Lakshmi Kantha
Professor Emeritus
Colorado Center for Astrodynamics Research (CCAR)

Office Location: AERO 463

Focus Area

Fluid Dynamics, Remote Sensing, Earth, & Space Science

Education

Ph.D. Aeronautics and Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1973
M.Eng. with distinction, Aeronautical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, India, 1969
B.Eng., with distinction, Mechanical Engineering, Bangalore University, India, 1967

Professional Experience

2021 - Present, Professor Emeritus, Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder
1991 - 2021, Professor, Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado
1993 - 2021, Professor, Program in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of Colorado
1991 - 2021, IPA, Naval Oceanographic Office
1991 - 1997, Expert Consultant, Naval Research Laboratory
1990 - 1991, Oceanographer, Navy Oceanographic and Atmospheric Research Laboratory
1988 - 1990, Scientist, Institute for Naval Oceanography
1986 - 1988, Senior Visiting Scientist, Princeton University
1980 - 1986, Dynalysis of Princeton Scientist
1974 - 1980, Research Scientist , The Johns Hopkins University

Awards (selected)

Associate Fellow, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Naval Oceanographic Office and Naval Research Laboratory Special Act Award for Transitions (1996)
Naval Oceanographic and Atmospheric Research Laboratory Commendation for Outstanding Performance during Desert Storm (1991)
Institute for Naval Oceanography Incentive Award for assistance to U. S. Navy during Desert Storm (1991)

Research Interests

Numerical models of the oceans and related physical processes. Assimilation of remotely sensed data into numerical ocean models, nowcasting, and short-term forecasting of the ocean state; circulation in marginal and coastal bodies of water. Ocean-atmosphere interactions and their implications to long term weather and climate through coupled models.

Additional Research:
Time to Replace the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale?
Classification of hurricanes: Lessons from Katrina, Ike, Irene, Isaac and Sandy