Bert Bras

Dr. Bert Bras is a Brook Byers Professor of Sustainability and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology. He has served as Associate Chair for Administration (since 2016) and Interim School Chair (2018). His 25-year career spans sustainable design, manufacturing, and energy systems research with industry applications in automotive, aerospace, and alternative energy sectors.

• Ph.D. in Operations Research, University of Houston (1992)
• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Twente, Netherlands (1987)

Research Focus: Sustainable Systems and Manufacturing, with emphasis on:

• Design for Recycling/Remanufacturing
• Life-Cycle Analysis
• Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE)
• Biomimetic Design
• Electric Vehicles and Energy Systems

His work has been funded by National Science Foundation, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Boeing, including the CES-featured MyEnergi Lifestyle and C-Max Solar Energi concept car projects.

• Georgia Tech Outstanding Interdisciplinary Activity Award (2007)
• Woodruff Faculty Fellow (2002-2007)
• SAE Ralph R. Teetor Educational Award (1999)
• NSF Early Career Development Award (1996-2000)
• Georgia Society of Professional Engineers Metro-Atlanta Engineer of the Year in Education (1996)

Dr. Bras leads the Sustainable Design and Manufacturing Lab (SDM), which focuses on energy-efficient manufacturing systems and mobility solutions through interdisciplinary collaboration with industry partners.