Philip Yecko

Philip Yecko is Professor and Chair of the Physics Department at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, within the Albert Nerken School of Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Astronomy from Columbia University and an S.B. in Physics from MIT. His academic journey includes faculty positions at Montclair State University, Columbia University, and Trinity College Dublin.

• Columbia University: MA, MPhil & Ph.D. Astronomy (1995)
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology: S.B. Physics (1988)
• Jewish Theological Seminary: M.A. Rabbinic Literature & Culture (expected 2025)

Professor Yecko's research spans fluid dynamics with focus on astrophysical, biological, geophysical, magnetic and multi-phase systems. His work examines flows of accretion disks, atomization and sprays, bubbles, droplets, ocean vortices, stellar convection, and magnetic drug delivery. His research methodology combines mathematical and theoretical approaches with computational modeling and laboratory experiments, including an ongoing program at Argonne National Lab's Advanced Photon Source.

His recent publications reveal a strong focus on magnetic fluids and computational methods, with significant contributions to ferrofluid dynamics, multiphase flow simulation, and transport phenomena in complex systems. The research shows increasing integration of machine learning techniques with traditional fluid dynamics approaches, particularly in geophysical applications.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Multiple invitations to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute's Geophysical Fluid Dynamics program
• Invited Scientist positions at the Aspen Center for Physics
• An H-index of 17 according to Google Scholar

Professor Yecko actively mentors students through research projects and has supervised numerous master's theses in applied mathematics and mechanical engineering. His research is supported by multiple NSF grants including the Fluid-Structure Interactions for Control in Geophysical Flows project (NSF CMMI-2121923) and the 3D Multiphysics Simulation of Multi-phase Magnetic Fluids project (NSF DMS-1620158).

He directs the Complex Fluid Physics and Engineering (CoFPhE) Lab, which provides experimental, computational and theoretical research opportunities for students at both graduate and undergraduate levels. The lab collaborates with researchers internationally, including institutions in Italy, France, and multiple U.S. universities.