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Katherine J Asztalos

Research Scientist

Katherine Asztalos is a research scientist specializing in computational fluid dynamics, reduced-dimensionality modeling, and high-performance computing to advance transportation systems.

Biography

Highlights

Katherine Asztalos is a research scientist at Argonne National Laboratory. Her work focuses on computational fluid dynamics of multiphase and aerodynamic flowfields, optimization of dynamical systems through reduced-dimensionality models, and high-performance computing to solve complex engineering challenges in transportation. She received her Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology, where her thesis explored the aerodynamic response to impulsive active flow control. Asztalos is passionate about using advanced simulation techniques to enhance the design and efficiency of transportation systems, particularly in the aviation sector.

“Transportation-related engineering projects often identify challenges many of us experience in real life, then work to develop practical applications that solve those problems. For example, our work explores ways to make air travel faster or more fuel-efficient, delivering significant benefits.” — Argonne research scientist Katherine Asztalos

Research Focus

Asztalos’s research revolves around solving complex transportation problems through computational fluid dynamics, high-performance computing, and reduced-order modeling. She explores multiphase flowfields and aerodynamic optimization, using advanced computational techniques to model and improve the efficiency of aircraft and transportation systems. Her work aims to develop more fuel-efficient aircraft, contributing to improving the cost-effectiveness of the aviation sector.

Impact

Asztalos’s work has the potential to revolutionize the transportation industry by optimizing aircraft designs for efficiency, performance, and sustainability. Her contributions to computational modeling help reduce fuel consumption, lower environmental impact and advance electric and hybrid aircraft technologies. This is particularly impactful in the aviation sector’s push toward energy efficiency. 

Her research combines computational fluid dynamics simulations, machine learning, and advanced modeling techniques, informing the development of greener and more efficient transportation solutions, benefiting industries and consumers alike.

Katherine Asztalos is a research scientist in the Advanced Propulsion and Power department within Argonne’s Transportation and Power Systems division, where she applies computational fluid dynamics and high-performance computing to solve complex transportation challenges.

Her research interests include computational fluid dynamics of multiphase and aerodynamic flowfields, reduced-dimensionality modeling, optimization of dynamical systems in fluid mechanics, and high-performance computing of engineering problems for transportation systems.

With a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology, her expertise spans multiphase flowfield modeling, reduced-order modeling, and optimization of dynamical systems.

Asztalos’s journey in fluid dynamics began with her fascination with aerodynamics and how active flow control could improve aircraft performance. During her Ph.D., she navigated multiple challenges, including transitioning from a computational to an experimental research environment. This shift gave her a broader perspective on fluid mechanics, deepening her appreciation for multidisciplinary collaboration and enhancing her ability to tackle engineering problems from multiple angles.

Throughout her career, Asztalos has dedicated her efforts to enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of transportation systems, especially within the aviation sector. Her work on optimizing aircraft designs, ranging from aerodynamics to energy performance, has far-reaching implications for reducing fuel consumption and supporting energy efficiency goals.

A strong proponent of collaboration, she continues to explore innovative solutions by integrating computational fluid dynamics simulations with machine-learning techniques to inform future aircraft designs.

Her journey as an engineer, inspired by her family and mentors who share deep roots in engineering, has shaped her research philosophy. Asztalos remains committed to mentorship and advancing engineering solutions that benefit both industry and society. Through her work, she aims to contribute to a more sustainable and efficient future in transportation.

Read the latest Argonne news about Katherine Asztalos:
On the Various Applications of Physics-Based and Data-Driven Models for Complex Fluid Dynamical Problems in Engineering

Speaker: Katherine Asztalos (TAPS)

2021 Postdoctoral Research and Career Symposium

Leadership Institute at Argonne National Laboratory

Education

  • Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering - Illinois Institute of Technology (2021)
  • M.E. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering - Illinois Institute of Technology (2016)
  • B. S. in Aerospace Engineering - Illinois Institute of Technology (2014) 

“I’ve had extremely generous mentors in my career. I hope to be able to do the same for others interested in pursuing a career in science.” — Argonne research scientist Katherine Asztalos

Honors and Awards

  • Impact Argonne Award for Innovation (2023)
  • Best Presentation Award, ICE Forward Conference (2022)
  • NASA Space Grant Consortium Scholarship, Illinois Institute of Technology (2017–2020)
  • ARCS Foundation Illinois Scholar, Illinois Institute of Technology (2016–2019)
  • Camras Scholarship, Illinois Institute of Technology (2010–2014)

Select Publications