Faculty Directory

Dr. Frank VanGessel is an Assistant Research Professor specializing in physics-informed machine learning, scientific computing, and high-performance computing applications. His research focuses on developing hybrid approaches that integrate traditional physics-based modeling with advanced machine learning techniques to solve complex multiphysics challenges across materials science, fluid dynamics, and energetics domains. Dr. VanGessel has pioneered innovative surrogate models that accelerate scientific computations by several orders of magnitude, enabling new capabilities in parameter identification and system optimization. Currently leading the Engineering Transfer Learning initiative at UMD, he develops frameworks that extract and transfer physics knowledge from large datasets to complex 3D multiphysics design applications. His interdisciplinary research has secured over $5M in Department of Defense funding and produced numerous peer-reviewed publications. Prior to joining the faculty in the Deparmtent of Mechanical Engineering he served as the Computational Methods Team Lead at Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head. Dr. VanGessel's work bridges theoretical advances with practical applications, demonstrating measurable impact through collaborations with engineers, physicists, and chemistry experts across academia and government research sectors.