Derrick Roseman
Email: dr0299@princeton.edu
Education
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Minors in Math and Physics
Duke University, 2024
Biography
Derrick was born and raised in Miami, Florida, where he spent most of his time by the ocean. He went to MAST (Maritime and Science Technology) Academy for high school and competed in VEX Robotics during his time there. Derrick then went to Duke University where he received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering while also minoring in both Math and Physics. At Duke, Derrick spent most of his years researching fluid mechanics. This includes research on nasal deformities and their impact on nasal airflow patterns as well as mathematical models of fluid flows such as cellular flow. His most recent research experience was with the Aeroelasticity Group where he studied the effects of airfoil thickness and camber on transonic buffet.
Derrick is now a member of the BAM Lab at Princeton University where he is pursuing a PhD in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Derrick’s background with the ocean, robotics, and aerodynamics culminates with his current research involving a flying fish robotic model organism.
Outside of research, Derrick enjoys basketball, tennis, rock climbing, ninja warrior training, kickboxing, piano, and cliff jumping.
Research
Derrick’s research focuses on flying fish (Exocoetidae) and their unique ability to perform combined aerial–aquatic “taxi” locomotion. Because of their high speeds and long travel distances, studying these fish in vivo presents significant challenges. To address this, Derrick is developing a robotic model organism (RMO) that emulates flying fish behavior, allowing for controlled, systematic investigation. His work explores how the fish’s key locomotor structures—the pectoral and caudal fins—interact with environmental forces such as wind and waves. In particular, he aims to understand how ground effect aerodynamics and aeroelastic structures contribute to taxiing stability. Ultimately, this research supports the development of biologically inspired unmanned aerial–aquatic vehicles.