Professor Lavi Rizki Zuhal, Ph.D.

Short Biography

Professor Lavi Rizki Zuhal, Ph.D., is a Professor of Aerodynamics and the Chair of Fluid Dynamics and Propulsion Research Group at the Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (FMAE) of Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB). He currently serves as the Vice Rector for Research and Innovation of ITB. Previously, he held the position of Acting Dean of FMAE (2025), Vice Dean for Academic Affairs of FMAE (2020–2024), and Head of the Aerospace Engineering Program (2018–2020).

He obtained his B.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland (1996), and his M.S. (1997) and Ph.D. (2001) degrees in Aeronautics from the California Institute of Technology (CALTECH). After completing his postdoctoral research at the Graduate Aeronautical Laboratories at CALTECH, he joined the Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering ITB, where he is currently a professor. From 2010 to 2013, he also served as a Research Policy Advisor at the National Innovation Committee of the Republic of Indonesia.

Professor Lavi Zuhal’s research interests lie at the intersection of fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, experimental methodology, and computational science, focusing on the development of data-driven mathematical models for complex thermomechanical systems. He has published over 100 scientific articles in international journals and proceedings, holds 2 patents, and has been involved in more than 40 national and international research projects. He has also contributed to the formulation of several national policies in the fields of research, innovation, and high-tech industry development. Current research interests include the development of meshless Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), multidisciplinary design methodology using machine learning, and fluid flow physics. In recognition of his dedication to research, he was awarded the Research Award from ITB in 2016. Additionally, he received the prestigious Nurtanio Award (2024) from the Government of the Republic of Indonesia for his significant contributions in the field of aerospace science and engineering.

Some of his recent works can be seen here.