OUR PEOPLE
Academic Credentials
- M.S., Environmental Engineering, Duke University, 2023
- Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Duke University, 2023
- B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Tufts University, 2018
- B.S., Physics, Tufts University, 2018
Dr. Young specializes in fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, with a strong focus on environmental applications. Her expertise includes experimental design, numerical modeling, and system analysis, particularly in the context of water treatment and sustainable systems.
Dr. Young's doctoral research at Duke University focused on pore-scale flow mechanisms to better understand how advection affects the transport of particulates in fully saturated media. Her work combined hydrodynamic modeling and laboratory experiments to optimize filtration and treatment technologies for environmental systems. This research emphasized improving filtration efficiency, reducing fouling, and enhancing system scalability.
In addition to her research background, Dr. Young has industry experience in designing and implementing off-grid sanitation systems. She led projects funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, where she developed and tested mobile systems for remote deployment, conducted computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, performed thermal analyses, and ensured compliance with ISO and ANSI standards for sanitation systems. Dr. Young also has experience designing flow loops and constructing custom experimental setups to collect precise data for system performance evaluation. Her expertise extends to biosolids handling and the use of particle size distribution equipment to assess and optimize treatment processes.
Dr. Young is also experienced in project management, including coordinating cross-functional teams, managing complex timelines, and collaborating with stakeholders to deliver effective engineering solutions. Her multidisciplinary background and technical expertise make her a valuable resource for projects involving fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and environmentally focused engineering challenges.