Kerry Hourigan

Kerry Hourigan is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering at Monash University. He serves as Director of the Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering (LBE) and Co-Director of the Fluids Laboratory for Aeronautical and Industrial Research (FLAIR), highlighting his leadership in interdisciplinary fluid dynamics research.

• PhD in Astrophysics, Monash University (1981)
• BSc in Applied Mathematics and Physics, Monash University (1975)

His research centers on fluid dynamics, particularly bluff body flows, flow-induced vibrations, and bio-inspired fluid systems. He combines experimental and computational approaches to study vortex dynamics, fluid-structure interactions, and novel engineering applications in biomedical and aeronautical contexts. His work spans fundamental fluid mechanics to applied engineering solutions.

The recent articles highlight a strong trend in using data-driven and machine learning techniques to model and control complex fluid-induced vibrations, especially around bluff and elliptical bodies. His work integrates computational fluid dynamics with physical experiments, often targeting applications in energy harvesting and biomedical devices. The research consistently appears in top-tier journals such as Journal of Fluid Mechanics and Physics of Fluids, reflecting sustained scholarly impact.

His primary scientific recognition is as a Fellow of Engineers Australia, awarded in 1996, acknowledging his contributions to engineering science and practice.

• Lead investigator on multiple ARC and NHMRC-funded projects, including studies on wake transitions, bioreactors for stem cell culture, and intracellular delivery systems.
• Actively supervises PhD students and collaborates internationally with institutions in France (CNRS), Denmark (Technical University), and the USA (Caltech).

He leads the Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering (LBE) and co-directs the Fluids Laboratory for Aeronautical and Industrial Research (FLAIR), both fostering collaborative, cross-disciplinary research in fluid mechanics and biomedical applications.