Women of ERCOFTAC

Interview with Dr.-Ing. Bich-Diep Nguyen

• What is your academic background?

I have a I got my B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. I did my Ph.D. at Technical University Darmstadt.

• What is your research specialism?

I specialized in numerical simulations of (turbulent) multi-phase flows and iron particle combustion.

• What projects are you working on currently?

I am currently working on a turbulent iron particle-laden jet. In my newest project, I have shifted to the combustion of aluminum, but I stay in the field of multi-phase flows, since I am primarily working on aluminum nanoparticle formation.

• Was there a woman who inspired you to get into your field?

Not a woman I personally knew, but I heard about Marie Skłodowska Curie when I was 7 years old and she inspired me to go into science.

• What motivates you to work on fluid mechanics, or what you find fascinating about it?

Fluid mechanics is all around us. I can apply my knowledge on fluid mechanics on so many situations in real life and it is always satisfying when I have that moment where I bridge the gap between theory and practice.

• What advice would you give to young women wanting to get into STEM?

Follow you heart and don’t let anyone tell you you cannot do anything just because it is “unusual”.

• What are the benefits of being a member of ERCOFTAC?

ERCOFTAC offers great opportunities for networking. I have made quite a few contacts and connected with them on LinkedIn.