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Physics Research to Study the Movement of Objects Through Fluids
Ramin Gasimli’s [’26] research has implications for fields ranging from microfluids and biotech to underwater robotics and autonomous vehicles.
Ramin Gasimli ’26
Physics
Commonwealth Honors College
Baku, Azerbaijan
What drew you to this field of study?
From an early age, I was fascinated by how mathematics could precisely describe physical reality. I was drawn to physics for its power to unify patterns in nature, and to mathematics for providing the language that makes such unification possible. Competing in national and international Physics Olympiads deepened that fascination and taught me to approach complex problems with both intuition and rigor.
How do you conduct your research?
My main research focuses on the hydrodynamics of spherical particles—that is, studying how an object moves through fluids under different types of friction forces (drag). On the experimental side, I use a water tank, 3D-printed ramps, and a high-speed camera. On the theory side, I develop formulas and graphs that describe how Newton’s and Johann Bernoulli’s solutions to this challenge change when considering real fluids and real particles. We’ve done experiments in the lab using a glycerol–water experimental platform and rolling spherical particles. In the viscous regime, where drag force is proportional to velocity, I was able to find an analytical solution for minimum time and minimum energy loss curves. My second work studied the effect of water-like liquids (low viscosity). In this regime, we have yet to have experimental observations.
What do you see as the impact—or potential impact—of your work?
My research on the hydrodynamic brachistochrone has direct and near-term uses wherever objects, droplets, or vehicles must move through real fluids as quickly as possible—or consume as little fuel as possible—or when there's a trade-off between time and energy (fuel) consumption. In microfluidics and biotech, my approach may provide principles to design new routes that shorten time or cut pump power for droplets, cells, or particles. In underwater robotics and autonomous vehicles, our approach could yield new path-planning rules that account for viscous and inertial drag, background flows, and turning limits. In process and energy systems, our conclusions could inform gravity-assisted transport, particle separation strategies, and methods to reduce process time or operational cost.
Research transformed my education from learning known results to creating new knowledge.
Ramin Gasimli ’26
How does your faculty mentor support your research?
Professor Varghese Mathai has been a tremendous mentor. He encourages independence while providing critical feedback on experimental methods, modeling choices, mathematical structure, and clarity of presentation. His guidance has helped me build physical intuition for problems, translate abstract thoughts into testable models, and prepare my work for professional conferences and journal submission.
What do you find most exciting about your research?
The most exciting aspect for me is discovering how an elegant mathematical structure emerges from physical constraints. When an equation is derived from first principles, and it produces a curve that explains an experimental observation, it is satisfying to me and gives me the feeling of uncovering a hidden law of nature. What are you most proud of?
I’m proud of presenting my research at the American Physical Society (APS) meetings in 2024 and 2025. During these meetings, I also got to interact with the world’s leading scientists.
How has your research enhanced your overall educational experience at UMass?
Research transformed my education from learning known results to creating new knowledge. It taught me how to navigate ambiguity, structure independent inquiry, and communicate results clearly. The process connected my coursework in differential equations and continuum physics to real, open-ended scientific questions. It also showed me what kind of scientist I want to be. By presenting at APS meetings, I learned how to explain my work to people outside my particular area of specialization.
What are your plans for the future?
After graduation, I would like to pursue a Ph.D. in theoretical physics, focusing on fluid dynamics or soft matter physics areas. I’m also interested in research that has connections to the real world, such as energy savings, efficient transportation, and greener alternatives, and in tackling some of the most important problems through the lens of physics. Ultimately, I want to work as a researcher in academia. In short, this research project has turned me from a student who solves assigned textbook problems into a researcher who asks new questions and is not afraid to not know the final answer.
Why would you recommend UMass to a friend?
UMass offers exceptional opportunities for undergraduate research. The faculty are deeply supportive, and there are many resources available to students, from research grants to presentation platforms. UMass has enabled international students like me to pursue ambitious projects early in their careers, in a multicultural environment.