Juan M. Lopez

Juan M. Lopez is a Professor in the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU). His research spans two broad areas: rotation and buoyancy dominated flows, and interfacial hydrodynamics. His work has been consistently supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and NASA, with research grants extending through 2025.

• Ph.D., Monash University, Australia (1985)

Professor Lopez's research focuses on fundamental fluid dynamics problems with applications in geophysics, aerodynamics, industrial processes, and biomedical contexts. His first research area examines rotation and buoyancy dominated flows, addressing transitions from laminar to turbulence and resolving complex bifurcational processes using direct numerical simulations and dynamical systems theory. His second research area investigates interfacial hydrodynamics, particularly the influence of surfactants and proteins that form amyloid fibrils at sheared interfaces, which has implications for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. His work bridges fundamental fluid dynamics with practical applications in biomedical research.

His recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate a continued focus on rotating flows, stratified systems, and interfacial phenomena. The research shows increasing emphasis on microgravity applications, protein aggregation at interfaces, and the mathematical analysis of wave phenomena in rotating systems. His work combines theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and collaboration with experimental groups.

• Editorial Board Member, Proceedings of the Royal Society, Series A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences

Professor Lopez has advised nine Ph.D. students and two M.S. students throughout his career. His research has been supported by multiple grants from the National Science Foundation and NASA, with recent projects focusing on catastrophic transitions to turbulence in rotation-dominated flows, amyloid fibril formation in microgravity, and multiphase interfacial hydrodynamics. He maintains active research collaborations with institutions including Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and international partners.

His laboratory work involves computational fluid dynamics simulations and collaborations with experimental groups studying fluid interfaces, particularly in microgravity environments aboard the International Space Station. His research has evolved to address increasingly complex biomedical applications while maintaining strong foundations in fundamental fluid dynamics principles.