Michael Lang is pursuing a Mechanical Engineering Ph.D. at Purdue University. He received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering after graduating magna cum laude from the University of Portland in May 2024. Having grown up in Oregon, Michael is familiar with many of the renewable energy sources that power much of the Pacific Northwest. He has over a year of experience in the hydropower industry as a former intern for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and has worked on hydroelectric design projects for dam powerhouses across the country. Michael’s undergraduate research investigated Taylor-Couette flow and the formation of Taylor Vortices in high-viscosity fluids. His current research focuses on the design and optimization of high-temperature heat pump systems for industrial applications. Beyond the classroom and lab, Michael enjoys being outdoors, running, biking, and golfing. As a former writer and editor for his undergraduate newspaper, Michael also likes to write and read.