Though often associated with uncomfortable airplane rides, turbulence is a phenomenon that occurs just about everywhere we can imagine and is therefore quite important to study. However, it is such a complicated phenomenon that, despite more than 100 years of research, turbulence continues to perplex and inspire brilliant scientists of all kinds. In this Feb. 23, 2024 talk for middle and high school students, graduate student Tanner Harms discusses his approach to studying turbulence using what are called Lagrangian Coherent Structures. Along the way, he explains how principles from dynamical systems theory relate to his trajectory as a scientist, and how his discoveries in the laboratory inform the way he understands the human experience.

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About the speaker:
Tanner Harms is a PhD candidate in aeronautics in the McKeon Lab at the Graduate Aerospace Laboratories at California Institute of Technology (GALCIT). His research focuses on developing measurement techniques for specific features in complex flows called Lagrangian Coherent Structures. These features have a variety of applications including reducing pollution in the ocean, understanding how birds and fish navigate and feed, and engineering better mixing systems like the fuel injector inside a rocket engine.

About the program:
In Science Journeys, Caltech graduate students and postdoctoral scholars share their research to inspire scientific curiosity. Programs are designed for middle and high schoolers, but all are welcome. These events are made possible through the generosity of the Friends of Beckman Auditorium. If you have questions, please email Mary Herrera at [email protected].

Produced in association with Caltech Academic Media Technologies.
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