Gautam Maurya

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I have always been motivated to pursue a PhD, inspired by my father, who deeply valued education but did not have the opportunity to continue his studies beyond high school. His perseverance and encouragement instilled in me a strong desire to achieve what he could not. My passion for Mechanical Engineering and my commitment to helping others have guided my academic journey. When I discovered the opportunity at FSU to work on a project that combines both, it felt like the perfect fit. It allows me to apply my knowledge and skills to create a meaningful impact. I chose FSU for its remarkable faculty—especially my advisor, Dr. Kourosh Shoele from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering—whose mentorship has greatly shaped my academic journey. The university’s diversity, inclusive culture, and supportive environment have made me feel truly at home and continuously reaffirmed my decision to study here.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

My research focuses on understanding the fluid mechanics of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), a small yet ecologically vital organism that forms the foundation of the polar food web and contributes to the balance of Earth's ecosystem. I study their swimming dynamics using computational fluid dynamics to uncover how they achieve efficient propulsion at several Reynolds numbers. This research is important because it not only enhances our understanding of biological propulsion and energy-efficient swimming but also provides inspiration for designing bio-inspired underwater robots and micro-propulsion systems.

Career aspirations

My goal is to pursue a career in academia, where I can explore a wide range of research interests rather than being confined to a single focus area. I aspire to broaden my knowledge in cutting-edge domains, such as force/pressure partitioning and data-driven fluid mechanics, and apply these insights to advance studies in bio-inspired propulsion. In the future, I aim to establish a multidisciplinary research team that integrates fluid dynamics, computational modeling, and biological systems to develop innovative solutions. I am also deeply committed to education and mentorship, striving to inspire and guide the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

I would advise anyone considering graduate school to pursue a topic they are genuinely passionate about, as motivation is key to overcoming challenges. Graduate studies require persistence, curiosity, and self-discipline; therefore, it’s essential to stay focused on long-term goals rather than short-term results. Most importantly, choose an advisor and environment that encourage growth, collaboration, and independent thinking.

Accomplishments during graduate career

Conference presentations: 1- Maurya, G., Shahriar, A., & Shoele, K. (2023). Unraveling Krill's Metachronal Symphony and Hydrodynamic Secrets. Bulletin of the American Physical Society. 2- Maurya, G., Shahriar, A., & Shoele, K. (2024, November). A unifying approach for identifying flow factors that contribute to surface pressure. In APS Division of Fluid Dynamics Meeting Abstracts (pp. T14-008). 3- Maurya, G., Wang, T., & Shoele, K. (2025). Turbulent Flow Over Wavy Surfaces: Unravelling Differences Between Water and Rayleigh Waves. In AIAA SCITECH 2025 Forum (p. 2750). 4- G. Maurya and K. Shoele. Effect of delayed/advanced paddle opening in metachronal swimming mode. Discover Conference on Vortex Dominated Flows, June 3–6, 2025.

Journals: 1- Maurya, G., Liu, Y., Sussman, M., & Shoele, K. (2024). Drop transmission after the impact on woven fabrics. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 179, 104909. Leadership roles 1-Vice-president of the MEGSA (Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student Association,2022 - present). 2-Volunteered for Gift of Life Marrow (Stem Cell and Marrow donation drive) at Florida State University (2024).

Personal milestones: I aim to become an independent researcher by learning and exploring as much as I can during my graduate journey, while also taking on leadership roles. These milestones reflect my growth as an independent researcher and leader. They have helped me strengthen both my technical expertise and my commitment to collaboration, mentorship, and community impact.