Jesse Capecelatro

Jesse Capecelatro is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Michigan. He leads the Computational Multi-phase/Multi-physics Flow Lab (CRG), focusing on numerical methods and data-driven models for complex flows in renewable energy, disease transmission, and space exploration.

• Ph.D., Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University (2014)
• M.S., Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University (2012)
• M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado (2011)
• B.S., Mechanical Engineering, SUNY Binghamton (2009)

His research spans fluid mechanics, multiphase flow, and high-performance computing, with applications in renewable energy systems, space exploration, and disease transmission modeling. Current projects include plume-surface interactions and turbulence modeling for particle-laden flows.

Recent publications highlight advancements in multiphase flow instabilities and shock-particle interactions, reflecting his expertise in computational modeling of complex flows. CRG’s work often combines physics-based simulations with machine learning for predictive analysis.

• National Science Foundation CAREER Award
• Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award
• ASME Pi Tau Sigma Gold Medal

Capecelatro’s mentoring style emphasizes regular collaboration, with weekly meetings, annual progress reviews, and support for conference attendance (e.g., AIAA, APS DFD). His lab includes postdocs, doctoral students, and international collaborators, fostering interdisciplinary research in scientific computing and fluid dynamics.

CRG develops open-source tools for multiphase flow simulation and contributes to textbook revisions like Fluid Mechanics, 7th Edition, co-authored with David Dowling. The team’s work bridges fundamental research and practical applications in energy and aerospace sectors.