Dr. Dan Daniel is an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at KAUST, recognized for his pioneering work in droplet dynamics on lubricated surfaces. He is the principle investigator of the Droplet Lab, a research group primarily focused on the physics of droplets, wetting and adhesion, and soft condensed matter. From classroom lectures to lab research, Daniel conveys a vision for discovering the transformative potential of droplet physics to address emerging and critical global challenges in areas ranging from public health to advanced manufacturing and more. A graduate of Harvard University, USA, Daniel earned his doctorate in the field of applied physics in 2017. He spent two years with the Institute of Materials Science Research, Singapore, as a group leader before formally joining KAUST in 2022. In addition to his teaching and research, Professor Daniel sits on the council of the International Association of Colloid and Interface Scientists. He is also a science photographer, and fluent in English, Mandarin Chinese, French and Indonesian. ​

Dr. Daniel’s research pertains to the physics of droplets, and how they can address emerging and critical challenges across three interconnected themes: a sustainable future, a healthy future and advanced manufacturing for the future. Research topics include atmospheric water harvesting, innovative anti-fouling coatings for endoscopes, and spontaneous electrospray-in-a-drop technology to enable precise micro- and nanoscale fabrication with minimal environmental impact. Many of Daniel’s research contributions have received international recognition such as the RSC Soft Matter Emerging Investigator Award 2024 and APS Milton van Dyke Award 2024 (1st prize).​