Chukwudum Eluchie dove head first into hydrology after spending many years of his education in aeronautics and astronautics. Eluchie joined IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering (IIHR) in January 2024 as a postdoctoral researcher supporting two different labs — the Wang Research Group helping to understand turbulent wake flows behind naval ships to improve safety and energy efficiency, and the  Williams Erosion and Sediment Transport  Laboratory (WEST) researching scour and erosion on bridge piers to enhance infrastructure resilience. 

“I’ve always been interested in the experimental side of things,” said Eluchie. “Finding the problem and working through different methods to find a solution is what I enjoy." 

Originally from Nigeria, Eluchie’s academic journey began in the United Kingdom, where he earned his undergraduate degree in aeronautics and astronautics engineering at the University of Southampton. He continued his studies in the United States, completing a master’s in material design and innovation at the University of Buffalo in New York, followed by a PhD in aerospace engineering at Iowa State University.

He was introduced to IIHR in 2023, when Cong Wang, assistant professor in mechanical engineering at Iowa, visited Iowa State and gave a presentation on turbulent flow control and drag reduction. The discussion between the two that followed sparked a connection that would eventually lead Eluchie to Wang’s lab, and IIHR. 

Eluchie conducts fluid dynamics experiments using techniques like Particle Image Velocimetry. These experiments allow the research group to visualize the velocity fields in the fluid using tracer dyes that illustrate how the fluid moves dynamically around obstacles in the water. The tracer dye creates iridescent tendrils that curl through the water, charting its true flow path and velocity in a way undetectable to the human eye. 

Their lab begins experiments in a small fish tank-like container, creating miniature 3D printed structures. Once the details of the experiment are fleshed out, the work is scaled up to one of IIHR’s large research flumes. Wang’s lab uses state-of-the-art 3D digital modeling software capable of more realistic and in-depth simulations versus the 2D models that Eluchie had used prior, which are more limited in their ability to get precise simulations and results.  

“It’s been an interesting change of pace for me to change my research mediums from air to water,” said Eluchie. “The principles stay the same, though. It’s not too hard to go from air to water — the main factor is a change in density between the two.” 

Working with Priscilla Williams, assistant professor in civil and environmental engineering, in the WEST laboratory, Eluchie and a small team investigate nature-based solutions that may increase the longevity of bridges by mitigating scour on their piers. Scouring happens when flowing water erodes the sediment deposited around bridge piers, which long term, can compromise structural integrity. 

The WEST lab explores low-cost, nature-based solutions like planting aquatic vegetation around these piers to slow down the process of erosion and extend the lifespan of the bridge. While some team members are out in the field collecting data, Eluchie conducts experiments in the lab’s flume to test their approaches. 

Beyond the research, Eluchie has found the culture of IIHR to be uniquely collaborative and warm.  

“Here, I have the ability to go to professors to help me answer my questions or needs, and they give me a lot of time to talk through any issues or problems I’m having in my research,” said Eluchie. “You don’t find that everywhere.” 

He also looks forward to the end-of-term get-togethers.  

“There’s always some type of fun activity planned, and it’s great to meet with colleagues and professors,” said Eluchie. “It’s nice to get to meet new people and see everyone outside of work.” 

Although Eluchie hasn’t settled on exactly what he wants to do next, he knows he finds himself happiest doing research. For now, he’s grateful to have found a space where he can actively explore that curiosity, while fueling his passion for knowledge and discovery.