David Richter

David Richter is a Professor at the University of Notre Dame in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, with a concurrent appointment in the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. He serves as the Frank M. Freimann Collegiate Professor of Environmental Fluid Dynamics and leads the Richter Lab, focusing on multiphase turbulent processes in environmental systems.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University (2011)
  • M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University (2011)
  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Massachusetts (2006)
• Appointments:
  • 2025–Present: Professor, University of Notre Dame
  • 2019–2025: Associate Professor, University of Notre Dame
  • 2013–2019: Assistant Professor, University of Notre Dame
  • 2011–2013: Postdoctoral Fellow, National Center for Atmospheric Research

Richter’s research spans computational fluid dynamics, air-sea interactions, and geophysical flow modeling, addressing challenges in hurricane boundary layer dynamics, sediment transport, and cloud microphysics. His work employs direct numerical simulations (DNS) and large-eddy simulations (LES), integrating physics-informed machine learning for predictive models. Recent projects include storm surge forecasting in Alaska and air-sea flux studies via NSF and ONR grants.

Scientific contributions include 101 publications, with recent articles analyzing marine fog microphysics, tropical cyclone intensification, and microplastic transport. His 15 most recent articles (2021–2025) emphasize turbulent flow modeling, particle-laden systems, and environmental impact prediction.

• Awards:
  • 2025: Frank M. Freimann Collegiate Professor
  • 2021: Outstanding Teacher, University of Notre Dame Engineering
  • Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award

Richter mentors graduate students in atmospheric and oceanic sciences, with lab alumni pursuing academic and industry roles. His collaborative projects extend to institutions like McGill University, University of Chile, and Michigan Tech.