The Development of Low-Order Models for the Study of Fluid-Structure Interactions

First and foremost, I would like to thank my advisor, Professor Anthony Leonard. He is a beacon of kindness, has always been very supportive through all my endeavors, and genuinely cares for my overall wellbeing. I can say without any doubt that his guidance and encouragement helped me through many difficult times during my life. For that I am immensely indebted to him. It has been an honor to be his student and a part of him will forever be instilled in me. I would also like to express gratitude to my thesis committee members, Professors Beverley McKeon, Tim Colonius, and Dale Pullin. I have had the pleasure to take courses from each one of them and all have had an important part in my academic development. I also want to thank several Professors associated with Caltech. Professor John Dabiri has been inspiring and has taken the time to play on the Aero basketball team together with me among other things. Professors Hans Hornung and Joe Shepherd have always been very interactive with the members of our lab, constantly checking in to see how we are doing. In particular, I have had the privilege to play tennis with a great tennis player in Professor Hornung, who consistently outdueled me. Undoubtedly, he would have been a great tennis player if someone had not convince