Academic CV: click here

Dr Nguyen's primary research interest is in the dynamics and control of flying vehicles. His work focuses on investigating their nonlinear behaviours using advanced numerical methods, such as bifurcation analysis, numerical continuation, and reinforcement learning. Applications include controlling high-performance fighter aircraft at high angles of attack and predicting pilot-induced oscillations due to actuator rate limiting.

Since August 2024, Dr Nguyen has been leading a 3-year research fellowship on airborne wind energy systems (AWES) – an emerging technology for energy generation using tethered drones (i.e., kites). The project will investigate the flying characteristics of AWES to help new designs achieve higher efficiency and safer operation. His project is funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC) through the Postdoctoral Fellowship scheme in collaboration with the University Carlos III of Madrid (Spain) and Kitemill (Norway).

Dr Duc H. Nguyen CEng MRAeS FHEA received an MEng in 2019 and a PhD in 2021 from the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Bristol. He then held postdoctoral research and teaching roles at the Bristol Composites Institute, where he applied feedback control techniques to improve in-line inspection of composite manufacturing systems. In 2023, Dr Nguyen joined the School of Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering (CADE) as a lecturer.

On the teaching side, Dr Nguyen primarily teaches dynamics and control units at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He has co-created a short course on nonlinear flight mechanics for BAE Systems, led by Professor Mark Lowenberg at the University of Bristol. Dr Nguyen also teaches an online course in control engineering for the University of Cambridge.

Dr Nguyen is an active member of the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and the Council of European Aerospace Societies (CEAS), where he serves on various committees and panels. He also holds a private pilot license.