Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering – Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University

Donna Michalek’s research in the area of computational fluid dynamics centers on modeling multi-phase fluid systems for automotive, manufacturing, and biomedical applications. Specific examples include fluid flow in bone, nucleate boiling in fuel systems, the atomization process in fuel injection, and the formation of mist resulting from the use of metalworking fluids.

Michalek’s recent efforts include investigating the impact of nanoparticles on workplace air quality and modeling the combustion of ethanol blended fuels. Her work has been funded by the National Science Foundation, General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Visteon, and AW Chesterton. Michalek also has an interest in pedagogical research; in particular the design and implementation of course related teaming activities for use both inside and outside the classroom and the assessment of their influence on student performance. She has participated in the supervision of 11 MS and five Ph.D. students and mentored 12 undergraduate students undertaking a research experience.

Michalek has a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington, an MS in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a BS in mechanical engineering from Clarkson University. She joined Michigan Technological University in 1993 and is currently an associate professor. She served as associate chair and director of undergraduate studies in ME-EM from 2006 to 2007 before assuming her current position as Michigan Tech’s assistant provost. In 2002 Dr. Michalek was awarded an ASME Federal Government Fellowship and served in the office of Senator James M Inhofe (R-OK) as the primary contact on water and nuclear issues.

Michalek has received several awards for excellence in teaching and research, including the ASME Federal Government Fellowship, the Michigan Tech Distinguished Teaching Award, the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Dow Outstanding New Faculty Award. The Society of Automotive Engineers recognized Michalek for her significant contributions with the Ralph R. Teeter Educational Award and the Excellence in Oral Presentation Award.