United States District Court for the Southern District of New York thanks Löhner for COVID-19 guidance

Rainald Löhner, the director of Mason’s Center for Computational Fluid Dynamics, is an expert in the dispersion of contaminants and focused heavily on ways air flow affects the spread of COVID-19 at the peak of the pandemic. In 2021, he influenced the way courtrooms set up their spaces when returning to in-person legal proceedings. Recently Lohner received a letter from the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, thanking him for his service. The letter reads:

Dear Dr. Löhner, 

Three years ago, our world was flipped upside down with the arrival of COVID-19 in the United States. It was an unprecedented time for our country and for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. 

Your expertise in fluid dynamics helped us better understand COVID-19 and how to control its transmission. Thanks to you, we were able to keep transmission of COVID-19 at the courthouse in the District to a bare minimum. Through the wisdom you shared based on your years of study and experience, we were able to collaborate with you in designing policies and modifications that enabled us to continue carrying out the business of this Court. And, once this Court reopened its doors to the public, they have not closed. COVID-19 stopped much of the world in its tracks, but you helped us keep the wheels of justice turning. 

No one asked for this pandemic to descend on our lives and our world, but nevertheless it did. Through that trying time we were reminded of the beauty of the human spirit, and that through collaboration we can accomplish great things. Dr. Lohner, you answered the call to help this Court carry out its Constitutional duties. For that, we are personally very grateful. 

On behalf of the Judges and staff of the Southern District of New York, we convey our Court's sincere gratitude for your wise guidance through uncertain times. 

Warm Regards, 

Laura Taylor Swain, Chief Judge
Edward A. Friedland, District Court Executive