Nic Brummell is a Professor of Applied Mathematics and Chair of the Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics at the University of California Santa Cruz. He specializes in geophysical and astrophysical fluid dynamics, focusing on magnetohydrodynamics of stellar interiors and dynamo theory. Teaches applied mathematics, fluid dynamics, and numerical analysis Research focuses on turbulent convection, magnetic field generation, and stellar dynamics Involved in NASA and NSF high-performance computing projects Research Interests Brummell studies fluid dynamics in geophysical and astrophysical contexts, with particular emphasis on: Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) of stellar interiors Dynamo theory for magnetic field generation Thermal and chemical mixing processes Rotating compressible convection Numerical simulations of astrophysical phenomena Emails: brummell@soe.ucsc.edu , brummell@solarz.colorado.edu
Christopher S. Goldenstein is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University's School of Mechanical Engineering. His research focuses on advanced laser-based diagnostics for combustion systems, energetic materials, and biomedical applications. He holds a B.S.E. from the University of Michigan (2009) and M.S./Ph.D. from Stanford University (2011/2014). Research interests include laser absorption spectroscopy, molecular photophysics, propulsion systems, and sustainable energy technologies. His work spans fundamental thermodynamics and fluid mechanics to applied areas like detonation engines and gas sensor development. Notable awards include the NASA Early Career Award (2020), NSF CAREER Award (2019), and multiple young investigator recognitions. He leads the Goldenstein Group, advancing laser diagnostics for defense, energy, and propulsion applications. Recent publications emphasize high-bandwidth sensors and combustion diagnostics in extreme environments. PhD advisees: Dr. McDonald, Dr. Radhakrishna, Dr. Stiborek Labs: Goldenstein Group facilities at Purdue Grants: Active funding from NASA, AFOSR, DTRA, and NSF
Farshid Sadeghi is the Cummins Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University’s School of Mechanical Engineering. His expertise spans tribology, contact mechanics, and surface engineering with a focus on rolling/sliding systems. He holds degrees from the University of Tennessee (B.S., M.S.) and North Carolina State University (Ph.D.). Research interests include rolling contact fatigue, lubrication regimes, bearing dynamics, and advanced materials. His work integrates experimental and computational methods, such as finite element modeling and micro-PIV fluid flow analysis. Key contributions include predictive models for spall formation, fretting wear, and material microstructure effects on fatigue life. Notable awards include ASME and STLE Fellowships, the H.L. Solberg Teaching Award, and several student poster competition medals. He directs the Mechanical Engineering Tribology Laboratory (METL), advancing innovations in lubrication, surface modification, and tribosystem design. Publications span 40+ years, addressing topics like cage dynamics, hydrogen effects on tribology, and nanotechnology-based solid lubricants. His research bridges fundamental mechanics with industrial applications in automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors.
Osman Basaran is the Burton and Kathryn Gedge Professor of Chemical Engineering at Purdue University's Davidson School of Chemical Engineering. He is also the Academic Director of the Purdue Process Safety and Assurance Center (P2SAC). He joined Purdue in 1995 after earning his B.S. from MIT in 1978 and his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota in 1984. His research focuses on fluid dynamics phenomena such as liquid sheet rupture, microfluidics, surfactant-driven dynamics, and drop coalescence. His work combines computational modeling, theoretical analysis, and ultra-high-speed imaging (up to 100 million frames per second) to study complex fluid behaviors relevant to inkjet printing, emulsion production, and manufacturing processes. Key areas include the analysis of pinch-off singularities, microfluidic drop generation, and electrically driven separations. His lab has developed novel experimental tools for measuring surface viscosity and analyzing interfacial phenomena. Current efforts aim to enhance imaging resolution and frame rates while exploring surfactant effects on liquid dynamics. His research has produced insights into scaling laws, oscillations of constrained drops, and the role of Marangoni stresses in breakup dynamics. Basaran advises four graduate students and collaborates on projects involving viscoelastic fluids, drop impact dynamics, and pattern formation via electric fields. His work bridges fundamental fluid mechanics with industrial applications, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to fluid behavior challenges.
Venkat Athmanathan is a Senior Research Scientist at Purdue University's Zucrow Labs and the Department of Mechanical Engineering within the College of Engineering. He is affiliated with the Meyer Research Group and maintains an active Google Scholar profile. His research focuses on advanced combustion systems, optical diagnostics, and alternative fuels for next-generation propulsion technologies. Education: B.E. in Aeronautical Engineering from Anna University, Chennai, India (2015) M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University (2018) Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Purdue University (2021) Research Interests: Combustion Physics, Spectroscopic Analysis of Reacting Flows, Optical Diagnostics Development for Thermal Environments (e.g., gas-turbines, rockets), and Alternative Fuels for Gas Turbines (Hydrogen and Ammonia). His work emphasizes experimental and computational studies of Rotating Detonation Engines (RDEs) and their integration with turbine systems. His research employs cutting-edge diagnostics like high-speed laser imaging (PLIF, CARS) and MHz-rate thermal measurements to study detonation wave dynamics, fuel injection, and heat transfer in extreme environments. Recent work focuses on hydrogen and ammonia as sustainable fuels in rotating detonation combustors. Labs/Teams: Active member of Zucrow Labs and the Meyer Research Group, collaborating on projects related to high-pressure optical RDEs (e.g., THOR engine) and turbine integration challenges.
Vivek Narsimhan is the Michael Ott Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at Purdue University's School of Chemical Engineering, part of the Davidson School of Chemical Engineering. His research focuses on soft matter systems including fluid mechanics, polymer physics, interfacial rheology, and microfluidics. He holds a B.S. from Caltech (2008), M.A.st. from Cambridge (2009), and M.S./Ph.D. from Stanford (2015). Education: B.S., Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 2008 M.A.st., Mathematics, University of Cambridge, 2009 M.S. and Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, 2015 Research interests span suspensions, complex interfaces, vesicle dynamics, and polymer physics. His lab integrates theory, simulations, and experiments to study phenomena such as droplet breakup, knotted polymer dynamics, and lyophilization processes. Key applications include pharmaceutical manufacturing, biofluid dynamics, and industrial fluid mechanics. Awards include the ACS Petroleum Research Fund Doctoral New Investigator Grant (2020) and recognition in Physics of Fluids as an Editor’s Pick (2020). His work on vesicle stability and interfacial rheology has been featured in AIChE Journal's Futures 2020 issue. Advising and grants include mentoring over a dozen graduate students and postdocs, with active projects on microfluidic separations and heat transfer modeling. His lab collaborates on lyophilization studies with industry partners and has developed novel methodologies for starch suspension dynamics. Labs/Teams: The Narsimhan Soft Matter Research Group at Purdue explores interdisciplinary challenges in soft matter, with ongoing collaborations in biophysics, materials science, and computational rheology. The group maintains a lab website with detailed research descriptions and publications.
Tom Shih is a Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University's School of Aeronautics and Astronautics since 2009. He holds degrees from National Cheng Kung University (B.S.E., 1976), University of Michigan (M.S.E., 1977; Ph.D., 1981). His research focuses on computational fluid dynamics, thermal management, and gas turbine aero-thermal systems. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the AIAA Journal and chairs multiple professional committees. Education: B.S.E., National Cheng Kung University, 1976 M.S.E., University of Michigan, 1977 Ph.D., University of Michigan, 1981 Research Interests: Computational fluid dynamics (CFD), thermal management systems, gas turbine aerothermal analysis, shock-wave/boundary-layer interactions, aircraft icing mechanisms, and advanced cooling technologies for aerospace applications. Key Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes hybrid LES/RANS modeling, film cooling optimization, and thermal management in rotating systems. Studies often bridge CFD methodology with experimental validation in turbine cooling and heat transfer. Awards: Fellowships: ASME (200?), AIAA (200?) Ralph R. Teetor Award (SAE, 1986) AIAA Energy Systems Award (2015) AIAA Thermophysics Award (2020) Grants & Advising: Advises on turbine cooling projects. Leads editorial efforts at AIAA Journal. Active in professional societies including AIAA Terrestrial Energy Systems Technical Committee and ASME IGTI K-14 Committee. Labs/Teams: Engaged in Purdue's aerothermodynamics research group, collaborating on turbine cooling and CFD methodology advancements.
Dr. Ye Zhang is a Research Fellow at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), School of Biomedical Engineering. She holds a PhD from Macquarie University (2023) and is affiliated with the Kolling Institute of Sydney University and the Woolcock Institute of Macquarie University. Her multidisciplinary expertise spans computational fluid dynamics, microfluidics, biofabrication, and nanomedicine development. She leads projects in translatable nanomedicine technologies for joint diseases and has developed an innovative biosensor through the NSW Defence Innovation Network internship. Dr. Zhang also holds a Project Management Professional certification and has mentored numerous postgraduate and honors students. Education: PhD in Biomedical Engineering (Macquarie University, 2019-2023); Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees not explicitly stated but inferred from career progression. Research Interests: Focus on biofilm characterization, drug delivery systems (e.g., 3D-printed throat models), microfluidic platforms for biofilm studies, and biomimetic scaffolds for tissue engineering. Her work bridges engineering and medicine to address chronic diseases like osteoarthritis and cardiovascular conditions. Recent Research Trends: Her publications emphasize biofilm dynamics, in vitro models for drug transport, and nanomedicine applications. Key innovations include real-time biofilm monitoring systems and inhalable liposomal drug formulations. Honors: NSW Defence Innovation Network PhD Candidate Internship award (2023). Active collaborations with international teams and governmental/industrial partners. Advising & Grants: Experienced in mentoring students and managing projects, including the UTS Strategic Research Accelerator Program. Her work integrates project management expertise with interdisciplinary research. Labs & Affiliations: Member of the UTS SRA Program, Kolling Institute (USYD), and Woolcock Institute (MQ). Global collaborations include partnerships with Canadian and international institutions.
Arne J. Pearlstein is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), where he has held academic positions since 1983. He received his Ph.D. in Engineering from UCLA in 1983, following earlier degrees from UCLA (B.S. and M.S. in Engineering). His research focuses on fluid mechanics, hydrodynamic stability, and applied mathematics, with applications in materials processing, mass transfer, and biofilm dynamics. Key projects include modeling dynamic flight maneuvers using proper orthogonal decomposition and investigating nonuniform molecular weight distributions in photopolymerization. Professor Pearlstein has contributed to over 150 peer-reviewed articles, including work on ultrasonic separation of ethanol, pathogen detection in food systems, and vortex-induced vibration control. He holds a U.S. patent for produce-cleaning systems. Awards include the APS Fellowship (2014) and NSF Presidential Young Investigator Award (1985). He has taught courses such as TAM 531 (Inviscid Flow) and TAM 536 (Instability and Transition). His advising excellence has been recognized multiple times by UIUC, including the 2023 Engineering Council Advisor List for Outstanding Advising. Education: Ph.D. Engineering, UCLA, 1983 M.S. Engineering, UCLA, 1977 B.S. Engineering, UCLA, 1977 Research Highlights: Fluid mechanics and instability mechanisms Food safety and pathogen detection technologies Nonlinear energy sinks for vibration control Photopolymerization modeling Awards: Fellow, American Physical Society NSF Presidential Young Investigator
Dr. Daniel Lecoanet is an Assistant Professor of Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics at Northwestern University’s McCormick School of Engineering. His research focuses on astrophysical and geophysical fluid dynamics, with expertise in numerical simulations and the development of the Dedalus code. He holds a PhD in Physics from UC Berkeley and has held postdoctoral fellowships at Princeton University. Education: PhD in Physics, UC Berkeley (2016) Masters of Advanced Study in Applied Mathematics, University of Cambridge (2011) Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2010) Research Interests: Lecoanet investigates fluid dynamics in astrophysical and geophysical contexts, including convection in stars and planets, internal gravity waves, and magnetic dynamo processes. He leads development of the Dedalus spectral code, widely used for solving PDEs in complex geometries. Key topics include wave generation by convection, convective boundary mixing, and magnetohydrodynamic instabilities. Grants & Awards: NSF Astronomy and Astrophysics Grant ($402,908, 2024–2027) Simons Foundation Targeted Grant ($3.9M, 2024–2028) Sloan Research Fellowship (2024–2026) Hertz Foundation Fellowship (2011–2016) Advising & Mentorship: Lecoanet supervises PhD students (Emma Kaufman, Liam O'Connor, Benjamin Hyatt) and postdocs (Evan Anders, Kyle Augustson). He mentors summer students in the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics program and teaches courses on numerical methods and fluid dynamics. Labs & Collaborations: Collaborates with international teams on stellar magnetic field modeling, internal wave dynamics, and Dedalus software development. Active in CIERA (Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics) and the Fluid Mechanics of Planets and Stars research group.
Tayfun E. Tezduyar is the James F. Barbour Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Rice University. He holds a Ph.D. from Caltech (1982) and has held faculty positions at the University of Houston, University of Minnesota, and visiting roles at institutions including the University of Tokyo and Waseda University. His research focuses on computational fluid-structure interaction (FSI), cardiovascular biomechanics, and advanced numerical methods such as isogeometric analysis. He pioneered space-time finite element methods and has contributed to the analysis of spacecraft parachutes, car aerodynamics, and bioinspired flapping-wing aerodynamics. Education: M.S. (1978), Ph.D. (1982) in Mechanical Engineering, California Institute of Technology. Awards: John von Neumann Medal (2023), Ted Belytschko Award (2018), Honorary Doctorate (Slovak Republic, 2001). Leadership: Directed the Army High Performance Computing Research Center (1994–1998), chaired Rice's Mechanical Engineering department (1999–2004). His work emphasizes high-resolution flow simulations and has been applied to aerospace, biomedical, and automotive engineering challenges. Over 289 indexed journal articles and 70 book chapters highlight his prolific contributions to computational mechanics.
Leigh Royden is the Cecil and Ida Green Professor of Geology and Geophysics in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she has been a faculty member since 1984. She served as Division Head for the Program in Geology, Geochemistry and Geobiology from 2003 to 2010 and currently directs MIT's Experimental Study Group. Royden earned her A.B. in physics from Harvard University in 1977 and her Ph.D. in geology and geophysics from MIT in 1982. Royden is renowned for her interdisciplinary approach combining geology, geophysics, and mathematics to study Earth's crustal deformation, particularly focusing on tectonic processes shaping Earth's surface. Her research centers on mechanics of large-scale continental deformation, interaction of surface processes and tectonics, and subduction dynamics. She is especially known for her work on flow in the lower crust and its relevance to mountain ranges and high plateaus, with significant contributions to understanding subducting slab dynamics in regions like Tibet and the Mediterranean. Her extensive publication record spans over four decades, with recent work focusing on slab interactions, double subduction systems, and the connections between tectonic processes and landscape evolution. Royden's research has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of continental processes, particularly in how different types of subduction zones lead to different mountain belt formations. Walter H. Bucher Medal, American Geophysical Union (2019) Elected to the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina (2022) Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2018) Stephan Mueller Medal, European Union of Geosciences (2013) George P. Woollard Award, Geological Society of America (2011) Royden has been a champion of inclusivity and diversity within Earth sciences for decades. She was part of the group that authored the 1999 Study on the Status of Women Faculty in Science at MIT, which documented systemic gender disparities. She has mentored numerous junior researchers and actively addressed career challenges faced by female faculty. Her service includes editorial roles for major journals and committee work for prestigious scientific organizations.
Talia Tamarin-Brodsky is an Assistant Professor at MIT's Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences (EAPS) since July 2023. She studies atmospheric dynamics at the intersection of weather and climate, focusing on temperature variability, midlatitude storm tracks, Rossby wave breaking events, and weather extremes under climate change. Education: B.S. and M.S. in Mathematics and Geophysics from Tel Aviv University (2004, 2009), Ph.D. in Earth and Planetary Sciences from Weizmann Institute (2012) Postdoctoral fellowships: University of Reading (2017) and Tel Aviv University (2020) Her research combines theoretical frameworks, observational analysis, and numerical simulations to understand how climate change affects atmospheric circulation regimes and temperature distributions. Key areas include: Subseasonal-to-seasonal predictability Stratosphere-troposphere interactions Weather regime shifts under global warming Eddy-mean flow interactions Recent publications explore atmospheric stability thresholds for moist convection, Rossby wave breaking recipes, and polar amplification effects on weather persistence. Awards include the Rector Postdoctoral Award (2022) , Rewarding Excellence Award (2020) , and Women in Science Award (2017) . Her work involves collaborative projects with institutions like Tel Aviv University and the University of Reading, with ongoing development of advanced storm-tracking algorithms and temperature distribution models. Current research emphasizes understanding temperature skewness/kurtosis and their climate change responses through dynamical systems analysis.
Keaton Burns is a Principal Research Scientist in the Department of Mathematics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), affiliated with the Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) program. His research focuses on numerical methods, partial differential equations, computational fluid dynamics, spectral methods, and their applications in geophysical and astrophysical systems. He leads the development of the open-source Dedalus project, a flexible framework for solving partial differential equations using spectral methods. His work addresses challenges in fluid dynamics, turbulence, and magnetohydrodynamics, with applications ranging from ocean modeling to stellar convection and planetary magnetospheres. Research interests include advanced numerical techniques for simulating complex flows, parameterization of microscale ocean mixing (e.g., CATKE model), and exploring nonlinear instabilities and multiscale phenomena in rotating systems. His contributions to software development, such as Oceananigans and Dedalus, emphasize high-resolution, scalable simulations across diverse scales. Publications highlight advancements in automated adjoints for geophysical flows, stability analysis of viscoelastic fluids, and the role of convection in solar dynamics. His work bridges computational innovation with fundamental scientific questions in astrophysics and geophysics, often leveraging spectral methods for high-precision solutions. No scientific awards or advising roles are explicitly mentioned in the provided materials. The Dedalus project underscores his commitment to open-source tools for advancing computational research in academia and industry.
Edward M. Greitzer is the H. N. Slater Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he has served in multiple leadership roles including Interim Department Head (2018), Founding MIT Pillar Head for the Engineering Product Development Pillar at Singapore University of Technology and Design (2009-2016), and Director of the Gas Turbine Laboratory (1986-1996). His research spans gas turbines, turbomachinery, propulsion system-airframe integration, active control of fluid systems, and vortex flows, with significant contributions to industry-university collaboration initiatives. Education: B.A. in Physics, Harvard College, 1962 M.S. in Engineering, Harvard University, 1964 Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Harvard University, 1970 Dr. Greitzer's research focuses on fundamental and applied fluid dynamics in propulsion systems, particularly compressor instabilities (surge and rotating stall), boundary layer phenomena, and aeromechanical control systems. His work bridges theoretical fluid mechanics with practical engineering applications, emphasizing industry-academia partnerships. He pioneered research on active stall control, boundary layer ingestion for aircraft efficiency, and surface waviness effects on fan performance. His leadership in the Cambridge-MIT Silent Aircraft Initiative and NASA-sponsored D8 "double-bubble" aircraft project demonstrates his commitment to sustainable aviation solutions. The integration of experimental methods with computational modeling remains central to his approach, as reflected in his seminal textbook Internal Flow: Concepts and Applications . His publication record shows consistent focus on turbomachinery fundamentals evolving toward system-level integration and environmental impact reduction. Recent work (2015-2022) emphasizes boundary layer control, surface imperfection effects, and propulsion-airframe integration for next-generation aircraft, indicating sustained relevance in addressing aerospace efficiency challenges. Awards and Honors: National Academy of Engineering Member AIAA Honorary Fellow Royal Academy of Engineering International Fellow US Air Force Exceptional Civilian Service Award AIAA Reed Aeronautics Award ASME R. Tom Sawyer Award Four-time ASME Gas Turbine Award recipient MIT Everett Moore Baker Teaching Award ASME Freeman Scholar Award Dr. Greitzer has secured significant research funding through NASA-sponsored projects (including the D8 "double-bubble" aircraft) and industry partnerships via the Gas Turbine Laboratory. His advising philosophy emphasizes hands-on experimental projects and close mentorship, reflected in his two-time receipt of departmental teaching awards. He has trained numerous engineers through MIT's graduate programs and industry collaborations, with research supported by NASA, the US Air Force, and major aerospace corporations. His industry-university collaboration framework has become a model for technology transfer in propulsion research. He founded and directed MIT's Gas Turbine Laboratory, establishing it as a premier research hub for turbomachinery and propulsion systems. The lab fostered deep partnerships with Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, and other industry leaders, facilitating joint research on compressor stability, novel aircraft configurations, and sustainable propulsion technologies. His leadership in the Singapore University of Technology and Design initiative extended this collaborative model internationally.
