Lucy Zhang

Lucy Zhang is a Professor and Associate Dean for Research Innovations, Partnerships, and Workforce Development at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). She holds a Ph.D. from Northwestern University and previously served as an assistant professor at Tulane University before Hurricane Katrina. Her primary affiliation is in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering, with a secondary affiliation in Biomedical Engineering within the School of Engineering.

Dr. Zhang’s research focuses on computational mechanics, particularly fluid-structure interactions, computational biomechanics, and multiphysics-multiscale simulations. Her work bridges engineering and biomedical applications, including aerodynamics, cardiovascular modeling, and material corrosion analysis. Notable contributions include the development of the OpenIFEM software framework for fluid-structure interaction simulations and studies on respiratory droplet dynamics during pandemics.

Her recent research integrates machine learning with fluid dynamics solvers, explores material degradation under extreme conditions, and addresses challenges in neurorehabilitation modeling through NSF-funded initiatives. Dr. Zhang collaborates across disciplines, leveraging high-performance computing and numerical methods to solve complex engineering and biomedical problems. Her NSF grant on fibrous material performance under real-world conditions underscores her commitment to translational research.