Dimitris Assanis, PhD

Education:

• University of Michigan, Mechanical Engineering, Ph.D. 2016
• University of Michigan, Mechanical Engineering, M.S. 2012
• University of Michigan, Mechanical Engineering, B.S. 2011

 

Professional Experience:

• Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Stony Brook University, 2025 - present
• Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Stony Brook University, 2020 – 2025

 

Research Interests and History:

Dimitris Assanis is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Stony Brook University and an affiliate of the Institute for Advanced Computational Science. His research focuses on power generation and propulsion systems with an emphasis on advanced combustion modes and alternative fuels for internal combustion engines.  His latest interests have led him to assess the energy and environmental implications of connected & automated vehicles.

Overview:

Dimitris Assanis leads research on clean, high‑efficiency combustion systems and the practical decarbonization of engines and distributed power—especially using hydrogen, ammonia, and bio‑derived fuels. His work combines experiments, advanced optical/diagnostic measurements, and high‑fidelity simulation/AI to reduce emissions (NOx, soot/PM, methane slip) while maintaining reliability and performance. He has led and contributed to multi‑agency research programs and collaborates with industry and national labs on next‑generation, low‑carbon energy technologies.

 

Accomplishments:

• Patented Passively-Fueled Dual Pre-Chamber Cylinder Head Design with Automotive OEM
• Hydrogen and Ammonia Fueled Engine Combustion Laboratory Capabilities (One of Few in U.S.!)
• Demonstrated Heavy Decarbonization of SI & CI Engines Using Carbon-Free Fuels (H2 and NH3) 
• Developed a Scaled (5-50 SLPM) Engine Exhaust Sampling Testbed to Accelerate Aftertreatment R&D

 

Interests in Collaboration:

• Emerging Substitute Fuels - Especially Hydrogen
• Novel Internal Combustion Engine Architectures
• Advanced Combustion Modes
• Laser & Other Alternative Ignition Methods

• Is Lightning-Fast Plasma the Key to a Cleaner Car Engine?

• Lighting the Fires of Carbon-Free Combustion

• Engineering a New Ventilator, from Conceptual Design to Animal Testing in 10 Days

• National Grid Ventures to test pioneering hydrogen-fueled linear generator

• UMass Lowell, Stony Brook Awarded $6.3M Grant to Enhance U.S. Navy’s Energy Resilience