Ed Whalen

Pronouns: he/him/his

Professor of Practice, Director of Master of Science in Aerospace Program

Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science

Phone
314-935-6107
Office
Jubel Hall, Room 203-L

Education

PhD, Aerospace Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, 2007
MS, Aerospace Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, 2003
BS, Aerospace Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, 2001

Research areas

Thermal-Fluids in Energy, Aerospace and Biomedicine

Expertise

Preparing students to solve impactful engineering problems using their skills and knowledge in fluid mechanics. Interested in the technology development and transition process and technology development strategy

Biography

Prior to joining the faculty at Washington University in 2025 Professor Whalenworked in research and development at the Boeing Company for 17 years. There he focused on the development of active flow control technology, including a flight demonstration on a Boeing 757 and development of the DARPA X-65 program. He also led teams of engineers working on active flow control, advanced actuator systems, and guidance, navigation, and control. His last role was in the office of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) where he led a technology strategy organization. He was named an Associate Technical Fellow at Boeing for his contributions to the advancement of active flow control technology and is an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). Professor Whalen holds 13 patents.

In his graduate studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Professor Whalen focused on experimental aerodynamics. In particular, he studied the effects of icing on aircraft aerodynamic performance and stability and control. This included both wind tunnel and flight testing. The research program supported the development of safety systems for aircraft icing as well as certification requirements for anti-icing systems and flight in icing conditions.