Faculty
_edited.jpg)
Vrishank Raghav
Associate Professor and Graduate Program Officer
Ph.D. - Aerospace Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology
Research Personnel
Vikas Bhargav
Postdoctoral Fellow
Ph.D. - Mechanical Engineering
Florida State University
Vikas worked on Acoustic noise source localization during his Master's and, during his PhD program he studied the Aeroacoustics of Supersonic Dual impinging jets which are relevant to STOVL aircraft. As a Postdoctoral fellow, he will be investigating the Plume-Surface interaction to understand the crater formation & development on a lunar surface, caused by a lander. At leisure, he actively pursues nature & landscape photography, is an avid chess player and history enthusiast, and likes to run & play cricket.
Lokesh Silwal
Postdoctoral Fellow
Ph.D. - Aerospace Engineering
Auburn University
Lokesh worked on investigating interactional aerodynamics associated with multiple rotors using advanced flow diagnostics. He is also involved in investigating plume-surface interactions (PSI) applied to lunar landings. For his postdoctoral stint he is investigating biological flows and continuing PSI research. During his leisure time, he plays soccer, travels and enjoys photography.
Arun Nair
Postdoctoral Fellow
Ph.D. - Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology
Arun's doctoral research was on the investigation of the hydrodynamic instability of low-density jets in round and rectangular geometries, which helps understand and improve the processes involved in plasma spraying and fuel injection applications. His current research involves the investigation and 3D flow visualization of vortex-wing interaction and rotor in forward flight to improve flight performance. Outside of work, he enjoys learning new languages and skills, nature and nature photography, hiking and traveling.
Graduate Students
Abbishek Gururaj
Ph.D. Student
Masters in Aerospace Engineering
Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur
Abbishek's current research focuses on the development and application of a rotating frame of reference velocimetry technique to study the flow over rotating blades. During his leisure time, he likes to read adventure and mystery novels, listen to classical music and watch documentaries on world history.
Will McAtee
Ph.D. Student
Bachelors in Aerospace Engineering
Auburn University
Will's research is in biofluid mechanics focused on droplet-laden flows relevant to disease disease transmission. In his free time, he likes to write, play video games, read history books, and play soccer. He also hopes to one day live in Italy and learn how to make Pasta.
Aditya Suvithiraj
Ph.D. Student
Masters in Aerospace Engineering Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur
Aditya's research focuses on understanding the flow physics of rotating wings and their interactions with other rotors/obstacles.
In his leisure time, he looks forward to knowing more about historical events, the evolution of nature and exploring new places.
Luqman Ahmed
Ph.D. Student
Masters in Aerospace Engineering, Air University, Pakistan.
Luqman’s research focuses on understanding the flow physics involved in a propeller-wing interaction. He has previously worked on aerodynamic optimization of a wind turbine blade, thermal analysis of a cryogenic refrigeration system, and flow visualization of confined vortex rings. He enjoys playing cricket and acting silly with his kids.
Paul Swiney
Ph.D. Student
Masters in Aerospace Engineering
Auburn University
Paul is currently working on Biomechanics of avian adaptations to gust perturbations. His previous research was on development of helium-filled soap bubble generator using metal additive manufacturing. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, hiking, and cooking, as well as playing with his Border Collie.
Holger Mettelsiefen
Ph.D. Student
Masters in Aerospace Engineering
ISAE-SUPAERO, Toulouse
Holger's current research is on fluid-structure interactions with both aerospace and biomedical applications. Previously he dealt with the numerical simulation of shape-morphing blades in turbomachinery and with CFD-based rotor acoustics. In his spare time, he organizes a weekly Bible study with students.
Zachary Moore
M.S. Student
Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering University of Texas at Tyler
Zach's research is centered on investigating the flow physics of coaxial rotors, specifically, interactional and performance effects of both in-ground and out-of-ground hover conditions. Outside of his studies, he loves to cheer on the New York Mets, play golf, and spoil his dog, Shiloh.
Matthew Hooks
M.S. Student
Bachelor’s in Engineering Physics, Murray State University
Matthew’s current research focuses on the flow physics associated with bird flight as a bio-inspired route for producing more efficient and stable flight technology. His previous research includes developing building codes for 3D-printed structures and conducting analysis of novel simulation schemes in computational physics. When he isn’t in the lab, Matthew volunteers at the AU Raptor Center and enjoys hiking, kayaking, and biking.
