Our faculty are not content to trod well-worn engineering paths. Instead, they are driven to pursue innovations in teaching, research that address truly complex challenges, and to pursue worldwide leadership roles in their fields. See Also: Emeritus Faculty Directory.
Xinfeng Gao's research is focused on the development of high-performance computing (HPC) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) algorithms for a wide range of applications in aerospace and mechanical engineering, involving shock waves, turbulence, combustion, plasma, and multifluids.
Gavin Garner joined the University of Virginia faculty in 2009. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Physics from Colby College and Master’s and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Virginia in both Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
Professor Director of the UVA Aerospace Research Laboratory
Currently Recruiting
Professor Goyne, after groundbreaking research at his alma mater University of Queensland, Australia, and UVA Engineering, continues his work in hypersonic air-breathing propulsion, supersonic aerodynamics, hypersonic ground and flight test techniques, diagnostic and measurement technique development, controls and advanced manufacturing.
Our group focuses on the synthesis of well-defined nanoparticles, their dispersion into polymer solutions and melts, and their suspension rheology. With our fundamental studies, we seek to optimize processing to achieve a desirable microstructure in industrial suspensions, and to set a foundation for developing constitutive rheological models.
Dr. Griffiths’ primary interests are in researching and creating an engaging curriculum which provides a foundation for students’ future success in their engineering careers. He joined the University of Virginia faculty in 2024 as an Assistant Professor, Academic General Faculty to…
Associate Professor of Emergency MedicineAssociate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringVice-Chair of Research for Emergency MedicineAssistant Medical Director, UVA Center for Applied Biomechanics
Dr. Hartka is currently board certified in Emergency Medicine and works clinically in the Emergency Department. He is also involved in medical student education, resident education, biomechanical instrumentation, and motor vehicle collision analysis.
Whitney Stone Professor of EngineeringProfessor, Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringProfessor, Materials Science and Engineering (Courtesy)Professor, Physics (Courtesy)
Currently Recruiting
Patrick E. Hopkins is a Whitney Stone Professor in Engineering at the University of Virginia, with a primary appointment in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and courtesy appointments in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Department of Physics. He is also the director of the ExSiTE Lab.
Frederick Tracy Morse Professor and Chair, Department of Mechanical & Aerospace EngineeringProfessor, Mechanical & Aerospace EngineeringProfessor, Biomedical Engineering (Courtesy)Professor, Orthopaedic Surgery (Courtesy)
Dr. Kent is Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Emergency Medicine at the University of Virginia. He has worked in the field of automobile safety for 25 years.
Commonwealth ProfessorProfessor, Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringProfessor, Orthopaedic Surgery (Courtesy)Director, Center for Applied Biomechanics
Prof. Kerrigan's research in injury biomechanics uses data analysis, computational modeling, and mechanical experiments with human tissue to prevent and mitigate injuries to motor vehicle occupants and athletes. Right now he is working on occupant protection for future vehicles, shoe-turf interaction mechanics, and characterizing injury tolerance.
