Michael Zika
About Michael Zika
Michael Zika serves as the Associate Program Director and Associate Division Leader at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where he has worked since 1997. He specializes in theoretical and simulation-based approaches to advance scientific understanding, particularly in areas such as turbulence, fluid instabilities, and computational dynamics.
Work at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Michael Zika has been employed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory since 1997, where he currently holds the position of Associate Program Director and Associate Division Leader. He has served as Associate Program Director since 2016 and as Associate Division Leader since 2011. His role involves overseeing projects that utilize theoretical and simulation-based approaches, algorithmic development, and experimental methods to enhance scientific understanding. Zika has also contributed to formulating research plans tailored to the interests and skills of candidates at the laboratory.
Education and Expertise
Michael Zika earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nuclear Engineering from Texas A&M University, where he studied from 1993 to 1997. Prior to that, he completed a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Nuclear Engineering at Purdue University from 1991 to 1992. He also obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Nuclear Engineering from Purdue University, studying from 1987 to 1991. His extensive education in nuclear engineering underpins his expertise in various research areas, including turbulence, fluid instabilities, and computational dynamics.
Background
Michael Zika's academic journey began at Purdue University, where he completed his undergraduate and graduate studies in Nuclear Engineering. He continued his education at Texas A&M University, culminating in a Ph.D. His professional career at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory spans over 27 years, during which he has taken on multiple leadership roles and contributed significantly to various research initiatives.
Research Contributions
At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Michael Zika has been involved in significant research contributions, particularly in the areas of turbulence and fluid instabilities, atomistic and continuum models of transport, and computational solid and fluid dynamics. His work focuses on advancing scientific knowledge through innovative approaches and methodologies, reflecting his commitment to research excellence in nuclear engineering.