معرفی
Brian Thomas is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Baylor University's School of Engineering and Computer Science. He has served as Faculty Steward of Teal Residential College since 2016 and held various academic roles since 2000, including Assistant Chair (2012–2016) and curriculum leader for undergraduate engineering programs.
Education:
- Master of Arts in Theology, Ecology, and Food Justice (in progress), Baylor University, Truett Seminary (17 of 45 hours completed)
- Master of Electrical Engineering, University of Houston, 1992 (Electromagnetics focus)
- Bachelor of Science in Physics, Stephen F. Austin State University, 1989 (Mathematics minor)
Brian's research and teaching focus on humanitarian engineering, renewable energy systems, and service learning. His work emphasizes sustainable, appropriate technology solutions for underserved communities, particularly in developing countries. He integrates faith and engineering ethics into his pedagogy and student mentorship.
His publications reflect a consistent trend in off-grid energy solutions—especially solar and micro-hydro systems—for Haiti, Honduras, Kenya, and Iraq. These works highlight community empowerment, maintenance sustainability, and student-led design, aligning with his leadership in international service-learning trips.
Scientific Awards and Recognitions:
- Outstanding Physics Graduate, 1989
- Pi Mu Epsilon Honor Society
- Baylor Fellow, 2013–2014
- Richard Couey Award, 2014
- Outstanding Faculty Partner Award, 2013
- Faculty Advisor of the Year (twice)
- Outstanding Professor among Non-Tenure Track Faculty, 2006–2007
Brian has extensively mentored students through Engineers with a Mission, advising award-winning teams and leading over a decade of international humanitarian trips. He has secured experiential learning grants enabling student projects in Haiti, Honduras, Uganda, and Kenya. As Assistant Chair, he managed curriculum development, transfer evaluations, and course creation, significantly shaping the ECE undergraduate experience.
He co-founded and leads Justice and Mercy Energy Services, a 501(c)(3) that installs and maintains solar systems in northern Haiti with local employment and sustainability at its core. This initiative embodies his mission of engineering for social justice and long-term community development.
