Zoltán S. Spakovszky

Zoltán S. Spakovszky is the T. Wilson (1953) Professor in Aeronautics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he has served as Director of the Gas Turbine Laboratory since 2008. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT (2000) and joined the MIT faculty in 2001 as Assistant Professor before being promoted to Professor in 2012.

• Dipl. Ing., 1997, ETH Zürich
• M.S., 1999, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Ph.D., 2000, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Spakovszky's research focuses on propulsion and energy conversion, compressor aerodynamics, micro-fluidics, and aero-acoustics. He investigates flow instabilities in turbomachinery, supercritical CO2 power cycles, and aircraft design for environmental sustainability. His work bridges fundamental fluid dynamics with applied aerospace engineering.

His publications span topics including rotating stall waves, cavitation instabilities, and electrified aviation. Many of his studies address challenges in improving engine efficiency and stability through advanced diagnostics and design optimizations.

Scientific Awards:

• 2021 IGTI Scholar Award (ASME)
• 2018, 2016, 2014 IGTI Aircraft Engine Committee Best Paper Awards
• 2017 ASME Gas Turbine Award
• 2009 Ruth and Joel Spira Award for Excellence in Teaching
• 2003 ASME Melville Medal

Spakovszky leads the Gas Turbine Laboratory at MIT, which conducts cutting-edge research in aerospace propulsion systems and fluid machinery. He has also held leadership roles such as Vehicle Sector Head (2015–2018) and Chair of the Graduate Committee (2020–2021).