Dr. Brian Fisher’s research interests include engines, combustion, alternative fuels and the application of laser-based and optical diagnostics in thermal sciences. After completing his Ph.D. at the University of Florida in 2004, he held a National Research Council post-doctoral appointment at the U.S Naval Research Laboratory, followed by a post-doctoral appointment in the Combustion Research Facility at Sandia National Laboratory. Dr. Fisher joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering in 2011, and is a member of the Engines and Combustion Laboratory in the newly completed South Engineering Research Center (SERC). His research focuses on characterization of high-pressure fuel-injection sprays, combustion and emissions formation, with a particular emphasis on alternative fuels. Dr. Fisher is interested in using optical and laser-based diagnostics to study spray behavior and the formation of harmful emissions – namely particulate matter and nitrogen oxides – for emerging fuels in comparison to conventional transportation fuels. His research spans from fundamental combustion studies in laboratory-scale burners, to combustion vessels that simulate engine conditions, to full-scale engine testing.