Faculty
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’s expertise is in the fields of experimental aerodynamics, aeroacoustics, noise source localization, and high-speed jet flows. As a Postdoctoral fellow, he has been proactive in the study of Plume-Surface interactions, pulsatile jet flows, and in the past on the diagnostics of fluid flow through collapsible tubes. At leisure, he actively pursues nature & landscape photography, is an avid chess player and history enthusiast, and practices endurance running.
Arun Nair
Postdoctoral Fellow
Ph.D. - Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology
Arun's expertise is in experimental aerodynamics, hydrodynamic instabilities and aeroacoustics. He is currently involved in multiple research projects investigating the unsteady aerodynamics of propellers and rotors and the associated interactions in proximity to other surfaces. (wing, fuselage, etc.) Outside of work, he enjoys nature and nature photography, board games, writing, learning new skills, hiking and traveling. Philosophist, gamer and Marvelhead.
Graduate Students
Will McAtee
Ph.D. Student
Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering
Auburn University
Will's research is in biofluid mechanics focused on droplet-laden flows relevant to 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
Master's 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
Master's 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.
Carson Youngblood
Ph.D. Student
Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering
Auburn University
Carson's research focuses on investigating the flow physics of rotors under the effect of an inclined ground, aiming to deepen the understanding of complex aerodynamic interactions. In his free time, he enjoys reading, spending time with his family, and watching sports.
Michele Mastrogiacomo
Ph.D. Student
Master's in Aerospace Engineering
Politecnico di Torino
Michele's current research focuses on biofluid dynamics, specifically studying bioprosthetic heart valves and addressing various complications associated with their use. Previously, he worked on the aerodynamics of vertical-axis wind turbines. In his leisure time, he enjoys traveling to new places, playing soccer, hiking, and spending time immersed in nature.
Holger Mettelsiefen
Ph.D. Student
Master's 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
Ph.D. Student
Master's in Aerospace Engineering
Auburn University
Zach's current research is focused on studying flow structures on a low Reynolds number rotating wing. His previous research centered on quantifying the aerodynamic interactions of a hovering counter-rotating coaxial rotor system. Outside of his studies, he cheers on the New York Mets and likes to attend Auburn football and basketball games.
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.
Brandon Fulone
Ph.D. Student
Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering
Auburn University
Brandon's research is focused on further understanding and characterizing Plume-Surface Interactions with respect to landing on extraterrestrial bodies through the use of flow measurements and computer vision techniques. When he's not working, he enjoys playing with his cats, Luna and Apollo, watching Auburn football and basketball, and playing video games.
Neeraj Adhikari
Ph.D. Student
Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Pulchowk Campus, TU
Neeraj is currently conducting research in Biofluid mechanics, specifically on the fluid dynamics behavior of artificial heart valves. He previously researched hydraulic turbines and climate change models. Neeraj enjoys playing soccer, reading books, and being up to date on economic and business news.
Graduate Student Alumni
Paul Swiney
M.S. - Aerospace Engineering
Auburn University
Graduated in December 2020
Paul graduated with his Master's degree focused on avian adaptations to gust perturbations and developing 3D printed metal nozzles for a helium-filled soap bubble generator. He is currently working for the U.S. Army as an Aerospace engineer in Huntsville, AL.
Jack Nix
M.S. - Aerospace Engineering
Auburn University
Graduated in August 2023
Jack graduated with his Master's degree focused on vortex induced vibration mitigation using cyber physical systems. He is currently working for the U.S. Army as an Aerospace engineer in Huntsville, AL.
Muhammad Shahan Qamar
M.S. - Aerospace Engineering
Auburn University
Graduated in December 2023
Shahan graduated with his Master's degree focused on studying the aerodynamic loads and flow structures on a simultaneously rotating and pitching wing. He is currently working in his home country of Pakistan.
Bipin Tiwari
M.S. - Aerospace Engineering
Auburn University
Graduated in August 2022
Bipin graduated with his Master's degree focused on studying the influence of pusatility and inlet velocity profiles on tracheal airflow characteristics. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN.
Lokesh Silwal
Ph.D. - Aerospace Engineering
Auburn University
Graduated in December 2023
Lokesh graduated with his Doctoral degree focused on understanding the aerodynamic interactions of a counter-rotating coaxial rotor. He is currently working as a research fellow in the Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering department at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI.
Abbishek Gururaj
Ph.D. - Aerospace Engineering
Auburn University
Graduated in December 2024
Abbishek graduated with his Doctoral degree focused on the development and application of a rotating frame of reference velocimetry technique to study the flow over rotating wings. He is currently working as a research fellow in the Aerospace Engineering department at the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom.