Alexandra Techet facts for kids

Alexandra Hughes Techet is an American engineer who studies how liquids and gases move, especially water. She is a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she teaches about mechanical and ocean engineering. Her work often uses special cameras to watch how things move in water.

Becoming an Engineer

Alexandra Techet loved the ocean from a young age. She grew up in North Carolina, where she enjoyed sailing and diving. This early love for the water helped shape her career path.

Studying at Top Universities

She went to Princeton University to study mechanical and aerospace engineering. She finished her first degree there in 1995. After Princeton, she continued her studies in oceanographic engineering. She joined a special program between MIT and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. She earned her master's degree in 1998 and her Ph.D. in 2001.

Teaching at MIT

After finishing her advanced studies, Dr. Techet returned to MIT. She started as an assistant professor in ocean engineering. In 2005, she became an assistant professor of mechanical engineering. This happened when MIT combined its ocean engineering and mechanical engineering departments. She became a full professor in 2019.

What She Studies

Dr. Techet's research focuses on hydrodynamics. This is the study of how liquids, especially water, move and interact with things. She uses special tools, like high-speed cameras, to capture very fast movements.

Amazing Animal Jumps

One interesting project she worked on was studying archerfish. These fish are amazing because they can shoot down insects from branches above the water. Dr. Techet studied how they jump out of the water to catch their prey. Her research helps us understand how animals move in unique ways.

Capturing a Sneeze

She also used high-speed video to capture something we all do: sneezing! By recording sneezes in slow motion, scientists can learn how tiny droplets spread. This kind of research is important for understanding how germs travel.

Helping with Home Gardens

During the time when many people were staying home, Dr. Techet also shared her knowledge about home gardening. She gave advice to the MIT community on how to grow plants. This showed her interest in helping people with practical skills.

Recognition

In 2018, Dr. Techet was recognized for her important work. She was named a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. This is a special honor given to engineers who have made significant contributions to their field.