Fernando Porte-Agel

Fernando Porte-Agel is a Professor of Fluid Mechanics at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) within the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ACE). He emphasizes student accessibility, blending traditional and innovative teaching methods such as 3D animations, videos, and blackboard-based equation derivations with active student participation.

• Passionate about fluid mechanics and its applications to natural turbulence
• Focuses on connecting research to environmental challenges (air/water quality, climate, renewable energy)
• Awarded EPFL's 2015 Teaching Prize for excellence in education

In his research and teaching, Porte-Agel explores how turbulent flows in air and water can inform weather prediction, climate modeling, and sustainable energy solutions. He integrates experimental work with theoretical analysis, encouraging students to bridge classroom knowledge with real-world phenomena.

His dedication to pedagogical innovation includes annual course updates, openness to MOOCs, and reliance on EPFL's student assistants, whom he credits with enhancing educational quality through their contributions.