Michael W. Lee

I study the nonlinear dynamics of turbulent fluid flows, currently as a research aerospace engineer at NASA Langley Research Center. Professionally, my research is motivated by the need to better understand fluid flows over the Space Launch System; personally, my research is motivated by the pressing need to better balance human activity with natural global processes. If we can more reliably predict the nuanced behavior of fluids, then we can more effectively design systems ranging from aircraft to wind farms. It is unlikely that humanity will slow its activity for the sake of the environment; we must therefore learn to make that activity less impactful through improved efficiency.

I am also a science literacy advocate. Global challenges like climate change require collective understanding, which in turn requires interdisciplinary discourse. If a policymaker does not understand the technical need for an initiative, how can they determine if and how to fund it? If voters do not likewise understand the costs and benefits of the work, how can they support or disagree with their representative's decision? I endeavor to engage the spectrum of audiences with my research to enable critical thinking at all levels of understanding.