Dehner one of two awarded prestigious Presidential Fellowship

Richard "Ricky" Dehner, graduate student in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) and a graduate research associate at the Center for Automotive Research, received the 2016 Presidential Fellowship awarded by The Ohio State University Graduate School for the summer semester. The Presidential Fellowship is the most prestigious award given by the Graduate School, recognizing outstanding scholarly accomplishments and potential of graduate students entering the final phase of their dissertation research or terminal degree project.

Dehner received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Ohio State. Research interests include both experimental and computational studies of turbochargers and internal combustion engines related to compressor flow instabilities and acoustics. Dehner’s research is developing a fundamental understanding of compressor flow-field breakdown at low flow rates and the resulting coupling that occurs between compressors and the engine air induction system. A unique model was developed to accurately predict compression system surge, which improves the ability to design advanced boosting systems required for the next generation of fuel efficient engines.

“I am extremely honored to receive the Presidential Fellowship and grateful to those that have guided and supported me,” Dehner said.  “This award will allow me to concentrate my efforts on completing my research and dissertation.”

Dehner is advised by Professor Ahmet Selamet, MAE department chair, whose research has concentrated, over the last three decades, on the physics of breathing systems of internal combustion engines. Among the contemporary challenges Selamet and his team at Ohio State’s Center for Automotive Research address include fundamental understanding of turbocharger compression system instabilities (surge) and broadband flow noise from centrifugal compressors under unfavorable (separated) flow conditions through studies performed on novel bench-top turbocharger facilities.

The other current recipient of the award is Unnikrishnan Sasidharan Nair, also a graduate student in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

 “It is gratifying to observe Ricky and Unnikrishnan receive these distinct recognitions for their original knowledge generation early in their intellectual journey toward a brilliant future,” said Department Chair Selamet.

The Graduate School awards about 15 Presidential Fellowships each semester for outstanding academic achievement. The fellowship provides financial support so that each Presidential Fellow may devote one year of full-time study to the completion of his or her dissertation or degree project unimpeded by other duties. Competitions are held autumn and spring semesters.

Original article may be viewed on the website of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.