Melanie Derby

Melanie Derby is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering at Kansas State University's College of Engineering. She holds the Charles E. Wilson Chair in Engineering and can be contacted at Rathbone Hall (3022) or via phone (785-532-5610) and email (derbym@k-state.edu).

• Education
  • Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (2013)
  • M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (2010)
  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (2008)
  from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Her research focuses on thermal-fluids systems at the intersection of Food, Energy, and Water Nexus, with expertise in multi-phase flows, phase change phenomena, building energy efficiency, and rural resilience. She leads the Cooling and Heating Innovation Lab, mentoring graduate and undergraduate researchers.

Scientific honors include:

• 2017 NSF CAREER Award
• 2017 ASME ICNMM Outstanding Early Career Award
• 2017 K-State College of Engineering Outstanding Assistant Professor Award

She has secured funding from NSF, NASA, ONR, DOE, ASHRAE, and industry partners.