Research

Exploring complex flow fields.

With over 18 years of experience in fluid dynamics and unsteady aerodynamics, my research has focused on providing high-fidelity modeling and rigorous validation for complex aerospace systems.

My core expertise lies in the integration of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with advanced experimental validation. Utilizing High-Performance Computing (HPC) and coupled six-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) simulations, I specialize in analyzing highly separated flow fields and multi-body interactions. I continue to advance these methodologies through my research and collaborations with colleagues, sponsors, and industry partners.

Active Research Projects

Complex Separating Aerial Vehicle with Modeling and Simulation
CFD CFD/6DOF Motion Capture
Kitty Hawk Technologies, Inc.

Complex Separating Aerial Vehicle with Modeling and Simulation

Modeling and simulation of unstable bodies in high-speed flight regimes using coupled frameworks.

CFD Analysis of Fontan Procedure for Children with Single Ventricle Heart Disease
CFD Fontan Single Ventricle Extracardiac
WVU Children's Hospital

CFD Analysis of Fontan Procedure for Children with Single Ventricle Heart Disease

Investigation of CFD modeling and simulation of the Fontan procedure for children with single ventricle heart disease.

Investigation of Hybrid UAS
CFD Acoustics Modeling & Simulation
Applied Research Associates, Inc.

Investigation of Hybrid UAS

Modeling and simulation of hybrid UAS and projectiles.

Current Lab Members

Griffin David
Griffin David

Graduate Research Assistant

UAS Design

Thomas Webster
Thomas Webster

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Computational Fluid Dynamics

Completed Research Projects

Characterization of Fault Tolerant Behavior and Flight Capabilities Following a Non-Lethal Intercept Strike
CFD Damaged States Experimental
Office of Naval Research

Characterization of Fault Tolerant Behavior and Flight Capabilities Following a Non-Lethal Intercept Strike

Create better understanding of the aerodynamics and flight capabilities of damaged states for naval systems following a non-lethal intercept strike.

Cultivating Inclusive Identities of Engineers and Computer Scientists
Identity Engineering Education
National Science Foundation

Cultivating Inclusive Identities of Engineers and Computer Scientists

Identify how engineering and computer science students develop inclusive identities in the context of their academic and professional experiences.

Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Diver Thermal Human Inteface
CFD Experimental
Boston Engineering Corporation

Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Diver Thermal Human Inteface

Improve comfort for submerged NSW divers by developing a thermal human interface to mitigate cold water exposure.

Small form-factor, Relocatable, Unattended Ground Sensor (IMAGRS)
Unmanned Aerial Systems MoCap ROS Experimental
NextGen Federal Systems, LLC

Small form-factor, Relocatable, Unattended Ground Sensor (IMAGRS)

Development of a small form-factor, relocatable, unattended ground sensor (IMAGRS) for military applications.

Biologically Inspired Unsteady Aerodynamics
Bird Flight High Speed Video Experimental
WVU Research

Biologically Inspired Unsteady Aerodynamics

Critical study of bird flight aerodynamics using high-speed video to inform biologically inspired design.

Leading-Edge Vortex Active Flow Control on Pitching Airfoils
PIV Wind Tunnel Experimental
WVU Research

Leading-Edge Vortex Active Flow Control on Pitching Airfoils

Synchronized PIV and CFD studies on active flow control via dynamic roughness on pitching airfoils.

Lab Alumni and Alumnae

Name
Role & Years
Current Placement
Undergraduate Research Assistant
2026
MS Graduate Research Assistant
2023 - 2025
MS Graduate Research Assistant
2023 – 2025
MS Graduate Research Assistant
2023 - 2025
Thermal Analysis Engineer at X-Energy
Jonathan D'Alesio
MS Graduate Research Assistant
2020 - 2022
CFD Engineer at the John Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
Undergraduate Research Assistant
2020 - 2023
Project Engineer at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
Undergraduate Research Assistant
2020 - 2023
Design Engineer at M. C. Dean
MS Graduate Research Assistant
2020 - 2023
Aero Thermal Fluids Engineer at Raytheon Missile and Defense
MS Graduate Research Assistant
2019 - 2022
Sr. Specialist, Mechanical Design Engineer at Aerojet Rocketdyne
Noah Trimmer
Undergraduate Research Assistant
2020 - 2022
Aerospace Engineer at the John Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
Undergraduate Research Assistant
2020
Research Intern at Tohoku University
Undergraduate Research Assistant
2020 - 2021
Software Engineer at Pratt and Whitney
Undergraduate Research Assistant
2020 - 2021
Build Engineer II at SpaceX