William Anderson

William Anderson is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Texas at Dallas. He holds the endowed Eugene McDermott Professorship. His research focuses on turbulent flows, environmental fluid dynamics, and boundary layer meteorology with applications to planetary surface processes and urban aerodynamics.

Education:

• Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering (2011), Johns Hopkins University
• M.S., Mechanical Engineering (2009), Johns Hopkins University
• M.S., Civil Engineering (2007), Texas Tech University
• B.S., Civil Engineering (2004), James Cook University

Research Interests: Anderson’s work addresses complex fluid dynamics phenomena in natural and engineered environments, including aeolian processes on Mars, turbulent boundary layer interactions over heterogeneous surfaces, and large-eddy simulation (LES) modeling of geophysical flows.

Publications: His recent work emphasizes planetary surface dynamics (e.g., Martian crater erosion mechanisms) and urban fluid dynamics, with a focus on secondary flow modulation and roughness heterogeneity effects. Key contributions include LES advancements for multiscale topography and aeolian transport modeling.

Awards/Honors:

• 2018: Focus on Fluids article (Journal of Fluid Mechanics)
• 2018: Eugene McDermott Professorship
• 2017: APS Physics Focus article for Martian flow studies
• 2014: AFOSR Young Investigator Award

Grants/Advising: Anderson has secured funding from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and contributed to NASA-related planetary science initiatives. His advising focuses on graduate students exploring LES modeling and geophysical fluid dynamics.

Labs/Teams: Active in UT Dallas’ fluid dynamics research group, collaborating on projects involving high-performance LES simulations and field validation of aeolian processes.