Dr. Christopher Goldenstein

Professor

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Biography

Christopher S. Goldenstein is an Avrum Joyce Gray Rising Star Professor in the School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University. He received his Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Michigan in 2009, followed by his Master of Science and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University in 2011 and 2014 respectively. His research interests encompass laser absorption spectroscopy diagnostics, gas temperature, pressure, velocity, and chemical species analysis. He also specializes in laser-induced fluorescence photophysics, non-equilibrium gases, reaction kinetics, hypersonic flows, shock waves, and detonation waves. His work contributes significantly to the fields of combustion propulsion, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and computational engineering. Throughout his career, Goldenstein has received numerous accolades including the 2025 AIAA Associate Fellow and the 2019 NSF CAREER Award. He is actively involved in fundamental research in propulsion, sustainable energy, and transportation. His publications contribute significantly to advancing knowledge in the areas of combustion and measurement science.

Research Interests

Awards

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AIAA Associate Fellow

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Hiroshi Tsuji Early Career Researcher Award

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NASA Early Career Faculty Award

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Distinguished Paper Award, Proceedings Combustion Institute

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NSF CAREER Award

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AFOSR Young Investigator Award

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DTRA Young Investigator Award

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Outstanding Paper Award, Measurement Science Technology

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Robert Kleist Fellowship

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Graduated Summa Cum Laude

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3-Time James B. Angell Scholar

Requirements for Purdue University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:135
Overall
Required:135
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in CS or related field Foundational concepts of computer science Data structures Computer architecture Operating systems Mathematics through differential equations Linear and matrix algebra
Application Checklist
  • Official Transcripts
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Resume
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • CS Supplementary Form
Specialization Notes

GRE is not required.