Ph.D. Student Earns National Award for Groundbreaking Fluids Research

Amandine Maidenberg (’24, ’25), Master of Science Mechanical Engineering and Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, was honored with the prestigious Graduate Student Scholar (GSS) Award at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ Fluids Engineering Division Summer Meeting (FEDSM).

The meeting, which brings together global researchers and professionals in fluid mechanics, hosted a smaller, more focused event this year, dedicated entirely to fluid dynamics.

It was Maidenberg’s second time attending. She presented her research paper, “Dirichlet Boundary Conditions for a Meshless Solver of the Discrete Boltzmann Equation,” which earned her the GSS award.

Her work explores meshless methods for solving the Boltzmann equation, a nonlinear model used to study particle distribution and fluid flow.

"This technique allows us to model complex oscillating fluid flows through porous media,” Maidenberg said. “I was immensely flattered to be recognized and incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received, especially from my advisor, Dr. Leitao Chen.”

Her paper will be published in the Journal of Fluids Engineering under the title, “A Meshless Discrete Boltzmann Solver With the Radial Basis Function Finite Difference Scheme for Fluid Flows With Dirichlet Boundary Conditions.

Early Academic Influences

Maidenberg’s interest in physics and problem solving started early. A memorable undergraduate simulation of fluid flow through a pipe, done entirely in Excel, sparked her passion for fluid dynamics.

At Embry-Riddle, she found strong mentorship and inspiration from members of the Mechanical Engineering Department. She began her Ph.D. studies with Dr. Eduardo Divo, professor of Mechanical Engineering, who introduced her to meshless methods. She later joined Dr. Leitao Chen, assistant professor of Mechanical Engineering, in his research group to focus on the Boltzmann equation.

“It’s a fascinating equation,” she said. “It merges microscale kinetics with macroscale fluid flow and somehow captures emergence.”

Dr. Divo first met Amandine in fall 2020 in ME501, a math-intensive course in the mechanical engineering graduate program.

“She immediately stood out for her intellect, creativity and initiative, which led me to recruit her as both a teaching and research assistant,” Divo said. "Her work applying machine learning to improve computational modeling techniques showed real innovation. Amandine has the aptitude and attitude to become an outstanding professor, and I have no doubt she will make significant contributions to the field.”

Maidenberg also credits Dr. Sandra Boetcher, interim chair and professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department, for her practical approach, which she strives to emulate.

A Brick in the Wall of Scientific Progress

Despite the accolades, Maidenberg remains humble about her contribution to the field.

“I don’t see my work as monumental. It was a lot of effort to prove it works, but I hope it becomes a brick in someone else’s research — a footnote that says, ‘These ideas worked this way, and now here is something more.’”

Balancing Research and Family

In addition to her academic work, Maidenberg is a mother and finds motivation in her family.

“I know my children don’t understand what I do, but I hope they learn that by challenging themselves, they can accomplish great things.”

Her husband, she adds, is a constant source of support and encouragement.

New Role on National Committee

As a GSS award recipient, Maidenberg was appointed to the Computational Fluid Dynamics Technical Committee. In this role, she helps review conference submissions, identify emerging research trends and shape topics for future events.

“The GSS program is a great way to connect with others in the research community,” she said. “It’s a chance to share your work, get feedback and stay engaged with cutting-edge developments.”

The Next Chapter: From Student to Educator

Maidenberg plans to continue her journey in academia.

“I’ve spent so long as a student — I believe I have something to offer in return,” she said. “Teaching feels like a natural next step.”

Maidenberg also offers advice to aspiring researchers: