Christopher Womack

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Bio

Chris studies efficient computational methods for emulating climate models, focusing on bridging the gap between basic and applied research. He completed his PhD in Aerospace Computational Engineering in 2026, and received dual S.M. degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Technology and Policy in 2024. He earned his B.S. from MIT in Aerospace Engineering with a focus on numerical methods for partial differential equations. Chris is interested in improving numerical methods for climate simulations while focusing on the interface between research and policy-making, investigating how different stakeholders influence model development. Prior to joining the group, he worked with David Darmofal in the Aerospace Computational Design Laboratory (ACDL) studying the impacts of curved meshing on higher-order, adaptive finite element methods (FEM). He earned his B.S. from MIT in Aerospace Engineering with a focus in numerical methods for partial differential equations, researching the accuracy and convergence of stabilized FEM as an undergraduate research assistant in the ACDL. He is an active member of MIT’s Ballroom Dance Team and in his free time he enjoys watching movies, playing video games, and spending time outdoors.

Education & Credentials

B.S., Aerospace Engineering, MIT, 2021
S.M. Aerospace Engineering, MIT, 2024
S.M., Technology and Policy, MIT, 2024
PhD, Aerospace Computational Engineering, MIT, 2026

Recent Publications

Working Paper or Preprint

Womack, C.B., S. Bouabid, A. Sokolov, P. Salunke, G. Flierl, S.D. Eastham and N.E. Selin (2026)
arXiv, Preprint (arXiv:2606.19302 [physics.ao-ph], doi: 10.48550/arXiv.2606.19302)