Jorge Reyes
Faculty Mentor
Traian Iliescu
Professor
Research Areas/Interests
Numerical analysis, computational fluid dynamics
Most Recent Publication
A generalization of the Smagorinsky model
How long have you been in your postdoctoral position at Virginia Tech?
Began in August 2023
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?
My research involves the study, design, and implementations of numerical methods to solve problems in fluid dynamics. I mainly focus on numerical analysis of incompressible fluids modeled by the Navier-Stokes equations (NSE). Projects I'm currently working involve reduced order models (ROMs) for turbulent flows. Turbulence is sometimes called "the last great unsolved problem of classical physics."
Having efficient and accurate models for turbulence can have a far reaching impact in Engineering and Science from wind farm design, to weather forecasting, and even blood flow simulations.
Why did you choose to pursue postdoctoral training at Virginia Tech?
The primary reason I chose Virginia Tech was to work with and be mentored by Professor Traian Iliescu. Dr. Iliescu is an expert in my field whose research interests align with my own, while still giving me the chance to expand my personal research portfolio.
My choice was also motivated by the fact that Virginia Tech is a world-class institution, and the Mathematics Department's Numerical PDE group is highly active in interdisciplinary research. Beyond the research as part of Virginia Tech's Future Faculty Diversity Program, I learned about InclusiveVT and the university's commitment to diversity, community, and excellence, which also played a major role in my decision.
What are your career goals?
Currently I am interested in a future career in academia and obtaining a tenure-track faculty position.
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?
I'm very grateful for what seems to be a wide variety of recourses and professional development activities that postdocs have access to to at Virginia Tech. As postdocs we are at the very beginning of our careers and being able to hone our communication, grant writing, and leadership skills could help us hit the ground running as we develop into independent researchers.