She specializes in both fundamental and application driven studies involving interface mediated transport of mass, momentum, heat and light in micro- and nanoscale liquidic systems. Fluidic structures and films confined to very small dimensions manifest exceedingly large surface to volume ratios. They are therefore highly responsive to spatiotemporal control by surfaces and boundary forces. Extensive theoretical analysis and experimental work, augmented by advanced computer simulations spanning continuum to molecular scales, has generated in-depth understanding of the highly nonlinear response which characterizes progression of changes in shape and motion in many such systems. Current projects include hydrodynamic modeling relevant to (i) remote control of structure formation in thin films utilizing patterned electrohydrodynamic, thermocapillary and Marangoni surface forces, (ii) thermal transfer and phonon propagation across structured or layered liquid/solid interfaces for enhancing thermal coupling in high power density chip applications, and (iii) electrified flow on structured substrates for space micropropulsion applications.

Dr. Troian is recipient of several awards including a National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Initiation Award (1994), an NSF Career Award (1996), an NSF POWRE award (1999), the François N. Frenkiel Award from the American Physical Society (1999), Engineering Council Award for Excellence in Teaching from Princeton University (1999), Moore Distinguished Scholar award from the California Institute of Technology (2004 - 05) and Caltech's ASCIT Teaching Award from the Academics and Research Committee (2009). In 2005, Dr. Troian was named a Fellow of the American Physical Society in recognition of her work on interfacial instabilities and related phenomena in micro- and nanofluidic systems.