Mark Gragston
Assistant Professor
Contact:
The University of Tennessee, Space Institute
411 B.H. Goethert Parkway
Tullahoma, TN 37388
Office: (931) 393-7373
Email: mgragston@utsi.edu
Education
- PhD, 2018, Mechanical Engineering, University of Tennessee
Biography
- 2020-present – Assistant Professor, University of Tennessee Space Institute
- 2019-2020 – Research Professor, HORIZON Center, University of Tennessee Space Institute
Research
His primary research focus is the development and application of laser and optical based techniques for studying high-speed aerothermodynamics. These include high-speed schlieren, PLIF, PIV, FLDI, Raman scattering, and more. These tools are used for measurements of transitional and turbulent boundary layer states, dynamics and structure of shock-boundary layer interactions, and other features of the supersonic flowfield. Mark is also developing high-enthalpy testing capabilities to better understand aerodynamic heating and real gas effects in hypersonic flows. Additionally, he has an interest in measurements of combustion phenomena and plasma dynamics.
Professional Service
- Member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the American Physical Society (APS), the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and the Optical Society (OSA)
Awards and Recognitions
- Tennessee Space Grant Graduate Fellowship
- 2020 Air Force Office of Scientific Research Summer Faculty Fellowship