George H. Junkhan received a B.S. (1955) in mechanical engineering, an M.S. (1959) in mechanical engineering, and a Ph.D. (1964) in theoretical and applied mechanics and mechanical engineering from Iowa State University. Junkhan was hired as an Assistant Professor (1959-1966) in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Iowa State where he worked until his retirement. He was promoted to Associate Professor (1966-1978) and Professor (1978-1994) and upon his retirement was named Professor Emeritus (1994). Junkhan twice was granted faculty improvement leaves to serve as a Visiting Professor (1971-1972, 1989-1990) at the von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics in Brussels, Belgium.



Junkhan devoted most of his research efforts to the study of heat transfer and fluid mechanics. He authored or coauthored dozens of articles regarding the topics and also taught several undergraduate and graduate courses focusing on advanced heat transfer and fluid mechanics. He consulted for Deere and Co., Caterpillar Tractor Co., Bock Corporation, and Check-all Valve Corp.



Junkhan received several awards such as being named Professor of the Year (1980) by the Mechanical Engineering senior students and the ISU Alumni Association Award for distinguished service (1987).



As of 2011 Junkhan and his wife, Margaret, reside in Ames, Iowa.