Donald R. Webster

Donald R. Webster is the Karen and John Huff School Chair & Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he has been a faculty member since 1997. His research focuses on environmental fluid mechanics and biomechanics, with a particular emphasis on turbulence effects in biological systems. He has held significant leadership roles in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering since 2007 and became School Chair in 2018.

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, University of California at Berkeley (1994)
• Postdoctoral Research, Stanford University
• Non-tenure-track Faculty, University of Minnesota

His research explores the intersection of fluid motion and biological processes, including sensory biology, zooplankton propulsion, and bio-inspired design. His work has advanced understanding of hydrodynamic interactions in aquatic ecosystems and led to innovative experimental techniques like 3D particle image velocimetry.

Dr. Webster has authored or co-authored over 80 refereed articles, with recent studies focusing on turbulence-biota interactions and ecological fluid mechanics. His research has been featured in New York Times and over 80 news outlets for studies on "flying" sea snail biomechanics.

Scientific Awards:

• Fellow, Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO)
• Fellow, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
• Class of 1934 Outstanding Innovative Use of Education Technology Award
• Eichholz Faculty Teaching Award
• British Petroleum Junior Faculty Teaching Excellence Award

As an educator, Dr. Webster developed a graduate course in organism fluid mechanics and co-led NSF-IGERT programs training students in chemical and hydrodynamic signaling in aquatic systems. He played pivotal roles in establishing Georgia Tech's B.S. in Environmental Engineering and Ph.D. in Ocean Science & Engineering.