Hugo N. Ulloa

Hugo N. Ulloa is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth & Environmental at the University of Pennsylvania School of Arts & Sciences. His research focuses on geophysical and environmental fluid dynamics, particularly transport and mixing processes in natural waters such as lakes and coastal seas. He integrates theory, numerical modeling, laboratory experiments, and field observations to develop mathematical models explaining aquatic environment dynamics.

Education:

• Ph.D. (2015): Fluid Dynamics, Universidad de Chile
• Civil Engineer Diploma (2011), Universidad de Chile
• B.Sc. Engineering Sciences & Geophysics (2010), Universidad de Chile

Research Interests: Study of mechanically and buoyancy-driven flows in rotating/stratified environments, confinement effects on fluid dynamics, suspended/dissolved tracer behavior, and thermal siphon dynamics in stratified basins. His work emphasizes practical applications to climate change impacts on waterbodies and cryospheric systems.

Teaching:

• Hydrology (EESC 4630/5630)
• Environmental Fluid Dynamics (4360/6360)
• Independent Study: Geophysical/Environmental Fluid Dynamics

Affiliations: Regular member of AGU, EGU, IAHR, and EUROMECH.

Key Research Themes: Thermal convection in ice-covered lakes, buoyancy-driven flows in superconfined systems, and hydrodynamic interactions in aquatic ecosystems. His computational models address both fundamental physics and real-world environmental challenges.