This page is no longer being updated and remains online for informational and historical purposes only. The information is accurate as of the last page update.
For questions about page contents, contact the Communications Division.
Justine Kosmoski ’02 (Clark, N.J.), a mechanical engineering major, is examining the behavior of two phases of fluids, specifically how water layers evaporate and flow. She is conducting a series of experiments and gathering data on the subject of liquid films as an EXCEL Scholar with Erol Ulucakli, associate professor of mechanical engineering.
“Essentially, you have a vertical pipe with water flowing evenly down it,” explains Kosmoski. “In this research, part of the pipe is heated, while the other part isn’t. When the water hits the heated part, it will evaporate. At that point, I’m trying to measure the temperature on the pipe and measure the flow levels of the water. I also have to factor in the wave properties of the pipe in order to accurately collect the data.”
“These findings have both experimental and theoretical applications,” says Ulucakli. “Two-phase flow is a common phenomenon in power generation and refrigeration, crude oil distillation, and in the pharmaceutical and food industries. By examining the behavior of liquid films, Justine is learning many skills which she can apply in industry or if she continues on to graduate school in engineering.”
Kosmoski is happy to have the opportunity to conduct hands-on research in a field she hopes to pursue as a career. She also is pleased to develop a strong mentoring relationship with her adviser.
“I enjoy preparing the equipment for the experiments,” she says. “I also like working with Professor Ulucakli. He really believes in my work.”
She adds, “Lafayette gives me knowledge to pursue a career in this field of engineering, and I’m confident that I’ll be prepared once I enter the workforce.”
A graduate of Arthur L. Johnson Clark High School, Kosmoski is a member of the volleyball club and Lafayette Activities Forum, and is a DJ for the campus radio station.
Justine Kosmoski ’02 examined the behavior of water flowing through pipes as an EXCEL Scholar assisting Erol Ulucakli, associate professor of mechanical engineering.