John W. Kurelek PhD

Dr. John Kurelek’s research focuses on advancing wind energy and aircraft technologies through the study of aerodynamics.  His group specializes in experimental fluid mechanics, using a range of facilities and cutting-edge measurement techniques (e.g., PIV and PTV) to study individual components (wings, blades, and rotors), and fully integrated systems (wind turbines and wind farms). For more information, visit https://kurelek.smithengineering.queensu.ca

Academic Appointments

Assistant Professor, Queen’s University, Mechanical and Materials Engineering, 2024 – present
Visiting Research Collaborator, Princeton University, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, 2024 - present
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Princeton University, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, 2021 – 2023

Education

PhD (dual degree), University of Waterloo, Mechanical Engineering, 2021
PhD (dual degree), Delft University of Technology, Aerospace Engineering, 2021
MASc, University of Waterloo, Mechanical Engineering, 2016
BAsc, University of Waterloo, Mechanical Engineering, 2012

Research Interests

• Experimental Fluid Mechanics
• Wind Turbine and Wind Farm Aerodynamics
• Laminar-Turbulent Transition
• Airfoil and Blade Aerodynamics
• Flow Control
• Aeroacoustics
• Particle Image and Tracking Velocimetry (PIV and PTV)

MASc and PhD positions are available. Please contact me via email if interested (john.kurelek@queensu.ca).