About
PhD CFD Engineer and Postdoc with 5+ years of combined academic and industry experience delivering end-to-end simulation support — from 3D modeling and mesh generation to RANS, LES, and LBM execution on CPU/GPU high-performance computing (HPC) architectures.
Strong expertise in turbulence modeling, external aerodynamics, flow optimization, aeroacoustics, and experimental wind-tunnel validation. Proficient in developing Python-driven workflows to automate large-scale data post-processing and streamline simulation pipelines.
Experienced with multiple commercial and in-house solvers: OpenFOAM, Ansys Fluent, and Altair (AcuSolve & UltraFluidX). Proven track record of publishing Q1 journal research, coaching others in advanced CFD methodologies, and delivering results under real-world engineering constraints.
Key achievements:
- Validated LBM CFD predictions against wind-tunnel data with excellent pressure-coefficient agreement (Q1 journal)
- Benchmarked GPU/LBM vs. CPU/LES, demonstrating superior computational efficiency on HPC supercomputers
- Optimized marine ballast-water-treatment pipelines using RANS simulations (Q1 journal)
- Conducted aeroacoustic research on bio-inspired wings at the University of Southampton (accepted in Springer's Advances in Aerodynamics Q1 journal)
- Achieved highest score on Aerodynamics assessment at MIA School of Race Engineering, Silverstone
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Experience
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Postdoc Researcher
University of Rijeka, Faculty of Engineering · Full-time
Nov 2025 –
Present
3 mos
Rijeka, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia
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Assistant and PhD Researcher
University of Rijeka, Faculty of Engineering · Full-time
Nov 2021 –
Oct 2025
3 yrs 11 mos
Rijeka, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia
Assistant and PhD Researcher at the Department of Computational Mechanics and Engineering.
Research:
- Perform advanced CFD simulations on heterogeneous CPU/GPU architectures using multiple commercial and in-house solvers; generate 3D models, build meshes, post-process visualizations and data analysis.
- Benchmarked Altair AcuSolve (LES) on supercomputer CPUs vs. Altair UltraFluidX (LBM-LES) on GPUs for NACA 0012 airfoil; results published in an EU project book.
- Validated lattice-Boltzmann CFD predictions against open-circuit wind tunnel data; achieved excellent RMSE agreement in pressure coefficient (Q1 journal).
- Simulated turbulent seawater flow through ballast-water-treatment pipelines using RANS (Ansys Fluent); identified flow non-uniformities and optimized pipeline layout (Q1 journal).
Teaching:
- Lectured in Fluid Dynamics and Mechanics.
- Supervised BSc and MSc theses on CFD and aerodynamics from problem definition to publication.
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Visiting Academic PhD Researcher
University of Southampton, School of Engineering · Full-time
Dec 2023 –
Sep 2024
9 mos
Southampton, England, United Kingdom
Visiting Academic PhD Researcher at the Department of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, contributing to the Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics Research group.
- Conducted advanced aeroacoustic research on bio-inspired wings and trailing edge configurations using in-house LES/DNS software on HPC systems.
- Performed detailed physical analysis of boundary layer stability, laminar separation bubbles, trailing edge sound waves, bound vortex dynamics, and shear layer stability.
- Developed Python scripts for visualization and automation of large-scale unsteady data processing using Tecplot.
- Research accepted in Springer's Advances in Aerodynamics journal (Q1).
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Estimator (Part-time, Remote)
LLC StoneCRO Ltd. · Part-time
Mar 2018 –
Oct 2021
3 yrs 7 mos
Boston, MA, United States
- Interpreted construction drawings in AutoCAD/Bluebeam and generated material take-offs.
- Automated cost and quantity calculations with Python/Excel to accelerate bid preparation, enabling data-driven financial analyses and successful pricing negotiations with clients and project teams.
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CFD Software Engineer Intern
Hydrotec Water and Environment Consulting Engineers Ltd. · Internship
Oct 2020 –
Jan 2021
3 mos
Aachen, NRW, Germany
- Developed Python/Lua scripts to execute parallel hydrodynamic simulations and automate post-processing.
- Improved in-house automatic meshing tool by integrating new optimization algorithms, reducing cell count and run-time.
Education
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University of Rijeka, Faculty of Engineering
PhD Computational Mechanics and Engineering, CFD
2021 – 2025
Research focus: Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics of Primary and Serrated Edge Wing.
Soft skills developed: Technical communication and cross-disciplinary collaboration; project management under strict deadlines; rapid adaptation to emerging technologies and methodologies.
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University of Rijeka, Faculty of Engineering
MSc, CFD, Upper second class
2018 – 2021
Master of Mechanical Engineering - Computational Mechanics and Engineering (MSc). Contributed to university wind tunnel development project, performing OpenFOAM simulations to optimize contraction section, diffuser, and test section geometries for improved flow uniformity and reduced turbulence.
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University of Rijeka, Faculty of Engineering
BSc, CFD, Upper second class
2015 – 2018
Activities and Societies:
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Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with focus on Computational Fluid Dynamics. Thesis involved CFD simulation and analysis, building a strong foundation in numerical methods, fluid mechanics, and engineering fundamentals.