Marc K. Smith

Marc K. Smith is a Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology, specializing in fluid mechanics and its applications. He joined Georgia Tech in 1991 as an Associate Professor after serving as an Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University. His research focuses on hydrodynamic stability, thermocapillary flows, and droplet dynamics, with notable contributions to heat transfer technology and bioreactor fluid dynamics. Dr. Smith's work is funded by NASA and has led to patents such as the Vibration Induced Atomizers (U.S. Patent No. 6,247,525).

Education:

• Ph.D., Northwestern University, 1982
• M.S., Stanford University, 1977
• B.S., Michigan State University, 1976

Research interests include theoretical fluid mechanics, surface-tension-driven flows, and microgravity applications. His projects span heat transfer cell design for space environments, bioreactor fluid dynamics for tissue engineering, and thermocapillary droplet migration. Dr. Smith advises students like Bryan Vukasinovic and collaborates with researchers such as Ari Glezer and G. Paul Neitzel.

Scientific Awards:

• Science Applications International Corporation Best Student Paper Award (2001)
• National Science Foundation Presidential Young Investigator Award (1985–1990)

Grants and Advising: Active NASA sponsorship supports his research. He has supervised at least one advisee, Bryan Vukasinovic, and contributes to interdisciplinary teams in bioreactor and heat transfer projects.