Shark-like Design for AVs Garners Reidy Professorship
Raayai-Ardakani is one of four junior faculty to earn a prestigious Career Development Professorship from the University.
Shabnam Raayai-Ardakani, a Boston University College of Engineering assistant professor of mechanical engineering, has earned this year’s Reidy Career Development Professorship. Raayai-Ardakani weaves together novel, nature-inspired designs and fluid mechanics to improve the aerodynamic performance of unmanned vehicles. Her research led to a design for a shark-like ribbed mechanism that reduces drag, which could “extend vehicle range, reduce energy consumption, and improve operational efficiency” and be applied to automated logistics and delivery, disaster response, and precision agriculture,” writes Sean Andersson, chair of the department of mechanical engineering and Raayai-Ardakani’s nominator.
The Reidy Career Development Professorship was established by BU trustee Richard D. Reidy (Questrom’82) and his wife Minda G. Reidy (Questrom’82,’84). This award and three other BU Career Development Professorships recognize early-career educators emerging as leaders in their field.