Brian Motil

Chief of Thermal Systems and Transport Processes Branch, NASA Glenn Research Center
  • United States of America

About Brian Motil

Dr. Brian Motil has 30 years of service at NASA and is currently the Chief of the Thermal Systems and Transport Processes Branch, which is responsible for implementing the science content for all NASA led microgravity research in the Fluid Physics and Complex Fluids disciplines. In addition to providing key input to define program content, his branch currently oversees 18 experiments operating or preparing for future operations on the ISS. He is the Principal Investigator for the “Packed Bed Reactor Experiment” (PBRE) which operated on the ISS in June 2016 to conduct the first ever fundamental studies of gas-liquid flows through fixed-bed reactors in space. He has designed experiments and conducted research in NASA’s drop towers and flown over 2400 reduced gravity aircraft parabolas. He served as co-chair for the NASA Office of Chief Technologist Thermal Management Roadmap Team and chaired the agency-wide Thermal-ECLSS Steering Committee. He received the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal in 2011, and a Distinguished Service Award from AIAA for leadership of the Microgravity and Space Processes Technical Committee in 2007. He received the Exceptional Achievement Award from GSFC Director for recovery of TDRS I Spacecraft and letter of commendation from TDRS Project Manager in 2003. He received the Cassini Recognition Award from NASA Adm., Dan Goldin, for contributions leading to successful launch. He has served as Adjunct Professor at Cleveland State University. Dr. Motil received his Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toledo and his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Cleveland State University.

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