brian S. Thurow

Brian S. Thurow is the W. Allen and Martha Reed Associate Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. He has been a core faculty member since 2005, contributing significantly to research, teaching, and graduate education. He leads the Advanced Flow Diagnostics Laboratory (AFDL) and holds an endowed professorship, reflecting his academic excellence.

Education:

• Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, The Ohio State University (2005)
• M.S., Mechanical Engineering, The Ohio State University (2001)
• B.S., Mechanical Engineering, The Ohio State University (1999)

Research Interests: Dr. Thurow specializes in experimental fluid dynamics, with a focus on developing and applying advanced optical diagnostics for measuring complex flows. His work emphasizes high-speed, high-resolution techniques such as MHz-rate particle image velocimetry (PIV) and plenoptic (light field) imaging for 3D flow visualization. He investigates compressible flows, turbulence, aero-optics, and shock-boundary layer interactions, with applications in aerospace propulsion and flow control.

Recent Research Trends: His recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on 3D imaging of turbulent and compressible flows using plenoptic cameras and background-oriented Schlieren (BOS). Projects span from fundamental turbulent boundary layer studies to high-temperature jet diagnostics, often funded by AFOSR, ARO, ONR, and NSF. The integration of computational imaging with fluid mechanics is a recurring theme, enabling non-intrusive, volumetric flow field measurements.

Scientific Awards:

• SGA Outstanding Faculty Member Award (2006, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013)
• AIAA Most Outstanding Faculty Member Award (2009, 2012, 2013)
• William F. Walker Teaching Award for Excellence (2009)
• Auburn Alumni Engineering Council Research Award (2009)
• Provost’s Award for Supporting Graduate Scholarship (2011)
• W. Allen and Martha Reed Endowed Professorship (2010)
• Invited to National Academy of Engineering’s U.S. Frontiers of Engineering Symposium (2013)
• National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship (2001)

Advising and Grants: Dr. Thurow is a dedicated mentor, supervising numerous graduate and undergraduate students in cutting-edge research. He has secured significant funding from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Army Research Office, Office of Naval Research, and National Science Foundation. He serves as co-PI on a $2.7M AFOSR grant studying 3D shock-boundary layer interactions. He founded the graduate student recruitment and fellowship committee and the council of engineering graduate students, significantly enhancing graduate education at Auburn.

Labs and Teams: He founded and directs the Advanced Flow Diagnostics Laboratory (AFDL), which develops and applies state-of-the-art optical techniques for fluid dynamics. The lab collaborates with institutions like the University of Illinois, University of Texas-Austin, and the National Center for Physical Acoustics.