Parviz Moin Stanford

Parviz Moin is a renowned American engineer and academic, currently serving as the Franklin M. Orr Professor in the School of Engineering and the Director of the Center for Turbulence Research at Stanford University. His work has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of turbulence, a complex and chaotic phenomenon that plays a critical role in various engineering and scientific disciplines.
Early Life and Education

Parviz Moin was born in Iran and developed an interest in science and mathematics from an early age. He pursued his higher education in the United States, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1978. Moin then moved to Stanford University, where he earned his Master’s degree in 1980 and his Ph.D. in 1984, both in Mechanical Engineering.
Academic Career
After completing his Ph.D., Moin joined the faculty at Stanford University as an Assistant Professor in 1984. He quickly established himself as a leading researcher in the field of fluid mechanics and turbulence, making significant contributions to our understanding of these complex phenomena. Moin’s work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Presidential Young Investigator Award from the National Science Foundation and the Fluid Dynamics Prize from the American Physical Society.
Moin's research focuses on the development of computational models and algorithms to simulate and analyze turbulent flows. His work has far-reaching implications for various fields, including aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, and environmental science. Moin has also made significant contributions to the development of large eddy simulation (LES) and direct numerical simulation (DNS) techniques, which are widely used in industry and academia to simulate and analyze turbulent flows.
Year | Award | Organization |
---|---|---|
1988 | Presidential Young Investigator Award | National Science Foundation |
2006 | Fluid Dynamics Prize | American Physical Society |

Research Contributions

Moin’s research has been published in numerous top-tier journals, including the Journal of Fluid Mechanics and the Physical Review Letters. His work has also been recognized with several best paper awards, including the ASME Fluids Engineering Division Best Paper Award. Moin is also a fellow of the American Physical Society and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Center for Turbulence Research
In 1989, Moin co-founded the Center for Turbulence Research (CTR) at Stanford University, which has become a leading research institution in the field of turbulence. The CTR is a collaborative research center that brings together researchers from Stanford University, NASA Ames Research Center, and other institutions to advance our understanding of turbulence and its applications. Moin has served as the director of the CTR since its inception and has played a key role in shaping the center’s research agenda and strategic direction.
The CTR has made significant contributions to our understanding of turbulence, including the development of new computational models and algorithms, and the application of turbulence research to various fields, such as aerospace engineering and environmental science. The center has also trained numerous researchers and engineers who have gone on to become leaders in their fields.
What is turbulence, and why is it important?
+Turbulence is a complex and chaotic phenomenon that occurs in fluids, such as air and water. It is characterized by random and irregular motions, which can have significant effects on various engineering and scientific applications, such as aircraft performance, wind turbine efficiency, and ocean currents.
What is the Center for Turbulence Research, and what are its goals?
+The Center for Turbulence Research is a collaborative research center that brings together researchers from Stanford University, NASA Ames Research Center, and other institutions to advance our understanding of turbulence and its applications. The center's goals include the development of new computational models and algorithms, and the application of turbulence research to various fields, such as aerospace engineering and environmental science.
Moin's work has had a significant impact on our understanding of turbulence and its applications. His research has been recognized with numerous awards, and he has played a key role in shaping the research agenda and strategic direction of the Center for Turbulence Research. As a leading researcher in the field of turbulence, Moin continues to make significant contributions to our understanding of this complex and chaotic phenomenon, and his work has far-reaching implications for various fields, including aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, and environmental science.
Future Implications

Moin’s research has significant implications for the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly technologies, such as wind turbines and internal combustion engines. His work on turbulence has also led to a better understanding of complex phenomena, such as ocean currents and weather patterns. As a leading researcher in the field of turbulence, Moin continues to make significant contributions to our understanding of this complex and chaotic phenomenon, and his work has far-reaching implications for various fields, including aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, and environmental science.
The future implications of Moin's research are significant, and his work is likely to have a lasting impact on our understanding of turbulence and its applications. As a leading researcher in the field, Moin continues to push the boundaries of our knowledge, and his work is likely to lead to the development of new technologies and innovations that will benefit society as a whole.