Dr. David Hu

Professor

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Biography

David Hu started at Georgia Tech in late summer 2008 as an Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering and holds a joint appointment in the Department of Biology. He was promoted to Professor in 2019. His research focuses on fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, biomechanics, locomotion, and physical applied mathematics. Specifically, he investigates the dynamics of interfaces, especially fluid-solid and solid-solid interactions. His work combines theory, computation, and experiment, and he is interested in pursuing biomimetic technologies based on nature's designs. Hu's research has included a variety of topics, such as terrestrial locomotion and the challenges of rigid-body dynamics on smooth surfaces. His investigations into snake propulsion and the behavior of water striders—particularly how these organisms utilize surface tension—highlight the innovative ways he explores hydrodynamic propulsion.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

2008-01-01 — Present

Georgia Institute of Technology • Atlanta, GA

Started at Georgia Tech and holds a joint appointment in the Department of Biology.

Instructor

2005-01-01 — 2008-01-01

Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University • New York, NY

Worked as an instructor in mathematics.

Awards

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National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

2005-01-01
#

Graduate Research Fellowship

2003-01-01
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Presidential Graduate Fellowship

2002-01-01
#

Ascher H. Shapiro Graduate Fellowship

2001-01-01
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Westinghouse Science Talent Search Semifinalist

1997-01-01

Requirements for Georgia Institute of Technology

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:19
Reading
Required:19
Writing
Required:19
Speaking
Required:19
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:5.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7.5
Prerequisites
Undergraduate degree in computer science or related field
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
Specialization Notes

Department of Computer Science: GRE scores are optional for Fall 2026.