Research Group

We are experimental fluid dynamicists interested in microfluidics, interfacial fluid mechanics, and surfactant transport. We develop innovative, microscale experimental methods to probe and control liquid-fluid interfaces, using scaling analysis, theory, and numerics as tools to complement our experiments. By developing strategies to separate timescales for relevant processes, we have been able to advance the fundamental engineering science of multiphase flows.

Our group and our work is interdisciplinary and collaborative. We enjoy several strong collaborations with other academic research groups around campus and elsewhere, including strong connections with industry.

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Kate profile

Kate

Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering and Public Policy

Professor Whitefoot is the director of the Whitefoot Research Group, a thrust leader of the NextManufacturing Center, and a Fellow of the Scott Institute for Energy Innovation. She has worked with several companies in automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and high-tech industries, and has been invited to present briefings at the White House, Capitol Hill, the Department of Commerce, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Email
kwhite@cmu.edu

Kate profile

Kate

other

Email
kwhite@cmu.edu

Projects

We study organization and mechanics of subcellular structures including the nucleus and the actin cytoskeleton to address a wide range of medically-relevant questions. Focusing on our strengths incorporating physics and engineering into complex biological questions has led us to high-impact results and a large range of biomedical applications.

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    Important Tech stuff

    Expanding our functional understanding of nuclear structure and mechanics we have begun to characterize mechanics of adult stem cells and the contributions of subcellular structures. Currently we are investigating deviations in mechanics and differentiation potential of bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells to develop better clinical injection procedures.

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    • Publications

    2015

    Pub Content

    2018

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    Courses

    Course Course Name Location Units Semester Offered
    24-680 Quantitative Entrepreneurship: Analysis for New Technology Commercialization Pittsburgh 12 Spring
    42-341 Introduction to Biomechanics Pittsburgh 9 Fall

    Patents

    Patent info

    Media mentions

    Axios

    CMU’s take on autoworkers in the electric car industry in Axios

    As the auto industry begins making the switch over to electric vehicles (EVs), a popular contention is that it takes fewer workers to manufacture EVs. However, researchers at CMU have found that it actually takes more labor hours as battery cell production is a complex and time-consuming process.

    MSN

    Whitefoot comments on green cars in MSN

    MechE/EPP’s Kate Whitefoot comments on the future of green vehicles in MSN. “Moving heavy vehicles like school buses, construction equipment, and big trucks to electrification will definitely be slower,” she says.

    Newsweek

    Whitefoot comments on gas-powered green vehicles

    MechE/EPP’s Kate Whitefoot comments on gas-powered green vehicles in Newsweek. "Moving heavy vehicles like school buses. construction equipment and big trucks to electrification will definitely be slower. That's where improving the efficiency of internal combustion engines will be important,” Whitefoot says.

    Nautilus

    Whitefoot talks increasing electric vehicle popularity

    MechE/EPP’s Kate Whitefoot spoke to Nautilus about what’s behind the latest uptick in consumer interest in electric vehicles, breaking down several factors, including environmental impact and the influence of Tesla.

    See More Mentions

    GO Banking Rates

    Whitefoot talks cost of EVs, policy incentives

    MechE/EPP’s Kate Whitefoot said there are many policy incentives available to lower the cost of purchasing electric vehicles (EVs).

    CMU Engineering

    Tech advances will drive the transition to electric vehicles

    Researchers found that advances in EV technology will likely bring significant growth to the market, relative to gasoline powered automobiles.

    Vox

    Whitefoot talks future of electric vehicles after California’s ban on gasoline vehicles

    EPP/MechE’s Kate Whitefoot discussed future uptake of electric vehicles in Vox after California passed a measure banning the sale of fossil fuel-powered cars by 2035. “It is expected that EVs will dominate the new vehicle market nationwide in the future,” she said. “The uncertainty is exactly when this will occur.”

    CMU Engineering

    Engineering faculty featured in events at GCEAF

    Many faculty from across the College of Engineering will be featured at events during this year’s Global Clean Energy Action Forum.

    Whitefoot honored for work in design automation

    EPP/MechE’s Kate Whitefoot has been recognized with the Young Investigator Award by the 2022 ASME Design Automation Committee.

    Vox

    Whitefoot quoted on electric vehicles

    EPP/MechE’s Katie Whitefoot was quoted in a Vox article for her expertise in electric vehicles in public policy. “Efficiency regulations are still really important even as automakers are making pledges to electrify their fleets,” Whitefoot said.

    Detroit Free Press

    Whitefoot quoted on electric vehicle industry

    EPP/MechE’s Kate Whitefoot was quoted by the Detroit Free Press on competition in the electric vehicle industry.

    The Dispatch

    Whitefoot quoted on electronic vehicle demand

    EPP/MechE’s Kate Whitefoot was quoted in The Dispatch on electronic vehicles (EV).

    Research Team

    jung

    Jung Jung

    Post-Doctorate

    Co-Advisor
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