Emeritus professor honored for gas turbine research

Established in 1989, this award is given to one person every other year who demonstrates a significant depth of knowledge in gas turbine technology. 

"Mark's impact continues to be felt even after his retirement," said Prashant Khare, head of the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics. "A world-renowned researcher, his work in turbomachinery design and optimization significantly elevated the department's reputation." 

Throughout his career, Turner spearheaded projects with the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Air Force, and NASA. For one project with NASA, he and a group of his undergraduate students designed a propulsor system for use in hybrid electric aircraft in a tail-mounted electric engine. 

Turner joined the University of Cincinnati in 2001, teaching courses in fluids and propulsions. For decades, he was a favorite among students, sharing his passion for the field and making complex simulations engaging. In his courses, Turner guided students through the creation of computer programs used to design engines and run simulations of what happens in the engine when air passes through it. These simulations can also test what mechanical load each component of the engine can withstand. 

In 2019, he received the University of Cincinnati Award for Faculty Excellence recognizing his commitment to teaching. 

"His legacy is reflected not only in his technical accomplishments, but also in the many individuals and programs he helped shape over the years," Khare said. "Mark is the kind of colleague every department hopes to have and the kind of person who makes an institution better by being part of it." 

As part of the ASME award, Turner will write a learned and comprehensive paper which was presented at the recent ASME Turbo Expo conference in Milan, Italy.