John Dabiri

Dr. John Dabiri is the Centennial Professor of Aeronautics and Mechanical Engineering at Caltech, awarded the National Medal of Science in 2025 for achievements in aeronautical and biological engineering. His research spans bioinspired fluid dynamics, wind energy optimization, and biohybrid robotics for ocean exploration.

Innovations include strategically clustered vertical-axis wind turbines for enhanced farm efficiency, biohybrid jellyfish robots for deep-sea monitoring, and fundamental contributions to vortex dynamics. Current projects involve visual anemometry using natural vegetation and quantum-enhanced flow sensing.

Honors include the MacArthur Fellowship, Waterman Award, and membership on the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Leads the Dabiri Lab with over 30 PhD students and postdocs.

Research Areas:

• Wind farm aerodynamics inspired by fish schooling
• Ocean mixing by swimming organisms
• Electromechanical enhancement of marine animals
• Environmental sensing via flow-structure interactions

Awards:

• National Medal of Science (2025)
• G. Evelyn Hutchinson Award (2023)
• Alan T. Waterman Award (2020)
• MacArthur Fellowship (2010)