Kasey Laurent

Kasey Laurent is an Assistant Professor at Syracuse University's Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering within the College of Engineering and Computer Science. She holds a Ph.D. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (Cornell University, 2023) and a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics (University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, 2017).

Her research focuses on turbulence and fluid dynamics, exploring bio-inspired solutions for UAV performance and aerodynamic adaptations in animals. Key projects include studying golden eagle flight dynamics in turbulent environments and developing advanced experimental methods like the Maximum Likelihood Filtering technique for particle tracking.

Dr. Laurent leads the Laurent Fluid Dynamics Lab, which investigates fluid mechanics in biological systems and man-made machines. Current projects include drag reduction inspired by shark skin, UAV performance optimization in wind, and collaborations with companies like OpB Data Insights.

Recent grants include SOURCE funding for undergraduate research (2023–2025). Notable collaborations include work on turbulence filtering with OpB Data Insights, published in Experiments in Fluids (2024). Undergraduate mentoring spans projects on flapping wing forces, low-speed flow visualization, and car drag reduction.

Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, linking avian flight, granular dynamics, and turbulence measurement. Outreach includes STEM programs and public lectures on aerodynamics.