Researcher Spotlight:
Dimitris Assanis, Ph.D.

Faculty researcher, Assistant Professor Dimitris Assanis, Ph.D., joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Stony Brook University in 2020. His research focuses on power generation and propulsion systems with an emphasis on advanced combustion modes and alternative fuels for internal combustion engines. 

Here is a little bit about Professor Assanis:

What interested you in joining the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Stony Brook?

I was searching for a top mechanical engineering program, specifically in my field of internal combustion engines. Stony Brook is a top ten combustion engine school, with a brand new laboratory and equipment, which was one of the most attractive aspects. I knew I could get my research done because of the necessary infrastructure and support. Another reason I was drawn to Stony Brook is I wanted to work at a state school. I went to a state school for my undergraduate degree and stayed there for my master's and doctorate.

What do you like most about working at Stony Brook?

Working at Stony Brook means interacting with students and stakeholders, whether it's industry in the area, state agencies, or even the university as a state entity, to drive things forward. As for the location, I’m also an avid fisherman. The fact that I can get to a beach, get to the water, or go fishing on the weekends when I have free time, is an amazing bonus that makes this location super attractive.

 

What area is your research focused on?

My research is focused on finding green fuels that can help us decarbonize energy production and propulsion. Essentially, we're looking for sustainable fuels, coupled with smart ways to use those fuels, to emit as minimal greenhouse gases as possible. This way, we can reach a decarbonized, net zero future sooner. To put it more simply and directly, we focus a lot on finding a pathway for the internal combustion engine to be part of the solution in the future, rather than remaining part of the problem it is today.

 

What initially interested you in your type of research?

My father played a big role in shaping my career. He was a professor in mechanical engineering, and his research field was very close to mine today. Growing up, I saw my father work with internal combustion engines, focusing on improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. I was amazed by the fact that you could make a difference. Over the years, I observed him and his team moving the needle on these issues, which was intoxicating. On top of that, I enjoyed working with my hands whether it was changing my oil or doing car repairs for people in the neighborhood to make some extra money. After finishing a couple of my postdocs, it became clear that I needed to build a team and be in a place with the right facilities to support my research. That’s when I fully committed to the idea that an academic career, being a faculty member somewhere, was the next step.

What career advice would you give students interested in becoming a mechanical engineer?

Do it 100%. I started in computer engineering because I wanted to do the furthest thing from mechanical engineering, my father was a professor in that department. Around my second or third semester, I asked where the machine shop was. They told me I was in the wrong building and the wrong major. At the time, when you declared your major, you'd get a shirt with the department name on it, so that day I picked up a second shirt that said mechanical engineering. And that’s what stuck. I dove deep into thermal sciences, but I’ve spent quite a bit of time in design and manufacturing, which has served me well in my current work. I also did statistics, dynamics, and controls though they weren’t my core focus. If you have any hesitation or uncertainty about what type of engineering you want to pursue, mechanical engineering is fantastic because it doesn’t limit you. You’re exposed to so much. That’s why I always go back to my initial advice: just do it, because you can’t go wrong. After you’ve done mechanical engineering, you can still specialize in other areas, and it gives you a really strong foundation.

 

What is the most rewarding aspect of working at Stony Brook that has shaped both your research and teaching approach?

When you meet an eager student, whether in their freshman year, sophomore year, or even later in their junior year, it’s exciting. The student who potentially shares a passion for the same topic, after taking your course, and is interested in learning more about your field or research. Watching that student progress from zero experience, or minimal background, to the point where they graduate whether with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, and then take that next step into their job, it’s rewarding. Every time I work with a student, and watch them go from that initial meeting to their achievements, I’m so proud of everything they’ve accomplished. That gives me the motivation to go through that cycle time and time again. Every cycle takes its unique path, which keeps it interesting. It’s never a pre-planned journey of, “Do this, then do that.” Every student brings their own set of skills, and the research projects vary, so I never find it to duplicative. It’s natural and rewarding every time.

 

What is the next step for you in terms of projects, research, or goals?

 I’ve been here almost five complete years and we’ve done a lot to lay a solid foundation in terms of contributing to fundamental research. I’m excited about now taking some of those fundamental data sets. Now that we’ve shown it’s feasible, and that with the right safety precautions and operating conditions, we can unlock the next step. We’re looking to work with industry to scale those results and start seeing the impact, not just within our research community, but also in our local community. What preoccupies us during the day is burning a lot of hydrogen in engines to displace traditional fossil fuels, like gasoline and diesel, which are fossil-derived. Also, ammonia, NH3, and both hydrogen and ammonia have no carbon in the fuel, so there are no carbon emissions in the exhaust. This essentially unlocks carbon-free combustion, which is interesting.

What do you enjoy doing the most in your free time? Are there any “fun facts” about yourself that you would like to share?

I caught my first striped bass when fishing, and since then, I've taken my friends out a few times and they've come to visit. There were a few years of really trying to figure out how to do it right, where the spots are and whatnot. I caught my personal best fish this year, and it's been amazing. The fishing gear has been part of the journey too.