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 full 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, with a focus on the development of data-driven mathematical models for complex thermomechanical systems. His current work includes the advancement of meshless Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), fluid flow physics, and multidisciplinary design methodologies using machine learning. He has published over 100 scientific articles in international journals and proceedings, holds two patents, and has participated in more than 40 national and international research projects. He has also contributed to the formulation of several national policies in the areas of research, innovation, and high-tech industry development.

In recognition of his contributions to aerospace science and engineering in Indonesia, he received the prestigious Nurtanio Award (2024) from the Government of the Republic of Indonesia. He is also a Fellow of the ASEAN Academy of Engineering and Technology (AAET), honored for his contributions to engineering and technological advancement in the region.

Some of his recent works can be seen here.