Swathi Krishna

Dr. Swathi Krishna is a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in the Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics Group at the University of Southampton since August 2021. She holds a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University (2009), an M.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering from TU Delft (2012), and a Ph.D. in Mechanics from EPFL, Switzerland (2017). Her research focuses on experimental fluid mechanics, unsteady vortex-dominated flows, and bioinspired engineering solutions for sustainable aeronautical and marine technologies.

Her work spans aerodynamics of vertical axis turbines, propeller-wing interactions in novel VTOL aircraft, flapping wing kinematics inspired by insects, and morphing wing designs. Utilizing advanced facilities like recirculating water channels, wind tunnels, and robotic systems, her group explores fluid-structure interactions to optimize engineering systems. Current projects include EPSRC equipment maintenance collaborations and Royal Society-funded studies on water surface locomotion.

Dr. Krishna supervises PhD students in topics ranging from cyclorotor aerodynamics to bioinspired robotics. Her teaching includes modules on aerodynamics and design activities, integrating cutting-edge research into academic instruction.