Obituary: Ravi Samtaney (1964-2022), Professor of Mechanical Engineering, and Dean of the Physical Science and Engineering Division (2018-2022), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). 

Professor Samtaney was a leader of great resolve combined with a limitless love for people, passion for science and unwavering integrity. Despite his past health condition, he continued to offer his work and dedication to the University and its students and inspired us all with his enormous dignity and sense of humor.

Born in 1964 in India,  Ravi began his scientific career as an experimentalist but switched to computational work after obtaining a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He obtained his Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Rutgers University, U.S., in 1993. Following his Ph.D., Ravi worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), U.S., in applied mathematics and aeronautics. 

A highly respected academic—whose work experience included several years at Caltech as a research faculty in applied mathematics and as a scientist at NASA’s Ames Research Center—Professor Samtaney conducted research at the intersection of applied mathematics, physics and engineering to investigate the fundamental processes of fluid mechanics and plasmas using numerical methods and large-scale computing. 

Among his numerous academic achievements was the development of a simulation code with his colleagues at Caltech that accurately reproduces experimentally observed turbulence fields for high-speed applications. The code overcame one of the major roadblocks preventing the expansion of the present predictive capability for engineering fluid dynamics simulation. 

His most recent research work with KAUST CEMSE faculty member Professor Matteo Parsani focused on designing the first simulation technology for environmentally clean air transportation. This technology has demonstrated success five years ahead of two milestones in NASA’s 2030 roadmap.  

As a professor of mechanical engineering at KAUST, he was exceptionally popular among his students, who saw in him a beacon of scientific research and humanity. He nurtured and helped pave the career paths for hundreds of young scholars now pursuing leading scientific careers worldwide.

As PSE Dean, he identified strongly with KAUST’s core mission. He contributed to shaping a new generation of Saudi researchers and academics, promoting interdisciplinary discussion, and ensuring women’s access to science.

His leadership has been fundamental in guiding the PSE Division through challenging times, notably the University’s pioneering first decade and, recently, the Coronavirus pandemic.

Ravi’s memory will live on in the hearts and minds of his many friends and colleagues and the generation of students he inspired with his enthusiasm and incredibly bright mind.

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