Ben Mertz | Rose-Hulman

Dr. Ben Mertz joined Rose-Hulman in 2018 after lecturing at Arizona State University for seven years. His teaching interests including fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, numerical methods, and compressible aerodynamics. His research interests include active flow control, wind turbine optimization, improving teamwork performance and non-traditional modes of teaching. He enjoys woodworking, running, spending time with his family, musicals and leading Bible studies.

Academic Degrees

Ph.D. Aerospace Engineering, Univesrity of Notre Dame (2010)

M.S. Aerospace Engineering, University of Notre Dame (2009)

B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (2005)

Awards & Honors

ASEE First-Year Programs Division Best Paper Award (Third Place) (2011)

Arthur J. Schmitt Fellow (2005-2009)

Cummins Engineer Company Inc. Most Outstanding Senior ME Award (2005)

Steinhauser Most Outstanding Sophomore ME Award (2004)

Publications & Presentations

Mertz, B. Zhu, H., and Wang, C., "Design, Implementation and Evaluation of an Online Team and Activity-Based Introduction to Engineering Course," 122nd Annual ASEE Meeting, Seattle, WA (2015)

Mertz, B., and Corke, T., 2011. "Single Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Actuator Modeling and Validation," Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 669, pp 557-583.

Mertz, B., Furguson, D., Iramul-Hoque, M. "How competent are freshman engineering students in constructively rating their peers in a team context?" , in American Society for Engineering Education Conference, Proceedings of, Salt Lake City, UT (2018)

Research Interests

Active flow control, Wind turbine optimizatino, Improving teamwork performance, and non-traditional modes of teaching.

Teaching Interests

Fluid dynamics, Thermodynamics, Numerical methods, Compressible Aerodynamics.