Current Members

I am a Postdoctoral Scholar with the Complex fluids and Flows Unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), Okinawa, Japan. Prior to this, I graduated with a PhD in Physics from the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (ICTS-TIFR), Bengaluru, India. My current research interests lie in turbulent transport, multiphase turbulent flows and active turbulence. Besides my research, I enjoy trekking and playing badminton.

Ciao, I'm Ludo! I fell for the Millennium Falcon as a kid and ended up with a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering from Politecnico di Torino (Italy). Along the way, I became fascinated by fluid mechanics and began exploring cloud turbulence and microphysics through numerical simulations. Drawn to theoretical work, I went on to earn a PhD at the University of Sheffield (UK), where I studied compressible boundary layer receptivity using asymptotic methods. Now, as a postdoc in the CFF unit, I focus on direct numerical simulations of multiphase and particle-laden flows. Outside the office, I boulder, do yoga, try to speak Japanese, shoot questionable 35mm pics, and occasionally splash around on a surfboard.

Hi! I'm Lucas, a postdoctoral scholar in the Complex Fluids and Flows Unit at OIST, Okinawa. I hold a Master’s degree in Engineering, specializing in Applied Mathematics and Mechanics, and completed my PhD at ISAE-ENSMA (France), where I focused on Computational Fluid Dynamics and Fluid-Structure Interaction in the context of cavitation-induced damage. At OIST, my research aims to better understand microplastics formation in the ocean by studying the behavior of flexible fibers in turbulent flows. Outside the lab, I enjoy trail running, trekking, snorkeling, and practicing calisthenics.

Hi! I am Ishita, a postdoctoral scholar in the Complex Fluids and Flows Unit at OIST, Okinawa. I completed my integrated Masters-PhD at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India, where I studied the influence of bio-inspired riblets on spatially developing boundary layer. At OIST, I am drawn to dive deeper into turbulence, multiphase flows, and non-Newtonian fluids. Away from simulations, I recharge with badminton and interesting anecdotes that make me think.

My journey to Okinawa begins in my hometown of Naples, Italy where I studied for my BSc in Chemical Engineering at UniNa. From there on I moved to TU Delft (Netherlands) in order to pursue an MSc in that same field. My graduation project has focused on a machine learning approach to the modelling of biomass pyrolysis yields, and has left me a taste for modelling and computational statistics. As part of my rotation in CFF unit I will look into the computational modeling of particle flows. Apart from research, I love, in order: cooking, eating, photographing, walking, sitting and reading, and plan to do lots of it in Okinawa!

¡Hola! It’s Christian, from Spain. Before coming to Okinawa, I pursued both my BSc in Aerospace Engineering and my MSc in Mathematics and Computing at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. It was during my first undergraduate project when I found my interest in fluid mechanics, machine learning and data analysis tools. And I didn’t stopped writing code since then! My project at the CFF unit comprises the study of non-Newtonian jets and the framework where two- and three- dimensional flow dynamics coexist. In my free time, I enjoy practicing sports, either cooking or (mostly) eating food, playing videogames and hanging out with friends.

I majored in mechanical engineering at Akita University and studied the deformation of long flexible structure in the space. My current interest is the interaction of flexible structure with fluid, so working in this unit will give me some points of view for my future PhD thesis. I am also looking forward to snorkeling in Okinawa.

Hello, I am Giulio, an OIST PhD student. After attaining my MSc degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Politecnico di Milano, I joined the Complex Fluids and Flows Unit driven by a strong curiosity towards fluid mechanics. My research interests involve, but are not limited to, turbulence, fluid-structure interaction, multi-phase flows and non-Newtonian fluids.  Currently, I am investigating novel flow control techniques and complex canopy flows. When I shut down my laptop I enjoy listening to classical music, hiking and swimming; surfing still requires some practice. 

I support the CFF unit with administrative work and enjoy working in such a diverse environment. Outside of work, I like traveling and watching basketball games. Ryukyu Golden Kings booster, Lakers nation, and coffee addict.

Hello! My name is Ayman, and I’m from Syria, where I got my BSc in Physics from Damascus University. I have a strong interest in mechanics and mathematics. After graduating, I gained experience as a physics and mathematics teacher. I later completed an internship at OIST’s MMU, where I worked on tensor analysis for the kinematic study of spatial mechanisms. Recently, I began my PhD rotations at the CFF unit, where I aim to learn more about fluid dynamics and computational modeling. Outside of my research, I enjoy playing football and exploring the natural beauty of Okinawa.

Hi, I’m Michele from Italy. Originally from Catania, Sicily, I am now undertaking a Master’s degree in chemical engineering at the Polytechnic University of Turin. Driven by my interest in numerical modelling and fluid dynamics, I decided to join the Complex Fluids and Flow unit at OIST, where I investigate the motion of settling particles in viscoelastic fluids. Beyond research, I enjoy reading, freediving, cooking and exploring the hidden gems of Okinawa.

Kia ora! My name is Keetley and I’m from New Zealand! I recently finished my Masters degree in Computational and Applied Mathematics from the University of Canterbury where I mostly worked on bubble dynamics in viscoplastic fluids. At OIST I am currently developing methods to track the propagation and branching of tendrils from brain cells. When I’m not in the lab you can find me rock climbing, mountain biking or consuming enormous amounts of gyoza.