Turbo Lab welcomes former student to faculty

The Turbomachinery Laboratory has welcomed a familiar face to its faculty.

Dr. Lesley Wright joined the Turbo Lab team in August after teaching at Baylor for ten years. She was encouraged by the head of the J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Andreas A. Polycarpou and distinguished professor, Dr. Je-Chin Han, to apply for the opening.

After earning her masters degree in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University in 2003, Wright knew she wanted to stay in Texas for her doctorate degree. Wright earned her Ph.D. from Texas A&M in 2006.

“The University of Texas wasn’t an option for me,” said Wright, an avid Aggie sports fanatic. “After coming to Texas A&M, I really loved the atmosphere and the environment here, which is part of the reason I came back to teach.”

As a girl Wright dreamed of working for NASA, always intrigued by “things that could fly,” which is why she landed in mechanical engineering. The new professor enjoys teaching, but what compels her most about the faculty post is original research–the opportunity to work with students and colleagues to make new discoveries.

“Every day is different,” Wright said. “It’s been great here since I have come back. I love being around students. The facilities are great and my coworkers have been very welcoming.”

Wright is currently investigating enhanced convective cooling technology. This includes heat transfer enhancement for gas turbine cooling applications.

The Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) Turbomachinery Laboratory makes a vital impact on turbomachinery and related industries through research, education and professional workforce development.

BIO

Every day is different. It’s been great here since I have come back. I love being around students. The facilities are great and my coworkers have been very welcoming.

Dr. Wright