Past Student Fellows
Hilary Johnson
- PhD Candidate
- 2021-2022 Meswani Fellow
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
Hilary Johnson is a PhD candidate in mechanical engineering at MIT. She works with Prof. Alex Slocum in the Precision Engineering Research Group. Hilary uses machine design, machine learning, and fluid fundamentals to explore at the water-energy nexus. Her current research focuses on improving the energy efficiency and reliability of industrial scale pumping systems. Hilary was awarded the Lemelson-MIT Student Prize recognizing her work inventing an adaptive centrifugal pump. She is currently running experiments to quantify significant improvements in operational range and lifetime efficiency and is collaborating with Xylem Inc., a global water technology company, on commercialization. Hilary prioritizes mentoring and building community with the MIT Makerworkshop and The Wheelock Society at Dartmouth. When not in the machine shop, you’re likely to find Hilary in the mountains running, climbing, and skiing.
Check out Hilary’s winning research video from the 2021 J-WAFS World Water Day Video Competition: MIT Research for a Water Secure Future.
Publications
News
- Recent graduates, including a past J-WAFS fellow, reflect on MIT experience
- J-WAFS fellow Hilary Johnson featured on Pumps & Systems podcast
- J-WAFS Fellow Hilary Johnson named a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree
- J-WAFS fellow Hilary Johnson interviewed about her innovative centrifugal pump in Ground Water Canada
- J-WAFS funded doctoral student publishes research on pumping systems in Applied Energy
- Three MIT PhD Students Awarded J-WAFS Fellowships for Water Solutions For 2021-2022
- J-WAFS-funded graduate student wins prestigious national prize for student inventors
- J-WAFS student among top collegiate inventors awarded 2021 Lemelson-MIT Student Prize