The van Rees Lab is a research group at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) directed by Prof. Wim M. van Rees.
We are interested in using computational methods to solve forward and inverse problems in science and engineering.
Our expertise is in developing accurate, high performance numerical methods, and using these to find optimal solutions.
We tackle problems in vortex dynamics, such as vortex-vortex interaction and helicity dynamics.
Furthermore, we investigate optimal bio-inspired swimmers: here we use evolutionary optimization techniques to optimize the gait and shape of self-propelled swimmers.
Finally, our work extends to the design of shape-shifting structures. These are structures that change their shape when subject to an environmental stimulus such as heat, light or humidity.