Melany L. Hunt

Melany L. Hunt is the Dotty and Dick Hayman Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), holding academic appointments since 1988. She earned B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Minnesota (1983) and University of California (1985, 1987). Her roles include Vice Provost (2007–2014) and Executive Officer (2002–2007). Her research focuses on multiphase flows, granular dynamics, and fluid-particle interactions.

Key research areas include rheological measurements of liquid-solid suspensions, particle collisions in viscous fluids, and booming sand dune acoustics. Her experimental and computational work bridges fluid mechanics and granular physics, with applications in energy systems and geophysics. Notable awards include the Feynman Prize for Excellence in Teaching and the CCID Agent of Change Award.

Her lab investigates segregation in granular mixtures, wave propagation in dunes, and robotic locomotion. She advises over 15 graduate students and postdocs, many now leading academic and industry roles. Courses taught include advanced thermodynamics, heat transfer, and systems engineering.