Dr. Joseph Shepherd

Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Joseph Shepherd. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

Joe Shepherd is the C. L. 'Kelly' Johnson Professor of Aeronautics at Caltech and serves as the Emeritus Professor from 2025 onwards. He has a distinguished career in aeronautics and mechanical engineering with a focus on transient combustion, high-speed flow, fluid-structure interaction, and aviation safety. He completed his B.S. at the University of South Florida in 1976 and earned his Ph.D. from Caltech in 1981. Shepherd held various leadership roles at Caltech, including Associate Professor from 1993 to 1999, Professor from 1999 to 2008, and Johnson Professor from 2008 to 2025. His research encompasses theoretical and numerical studies of combustion, explosion dynamics, and hypersonic flows, leveraging advanced methodologies such as shock tubes and detonation tubes. He is also involved in medical engineering research, focusing on autoinjector dynamics and numerical simulation modeling for in-situ measurements.

Research Interests

Experience

C. L. 'Kelly' Johnson Professor

2008-01-01 — 2025-01-01

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Professor of Aeronautics focusing on various aspects of fluid mechanics, combustion, and high-speed flow.

Dean

2009-01-01 — 2015-01-01

Graduate Studies, California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Oversaw graduate academic affairs at the university.

Vice President

2015-01-01 — 2020-01-01

Student Affairs, California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Managed student affairs and administered university policies related to student engagement and well-being.

Requirements for California Institute of Technology

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong background in mathematics and physical sciences
Application Checklist
  • Online Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

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.