Meet the Team

Leadership

Wayne Strasser
Before entering academia, Dr. Wayne Strasser provided computational solutions to problems related to fluids, chemical reactions, and phase change for various global industry partners for 25 years, resulting in increased energy utilization and improved product yield valued at tens of millions (USD) annually. The thrusts of his current research include optimization of a transonic self-sustaining pulsatile airblast atomizer and hybrid RANS-LES modeling of primary atomization. He has 37 patents in the US, plus those abroad. He is a registered P.E. in three US states, an ASME Fellow, an Executive Director of Industrial Relations for ASTFE, and operates a private CFD consulting company. He previously chaired the ASME Fluid Applications and Systems Technical Committee, the ASME Honors and Awards Committee, and the ASME Fluid Mechanics Technical Committee. He is an Associate Editor for the Journal of Fluids Engineering and actively reviews articles for at least a dozen journals. He also enjoys lively philosophical debate on the origin and meaning of life.

Graduate Students

Benjamin Bizeau (PhD)
My name is Ben Bizeau. I grew up in Newberg, Oregon and I am now studying mechanical engineering at Liberty University. I am interested robotics and water filtration. Additionally, I compete as a member of the Liberty Men’s Swim Team.
Emily Combs (PhD)
Emily Combs is a senior at Liberty University studying Mechanical Engineering. Currently, she is researching how various non-Newtonian fluids behave compared to Newtonian fluids through simulations in Ansys Fluent and also researching on the flow of fluids through a channel and over a heated cylinder. Other research projects she has worked on include simulating pedal box and brake rotor behavior for a Formula SAE car during operation, rocket canard optimization, designing an inexpensive brick press, and the effects of a lack on backwashing on a Grifaid filter. She desires to continue her fluids research, especially if the research can help improve other people’s lives.
Tianna Desouza (MS)
Tianna DeSouza is a grad Computer Engineering student at Liberty University, with a Bachelors in both Computer Science and Interdisciplinary Music and Business. She has worked as an intern in AI with Dell Technologies, and aspires to be an AI Engineer. Currently she is researching real-time adaptive holographs with Dr. Wayne Strasser. She was born and raised in Dubai but currently resides in Lynchburg, VA. Outside of her career, she enjoys creating music and studying the Bible.
Kent Gingerich (PhD)
Kent “Newt” Gingerich is a Mechanical Engineering undergraduate student at Liberty University. He has helped Dr. Strasser create an introductory demonstration of the open source CFD program OpenFOAM and is currently involved in dolphin skin modeling. He plans on writing his honors thesis on modeling an airfoil with a movable flap, like that embedded in shark skin, to reduce stall by controlling the flow over the airfoil. It is only through the grace of God that he is studying at Liberty University, and he is very grateful to be a part of the FLUID group.
Robert Kacinski (PhD)
Robert Kacinski is a PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering at Liberty University. He grew up in Long Island, New York but currently resides in Lynchburg, VA. During his undergraduate studies, he participated in a directed research project with Dr. Wayne Strasser involving CFD and shark skin for boundary layer separation control. This study was instrumental in piquing an interest in the field that is now being pursued in graduate level research. Outside of his studies, playing the piano and golf are two of his favorite pastimes, as they provide a level of mental challenge along with the leisure of the two activities. I am resolute in my faith regarding frequent prayer and a firm belief that God works all things for good.
Babu Karra (PhD)
Newton Babu Karra is a dedicated research scholar who recently completed his Master’s in Thermal Engineering and Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering in India. He focuses on alternative fuels, energy systems, and CFD in his research. Additionally, Newton has a strong passion for theology & Psychology having earned both a Bachelor of Theology and a Master of Divinity from prestigious seminaries in India. While studying, he served in various church ministries across Andhra Pradesh, engaging in community service and youth educational initiatives. His volunteer work includes tutoring in orphanages and participating in a range of church activities. Newton’s dual commitment to engineering and theology showcases his potential for impactful contributions to society, blending technical proficiency with spiritual leadership.
Ryan Learn (PhD)
Ryan Learn is a mechanical engineering student at Liberty University. He has participated in research towards nanostructured alloy development for additive manufacturing as well as research into solid state metal foams using oxide reduction and intraparticle expansion. He is a part of his university’s Aero Competition Team and holds a strong interest in the aerospace industry. Ryan enjoys simulation-oriented and hands-on projects; in his free time, he can be found golfing, playing video games, spending quality time with friends, and more.
Elijah Yoder (PhD)
Elijah Yoder is a Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate student interested in studying God’s creation and using that as inspiration for modern engineering. His F.L.U.I.D. research involves studying the Bombardier Beetle’s volatile spray defense mechanism and utilizing that in a fire extinguisher. He has been a part of Liberty’s Formula SAE team and has had various hands-on engineering experience through internships with PennDOT. In his free time, he enjoys working out, playing sports of various kinds, and catching up on the latest movies.

Undergraduate Students

Zachary Dickinson
Hi, my name is Zachary Dickinson, I am a follower of Jesus and mechanical engineering student at Liberty University. I am from Seattle, WA (yes, it does rain there a lot!) and came to Liberty in 2024, after graduating with my associate’s degree in science. Outside of school I enjoy fitness, cooking, time with friends, and exploring nature. Looking forward to the future, I am wanting to develop my own mechanical engineering firm, God-willing. With that, hopefully obtain a P.E. license and possibly a Ph.D. (still thinking about that one). Hope you enjoy the research presented, knowing it is all to the glory of Christ!
Caleb Hellmund
Caleb Hellmund is currently studying computer engineering at Liberty University and is passionate about solving problems and acquiring knowledge. He is from Northern Virginia and enjoys a variety of hobbies, including chess, coding, playing guitar, and studying apologetics.
Joseph Holt
I am an outgoing, driven, detail-oriented student at Liberty University, currently studying mechanical engineering with a minor in computer science. I enjoy working in teams and place a premium on adaptability and quick learning. Home for me is the beautiful rolling hills of East Tennessee with my wonderful family of six. As a kid, I was hooked on anything that flew. My passion was and still is aerospace, and I plan to pursue it further after college through advanced education or a career in a related profession. My biggest dream is to become an astronaut, and I plan to keep that a possibility through academic and professional excellence in an aerospace-related field. I’m excited to see what happens as I reach for the stars!
Owen Offman
Owen Offman is a Mechanical Engineering student with a minor in Mathematics at Liberty University, and a Lead Engineer at Liberty Rocketry. His current FLUID research involves developing a lab-scale prototype for a crystal network formation cycle. Owen holds a strong interest in the aerospace engineering industry, including propulsion systems, spacecraft design, and testing. Outside his engineering pursuits, he engages in sports including basketball, golf, and skiing, and has a passion for cooking. Above all, Owen is committed to honoring the Lord with all that he does.
Gabriel Shreve
Gabriel Shreve is a Mechanical Engineering student at Liberty University. Raised in rural Middle Tennessee, Gabriel seeks to combine the principles of academia with the hands-on approach of farm life. His goal is to show the light of Christ through his work and interactions in the professional world. Breaking into the research field, Gabriel’s work focuses on the heat transfer improvements of a rifle barrel when subjected to a vortical convective flow. In personal life, Gabriel is a triathlete; he has competed both individually on the international stage and as a member of Liberty University Triathlon in the collegiate field.

Alumni (Graduate)

Reid Prichard (PhD)
Employed by BWXT
Alex Strasser (PhD)
PhD student in Materials Science and Engineering at Texas A&M University
Eric Turman (MS)
Employed by General Motors
Daniel Wilson (PhD)
Employed by Clemson University

Alumni (Undergraduate)

Christina Aintablian
Isabelle Ambrose
Daniel Archer
Simon Babcock
John Bailey
Christian Bernth
Eli Best
Nathanael Breed
Josh Clayton
Hrishav Dey
Michael Diaz
Joel Dowdell
Jacob Ekstrom
Jon Estes
Josiah Farinacci
Sydney Gates
Joshua Glenn
Zachary Glewen
Cyrus Harris
Emilie Hatton
Samuel Heath
Sarah Hilliard
Josh Ingram
Jacob Knollinger
Joseph Krahn
Luke Krick
Daniel Lazor
Isaac Liu
Matthew Marcinko
Clay McClintock
Caleb Miller
Micah Mutscheller
Brett Natelborg
Ethan Newkirk
Jonah Osterhus
Benjamin Peterson
Luke Phayre
Ryan Pritzkau
Tanner Randall
Danny Rees
Elijah Reeves
Nathan Roberts
Nathan Rogers
Harry Rogish
Aaron Ronaldson
Sarah Russo
Emily Schneidau
Samuel Springer
Serenity Sudbrock
Johnny Sugarman
Aleck Tilbrook
Ben Truxel
Tyler Ulmschneider
Nicholas Veeder
Arianna Verbosky
Skylar Waechter
Jacob Walker
Liu Bo Wilkins
Abraham Wingfield
Aaron Young
Hayley Yukihiro