Melvin Stern

Melvin Ernest Stern (January 22, 1929 – February 2, 2010) was a U.S. academic oceanographer who focused on fluid dynamics.

Dr. Stern was the first researcher in the world to mathematically describe salt fingering, a phenomenon produced by Double diffusive convection.

He began his career at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution as a research assistant in Physics from 1951- 1952.

A pioneer in his field, Melvin was one of the founders of the WHOI Geophysical Fluid Dynamics (GFD) program, which he continued to attend through 2004.

He returned for the program's 50th year celebration in 2008 and then again in 2009 to deliver a lecture at a special dinner for Lou Howard.