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Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics

I am a Post-doctoral Research Associate at DAMTP in the University of Cambridge, UK, working with Prof. Eric Lauga. My research interests are modelling and simulation of the hydrodynamics of 'micro-swimmers', and biological fluid flows. I use concepts from applied mathematics and numerical analysis to solve problems involving the interaction between (low Reynolds number) hydrodynamics and biology, physical chemistry or electro-magnetism.

I am working on computational modelling of mucus flow in human sinuses. Prior to my current position, I was a Post-doctoral Researcher at LadHyX, Ecole Polytechnique, France, where I worked with Prof. Sébastien Michelin to develop the first insights on self-propulsion of chemical-reaction-driven ''active'' drops along rigid surfaces. I obtained my PhD in 2019 from Purdue University, USA, under the supervision of Prof. Arezoo Ardekani. In my PhD, I used mathematical models to show how chemotaxis (directional locomotion of bacteria along nutrient gradients) and passive hydrodynamic effects combine to aid bacterial colonization, and degradation, of nutrient sources like oil drops. I completed my B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering and M.Tech. in Thermal Science and Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, in 2014.

I also enjoy teaching fluid mechanics, and disseminating my research via thorough, pedagogical presentations.

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ORCiD

Publications

Modelling Mucus Clearance in Sinuses: Thin-Film Flow Inside a Fluid-Producing Cavity Lined with an Active Surface.
N Desai, E Lauga
– Bulletin of mathematical biology
(2024)
86,
134
Natural convection in the cytoplasm: Theoretical predictions of buoyancy-driven flows inside a cell
N Desai, W Liao, E Lauga
– PLoS ONE
(2024)
19,
e0307765
Natural convection in the cytoplasm: Theoretical predictions of buoyancy-driven flows inside a cell
N Desai, W Liao, E Lauga
(2024)
Steady state propulsion of isotropic active colloids along a wall
N Desai, S Michelin
– Physical Review Fluids
(2022)
7,
100501
Steady state propulsion of isotropic active colloids along a wall
N Desai, S Michelin
(2022)
Instability and self-propulsion of active droplets along a wall
N Desai, S Michelin
– Physical Review Fluids
(2021)
6,
114103
Instability and self-propulsion of active droplets along a wall
N Desai, S Michelin
(2021)
Biofilms at interfaces: microbial distribution in floating films.
N Desai, AM Ardekani
– Soft Matter
(2020)
16,
1731
Hydrodynamic Interaction Enhances Colonization of Sinking Nutrient Sources by Motile Microorganisms.
N Desai, VA Shaik, AM Ardekani
– Front Microbiol
(2019)
10,
289
Nutrient uptake by chemotactic bacteria in presence of rising oil drops
N Desai, S Dabiri, AM Ardekani
– International Journal of Multiphase Flow
(2018)
108,
156
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H1.04