Joseph Gonzales
Faculty Mentors
Christopher Roy
Professor
Todd Lowe
Professor
Research Areas/Interests
Hypersonics, machine learning, ablative heat transfer, multi-phase flow, chemical sensors
Most Recent Publication
Internal temperature measurement of ablating bodies in high-speed flows
How long have you been in your postdoctoral position at Virginia Tech?
Began in July 2024
Briefly describe the research project you are working on as a postdoctoral associate at Virginia Tech. What is the problem you are addressing? What is the expected impact of your work?
I am working on two separate projects. The first is the application of machine learning to improve turbulence modeling for hypersonic flows. The main impact is to develop models that will allow researchers and designers to better predict the heat transfer and drag that high-speed air- and spacecraft experience during flight. My second project deals with the characterization of inlet distortion for turbomachinery applications. As jet engine integration within aircraft becomes more complex, it is important to understand and characterize the effect that distortion has on an engine. I am developing methods to study that distortion and characterize how well we can duplicate it in a lab setting. Overall, my work aims to provide a better understanding of the complexities of high-speed aircraft, with the goal of making designs more robust.
Why did you choose to pursue postdoctoral training at Virginia Tech?
I chose to work at Virginia tech because of the amazing people and opportunities for growth here. My two PI’s, Professors Chris Roy and Todd Lowe are both incredible mentors with research focuses distinct from what I worked on in graduate school. I was excited to be able to expand my skillset and develop and more diversified research portfolio. Additionally, the AOE department is bringing in a number of new faculty members that I have been able to work with. Seeing them develop their labs has provided me with valuable insight for when I want to develop my own. I have also spent the last 9 years at school in the very flat Midwest, so having mountains this close was too good to pass up.
What are your career goals?
I am interested in becoming a tenure-track faculty member.
How do you see the resources available to postdoctoral associates at Virginia Tech generally and via this program specifically being helpful to your career and professional development?
Virginia Tech resources on grant writing and navigating the minutiae of proposal submissions are extremely helpful in developing the skills that I will need to be an effective faculty member. This program in particular is exciting because it allows me to develop those skills alongside peers from a variety of different research fields. Having interdisciplinary discussions will be useful not only as networking opportunities, but as a chance to get outside perspectives on how I should communicate my research to more general audiences.