PhD candidate Deb Banerjee receives prestigious Presidential Fellowship

Deb Banerjee, a PhD candidate in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) was selected as a recipient of The Ohio State University Presidential Fellowship.

The fellowship is given to students who “embody the highest standards of scholarship” in the graduate programs at the university going into the last stages of their dissertation research or terminal degree project. Recipients are given a monthly stipend for living expenses so they can focus solely on completing their research, as well as help with travel expenses to present at national conferences.

“Deb’s incredible appetite for original knowledge coupled with his immense determination will always take him to new heights in his scientific journey,” said Banerjee’s advisor, Professor Ahmet Selamet. “The university’s recognition of Deb’s young accomplishments through this fellowship makes me happy for him.”

Banerjee came to Ohio State from Kolkata, India. He said that the prospect of studying at a premier university and being part of one of the most reputable graduate programs in mechanical engineering attracted him to Ohio State.

Banerjee works in the Engine and Turbocharger Research Laboratory at the Center for Automotive Research. His research is focused on developing a fundamental understanding of the instabilities encountered by the turbocharger compressor at low flow rates like stall and surge. Banerjee uses laser diagnostics as well as computational fluid dynamics to analyze the compressor flow field. The knowledge gained from the research will assist in mitigating the instabilities experienced by the turbocharger resulting in more efficient and environmentally-friendly powertrains.

“It has been a fantastic experience to work with the faculty at Ohio State,” said Banerjee. “I am extremely grateful to Dr. Selamet for his continuous support and guidance throughout my graduate studies. His constant encouragement has been invaluable for me in my work, and also in receiving this fellowship. As a student, I am also thankful to all my instructors in the MAE department.”

Banerjee said that he was grateful in receiving this esteemed fellowship.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award,” he said. “It provides me with great motivation to complete my dissertation research and hopefully make further scientific contributions.”

Written by MAE Communications Assistant, Jake Rahe