Neil Cagney

Dr Neil Cagney is a Lecturer and Director of Outreach, Recruitment and Admissions at the School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London. His academic career focuses on experimental fluid dynamics with particular emphasis on fluid-structure interactions and complex fluid behavior. Dr Cagney leads outreach initiatives to attract and admit students to the engineering programs at Queen Mary.

Dr Cagney received his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Trinity College Dublin, followed by a PhD from University College London in 2013 under the supervision of Prof. Stavroula Balabani. His doctoral research examined the vortex-induced vibration of structures, establishing the foundation for his current research interests.

Dr Cagney's research centers on experimental analysis of fluid flows, with particular expertise in fluid-structure interaction, flow-induced vibrations, mixing and dynamics in complex fluids. His current research portfolio includes work on Vertical Axis Wind Turbines, energy harvesting from stall flutter, and viscoelastic turbulence. His interdisciplinary approach bridges engineering fundamentals with practical applications in renewable energy, water treatment, and industrial processes. The experimental nature of his work often involves sophisticated measurement techniques to capture complex flow phenomena in controlled environments.

Analysis of Dr Cagney's recent publications reveals a strong focus on Taylor-Couette flow phenomena, particularly examining how viscoelastic and shear-thinning properties affect flow instabilities and transitions. His work spans multiple applications including energy harvesting systems, microfluidic mixing, dental aerosol dynamics, and microalgae processing for biofuels. This diverse portfolio demonstrates his ability to apply fundamental fluid dynamics principles to solve practical engineering challenges across different sectors.

• Small-scale vertical-axis wind turbines for backup domestic electricity generation in rural South African communities (£134,505 from Royal Society, 2024-2027)
• The Jetting of Complex Inks for Industrial Inkjet Technologies - KTP (£196,454 from Innovate UK, 2022-2024)

Dr Cagney serves as module organiser for EMS460U Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics and EMS521U Cardiovascular Fluid Mechanics. His teaching directly connects with his research expertise, providing students with insights into both fundamental principles and cutting-edge applications of fluid dynamics. His outreach role demonstrates commitment to expanding engineering education access and diversity.

Dr Cagney is affiliated with the Centre for Intelligent Transport at Queen Mary University of London, where his research on fluid dynamics contributes to transportation-related challenges including energy harvesting systems and fluid flow optimization. His collaborative work with researchers across disciplines highlights the interdisciplinary nature of modern engineering research.