We strive to address thermal challenges facing our world today. In particular, we focus on phase change processes and their applications in energy transport and storage. We develop new visualization and measurement techniques to better characterize phase change processes and gain new insights. Our experimental approach leverages MEMS, 3D printing, laser-induced fluorescence, high-speed imaging, automation, among other techniques. We combine experimental data and insights with physics of heat transfer and fluid mechanics to develop improved theories, encoding our physical understanding into mathematical models, which can be used to better design and control heat transfer equipment. Besides fundamental research, we develop novel devices and systems to solve practical thermal energy problems, including those in electronics cooling, HVAC, and refrigeration.

Our research is highly interdisciplinary, intersecting mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering as well as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). We collaborate with academic groups with diverse expertise across the globe and work closely with national labs (NIST, ORNL, etc.) and the industry (Meta, etc.). We are always looking for motivated graduate and undergraduate students to JOIN.

Areas of Interest:

• Boiling, Condensation, Two-phase flow
• Application of AI/ML in thermo-fluids metrology and modeling
• HVAC and refrigeration
• Electronics thermal management
• Data center cooling
• Thermal energy storage

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