Faculty Spotlight: Umesh Korde, PhD

Umesh Korde began working in the field of wave energy in 1982. Prior to joining the Department, he was a professor of mechanical engineering at Michigan Tech University and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Korde has contributed to the fields of robotics, deformable structures, and noise-shielding. 

What are your research and teaching interests? 

I have been fascinated with ocean waves since I was a child. While much of my research has involved studying ways to extract their energy to power small and large applications, I am also actively investigating how waves interact with each other, how much energy these interactions can drive to the depths of the ocean, how we could utilize that energy at the ocean floor. Mid-ocean waves and near-shore waves are both captivating in their own ways, and my research concerns both. Wind-generated waves are a great example of ever-changing, ever-moving random oscillations, best described using statistical methods.   

I also teach a course on the environmental impacts of climate change. 

I like working on difficult problems. There is always something new to learn, there is always a need to create something new. The little moments that bring a shared sense of joy, understanding, and excitement about something in nature.

Why did you choose this field?  

I love working with the physics of these phenomena and the mathematical techniques. Working with physics-based mathematical relations that provide insight into how waves influence the many phenomena in the ocean that affect our climate is very interesting. Studying near-shore waves and how they can sometimes support ecosystems and communities and sometimes destroy them, and quantifying how rising sea levels are affecting near-shore waves are of particular interest. I like thinking of and trying ways to use natural flows in the environment, like wind blowing through trees to produce small amounts of power that could support environmental sensors. It helps that some sponsors find this work exciting too.  

What's something about your research that you're excited to share with students?  

I like working on difficult problems. There is always something new to learn, there is always a need to create something new. The little moments that bring a shared sense of joy, understanding, and excitement about something in nature. I am proud to be here, working with the students and colleagues I like and respect.  

Environmental Health and Engineering is a cross-divisional department spanning the Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Whiting School of Engineering. This hybrid department is uniquely designed to lead pioneering research and prepare the next generation of scholars and professionals to solve critical and complex environmental issues. Learn more about our  programs.