Bio

David A. Buchta is currently a post-doctoral researcher with Prof. Tamer Zaki at Johns Hopkins University using variational methods to reduce uncertainty in predicting hypersonic boundary layer transition. The data-enhanced simulations are aimed to predict worst-case scenarios, identify disturbances which caused transition, and steer optimal sensing for detection during flight. Previously, he was a research scientist with the Center for Exascale Simulation of Plasma-Coupled Combustion (XPACC) leading simulation predictions of high-speed plasma-coupled combustion. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in 2008 and Doctor of Philosophy in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign under his advisor, Prof. Jonathan Freund, in 2016 (focused on fluid dynamic interactions leading to peculiar sharp and non-Gaussian pressure waves radiated from high-speed, free-shear-flow turbulence using direct numerical simulations). David has two years of industry experience (Battelle) developing advanced probabilistic risk assessment models to predict human health consequences related to a comprehensive range of CBRNE scenarios. His research interests include simulation prediction, uncertainty quantification efforts related to plasma-coupled combustion, adjoint-based sensitivity analysis and optimization, and large-scale simulation of high-speed flow turbulence. In addition to continuing and expanding upon his research, he endeavors to obtain a faculty position where he can educate the engineers of tomorrow and serve the academic community alongside dedicated colleagues.  

Education

PhD, Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2016
BS, Mechanical Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, 2008

Awards and Honors

• XSEDE Startup Allocation (220k CPU hours; ~$10k value): Decipher signals from high-speed multi-physics flows on extraterrestrial bodies. PI. (2021-2022)

• Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (250,000 core hours): Effects of Floating Marine Debris on Nonlinear Wave Dynamics; PI (2018-2019)

• Stanley I. Weiss Outstanding TAM Dissertation Award, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2017)

• Travel support: Rocky Mountain Summer Workshop on Uncertainty Quantification, University of Colorado Denver (2015)

• Blue Waters Exploratory Award (75,000 node hours): Space-time simulation of jet crackle; co-PI: Jonathan Freund (2013-2014)

• List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent (outstanding rating), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2012)

• Stoyke Fellowship Award, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2008-2009)

• Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program recipient (2004-2008)