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Joseph E. Shepherd is the C. L. "Kelly" Johnson Professor of Aeronautics and Mechanical Engineering, Emeritus, at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). He has a B.S. from the University of South Florida (1976) and a Ph.D. from Caltech (1981). Shepherd served as an Associate Professor at Caltech from 1993 to 1999, before becoming a full Professor until 2008. He then held the title of Johnson Professor until 2025 and has been recognized as Emeritus thereafter. He has also held notable administrative positions including Dean of Graduate Studies from 2009 to 2015 and Vice President of Student Affairs from 2015 to 2020. His research interests encompass combustion, explosion dynamics, detonation, shock waves, hypersonics, structural mechanics, fluid-structure interaction, nuclear power, and aviation safety. Shepherd conducts research in fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, and thermodynamics with applications in explosion dynamics, industrial safety, nuclear power, high-speed flight, propulsion, energy conversion technologies, and medical devices.
California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA
Professor of Aeronautics and Mechanical Engineering, Emeritus. Conducts research and teaches in fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, chemistry, and thermodynamics.
California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA
Served as Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA
Oversaw graduate academic affairs and student education.
California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA
Managed student affairs and engagement.
Most Caltech graduate programs are PhD-only. GRE General and Subject tests vary by department; many have made them optional or no longer accept them.