David Robert Williams

David Robert Williams (October 2, 1954 – June 2, 2026) was an American aerospace and mechanical engineer. He was a Professor Emeritus, Research Professor, and Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology during his 42-year career.

Early life and education The son of Robert and Sue Williams, David Robert Williams was born in Denison, Texas, in 1954, while his father was in the Air Force. He had one brother, Mark, and spent most of his childhood in Valdosta, Georgia. He built his first sailboat and a soap box derby car as a teenager.

Career

Williams' research involved "unsteady aerodynamics and active flow control for flight vehicle control".

Williams used the Fejer Unsteady Flow Wind tunnel to research "unsteady crossflow velocity traveling waves and surging flow disturbances"

Awards and honors

Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics in 2026. John W. Rowe Excellence in Teaching Award, Illinois Institute of Technology, 2018 Excellence in Teaching Award, Armour College of Engineering, 2018 Fellow of the American Physical Society, cited for contributions to the understanding of fluid flow and flow control through innovative experimentation with cylinder wakes, cavities and bodies of revolution, 2006. Illinois Institute of Technology Sigma Xi Award for Excellence in Research, 2006 Honeywell Advanced Technology Achievement Award, 2006 IITRI Fellow, 1998 Stryker Outstanding Student Organization Advisor Award, 1990 MAE Department Excellence in Teaching Award, 1988 Alexander von Humboldt Fellow, 1982 Book Award, Stevens Institute of Technology, 1976 Guggewnheim Fellowship, Princeton University, 1976