He taught first at the Royal College of Science for Ireland (in Dublin) from 1884 to 1888, and from then on at University College, Dundee. McCowan was a pioneer in the study of the fluid mechanics and physics behind surfing, and his papers on wave theory are still being cited over a century later. His career was cut short due to heart issues, and he died at age 37.
McCowan began teaching at the Royal College of Science in Dublin from 1884 to 1888, followed by University College, Dundee. He was a pioneer in the study of surfing's underlying physics and wave theory, with his work still cited over a century later. His career was cut short due to heart problems, and he died at age 37.