Wim van Rees

Associate Professor Wim van Rees is affiliated with the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His research focuses on computational methods for fluid-structure interactions, bio-inspired propulsion, and shape-shifting structures.

• PhD, ETH Zurich (2014)
• BSc/MSc, Delft University of Technology (2008)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard University (2015)

Research Interests: Develops advanced numerical simulations to study:

• Bio-inspired propulsion – optimizing swimmers' gait and shape using evolutionary techniques
• Vortex dynamics – analyzing vortex interactions and helicity dynamics
• Shape-shifting structures – designing stimuli-responsive materials that deform under environmental triggers

Recent Publications span computational methods (e.g., immersed finite-difference techniques), vortex dynamics, and bio-inspired design across mechanics, ocean engineering, and materials science.

• US Department of Energy Early Career Award (2020)
• Army Research Office Early Career Award (2021)
• DOE Mission Science award (2022)

Laboratory: The van Rees Lab develops high-performance numerical methods and applies evolutionary optimization to design fluid-driven systems and responsive materials.