Keith Stein

Keith Stein is a Professor of Physics in the Department of Physics & Engineering at Bethel University, within the College of Arts and Sciences. He has been a faculty member since 2001 and is deeply involved in research and student collaboration. His work bridges computational and experimental fluid dynamics, with applications in aerospace and engineering systems.

Education:

• B.A. in Physics, Bethel College, 1987
• M.S. in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, University of Minnesota, 1989
• Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, University of Minnesota, 1999

Dr. Stein's research focuses on fluid-structure interactions, particularly in parachute systems, and he utilizes advanced optical and high-speed video imaging to study compressible flows, shock waves, and thermal convection. His work has involved collaborations with the U.S. Army, Rice University’s T*AFSM group, and the University of Minnesota on projects such as the Mars Science Laboratory parachute simulations. He emphasizes student-faculty research partnerships, providing hands-on experience in cutting-edge experimental and computational techniques.

His scholarly contributions have been recognized through awards and service. Notably, he received the Department of the Army Research and Development Award and the Bethel Excellence in Scholarship Award. He has also served on the advisory board of the International Journal for Numerical Methods in Fluids.

Dr. Stein is actively engaged in mentoring and research leadership. While specific students and publications are not listed, his long-standing involvement in collaborative research suggests a strong advising role. His work continues to contribute to both academic and applied aerospace engineering challenges.

He has been affiliated with the Team for Advanced Flow Simulation and Modeling (T*AFSM) at Rice University and has collaborated with the University of Minnesota Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, particularly on NASA-related parachute dynamics projects.