Professor Deanna Lacoste joined KAUST in 2014 in the Mechanical EngineeringProgram within the Physical Science and Engineering Division. She is passionate aboutbringing combustion into the circular carbon economy through applied research. Herresearch explores the intersections of plasma and combustion as well as strategies toenhance the efficiency of combustion-based technologies via non-thermal plasma. Herwork is published in distinguished science journals such as the Journal of Physics D:Applied Physics, the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, and Applications inEnergy and Combustion Science. Lacoste is actively involved in promoting scienceenrichment and Women in STEM in KAUST as well as broader communities across theKingdom and through her professional network.​

Prof. Lacoste’s research focuses on plasma physics, flame dynamics and plasma-assisted combustion. Her primary interest is the use of non-equilibrium plasma discharges at atmospheric pressure to control thermo-acoustic instabilities. Lacoste aims to perfect the synthesis of plasma-generated electrical discharges and controlled explosions inside detonation engines for improved performance, and the expanded use of plasma actuators in modern combustion technology. Through the use of optical diagnostics, Lacoste discovered that non-thermal plasmas are extremely efficient for combustion enhancement within high-pressure environments, and could be instrumental toward making combustion technologies viable within a circular carbon economy. ​