Swapnil Desai
ORNL is proud of its role in fostering the next generation of scientists and engineers. We bring in talented young researchers, team them with accomplished scientists and engineers, and put them to work at the lab’s one-of-a-kind facilities. The result is research that makes us proud and prepares them for distinguished careers.
We asked some of these young researchers why they chose a career in science, what they are working on at ORNL, and where they would like to go with their careers.
Swapnil Desai
Graduate student, Computational Sciences and Engineering Division
Ph.D. student, Energy Science and Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville (Bredesen Center)
Hometown: Valsad, Gujarat, India
What are you working on at ORNL?
I am working on direct numerical simulations of multistage mixed-mode turbulent combustion using high-performance computing to elucidate the key physics that govern autoignition and flame stabilization under the conditions of next-generation engines which operate near combustion limits to maximize efficiency and minimize harmful emissions.
What would you like to do in your career?
After graduation, I intend to join an organization where I can continue my work on the development of science-based computational applications that effectively utilize high-performance computing technology to provide breakthrough simulation and data analytic solutions for the efficient and responsible production and use of energy to meet the growing needs of the world.
Why did you choose a career in science?
I’ve always been curious about how things worked. We live in a technological world, and its complexity continues to throw up challenges. Some are life and death, like finding energy sources that mitigate climate change or predicting when and where a hurricane will make landfall. The fascination of finding and sometimes predicting the right answers makes being in science worthwhile.
