Michael Plesniak
About Michael Plesniak
Michael Plesniak is a Professor and Chairman of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at George Washington University, where he has worked since 2008. He has previously held academic and research positions at several prestigious institutions, including Purdue University and NASA Ames Research Center, and has made significant contributions to turbulent flow physics and biomimetics.
Current Position at The George Washington University
Michael Plesniak serves as the Professor and Chairman of the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at George Washington University. He has held this position since 2008, contributing to the academic and research environment in the Washington D.C. Metro Area for over 16 years. His leadership role involves overseeing departmental operations, guiding research initiatives, and mentoring students in engineering disciplines.
Previous Academic Positions
Before joining George Washington University, Michael Plesniak held several academic positions. He was a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University from 1991 to 2008. He also served as the Eugene Kleiner Professor for Innovation in Mechanical Engineering at the Polytechnic Institute of New York University for one year, from 2006 to 2007. Additionally, he was a Graduate Research Fellow at Stanford University from 1985 to 1989 and a Postdoctoral Scholar at NASA Ames Research Center from 1990 to 1991.
Education and Academic Qualifications
Michael Plesniak earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He continued his education at Stanford University, where he achieved a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering. He also holds a Master of Science (MS) in Mechanical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology, reflecting a strong foundation in engineering principles.
Research Contributions and Focus Areas
Michael Plesniak has made significant contributions to the field of turbulent flow physics, with applications in areas such as gas turbine cooling and biological flows. His current research group focuses on the physics of phonation and cardiovascular flows, utilizing computer simulations to enhance surgical planning. He has authored over 350 refereed publications, conference papers, and presentations, showcasing his extensive research output.
Professional Affiliations and Recognitions
Michael Plesniak is a member of several prestigious organizations, including Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society. He is recognized as a Fellow of the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the American Physical Society (APS), the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and the Washington Academy of Sciences. He received the 2006 NSF Director’s Award for Collaborative Integration for his contributions to the National Science Foundation's cyberinfrastructure initiative.