Michele Guala Research Group

University of Minnesota

What physical mechanisms control interactions between turbulence, sediments, and particles in environmental and geophysical flows? The Guala Research Group conducts experimental studies from wind tunnels to field work to examine vortex dynamics, particle-turbulence interactions, and sediment transport. At SAFL researchers develop novel measurement techniques such as large-scale PIV experiments and 3D particle tracking velocimetry for high-resolution flow characterization. Projects include studying interactions between large turbulent scales and erodible sediment layers to inform stream restoration and hydrokinetic device optimization. Laboratory and field measurements are combined with statistical data analysis tools to quantify mixing, wake behavior, and turbine array performance under migrating bedforms.