Jennifer Keenahan

Jennifer Keenahan is an Associate Professor in the School of Civil Engineering at University College Dublin. Her research focuses on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) applications in the built environment, including wind analysis for urban safety, thermal comfort, fire safety, and sustainable infrastructure design. She holds a B.E. (Civil Engineering, 2011) and PhD (2014) from UCD, with industry experience at Arup in bridge engineering and CFD consulting.

Her academic roles include Head of Teaching and Learning in Civil Engineering, Programme Director for the Dual Columbia-UCD ME in Civil Engineering, and Module Coordinator for structural engineering courses. She is actively involved in pedagogical innovation, such as integrating animation/video tools into teaching and promoting inclusive learning through UDL initiatives.

Research interests span CFD validation for wind tunnel tests, seabed scour assessment, floating offshore wind dynamics, and eco-engineered coastal defenses. Notable awards include the 2023 Teaching and Learning Award and 2022 Infrastructure Asset Management Prize. She leads multiple grants, including the €4M DETECT project for coastal zone management and DECC-funded bridge safety studies.