August 26, 2024
By Mikey Fuller

Bachir El Fil, joined the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering as an assistant professor in August. Learn about the focus of his research, why he chose a career in academia, who has had an influence on him, and more in this Q&A.
 

Welcome back to the Woodruff School! How did you make the decision to return to Georgia Tech?

Honestly, returning to Georgia Tech’s Woodruff School was a no-brainer. Where else could I dive deep into the fascinating world of thermal sciences while tackling some of the most pressing issues in energy and water? Georgia Tech is a place that offers a chance to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the field. This was enough to make me head straight back to Tech. Plus, once you have experienced the buzz of innovation and the camaraderie here, it is hard to imagine being anywhere else.

I always knew I wanted to go into academia, so when I started looking for faculty openings, I saw that Georgia Tech had an opening in the energy field. I decided to apply, so here I am, excited and ready to contribute, teach, learn, and have a little fun along the way!
 

What courses will you be teaching?

I will start teaching ME 4315: Energy Systems Analysis and Design during my first semester at Tech. I am looking forward to teaching Heat Transfer, Thermodynamics, and Fluid Mechanics too.
 

What do you enjoy about working in academia?

Mostly, I enjoy working with students and seeing them grow and develop solutions for the next generation’s challenges. Moreover, I love the mix of scientific discovery, creativity, and impact that comes with working in academia. Academia offers a great opportunity to take a deep dive into complex problems, exploring new ideas and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. For me, working on challenges related to energy and water gives me a sense of purpose, knowing that the research I am doing could lead to solutions that benefit the world on a larger scale – since both water and sustainable energy are in great demand.
 

What is the focus of your research?

My research is focused on addressing the pressing energy and water challenges our world faces today. In my group, the Energy Innovation Lab (EIL), we explore the coupled heat and mass transport processes, innovate through materials engineering, and develop high-performance systems. To push the limits even further, we also focus on creating synergetic systems that amplify the overall impact. My research spans mostly phase-change phenomena, thermal energy storage and conversion, and water purification and conservation.
 

Who are some of your career influences?

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to be influenced by many remarkable individuals. During my undergraduate and master's studies at the American University of Beirut, Professor Nesreen Ghaddar and Professor Kamel Ghali sparked my interest in energy systems. A major influence in my academic journey has been my doctoral advisor at Georgia Tech, Hightower Chair in Engineering and Professor Srinivas Garimella, whose mentorship, work ethic, creativity, and rigor have significantly shaped my research philosophy.

At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, I had the privilege of working with Professor Evelyn N. Wang during my postdoc before her appointment as the director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). Her mentorship, vision, and relentless energy have been a constant source of inspiration. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with our own Professor Emeritus G. Paul Neitzel and Professor and Robert "Bud" Moeller Faculty Fellow Krista Walton (School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering), both of whom have reinforced my appreciation for being part of the Georgia Tech community.

Lastly, I am deeply grateful to my parents and sisters, whose support and encouragement have been instrumental in guiding me along this career path.
 

What achievements are you most proud of in your career?

In my career, one achievement that really stands out is working on projects with the potential to make a significant impact on the world. I am particularly proud of developing innovative and pioneering technologies in the areas of energy and water that can help push the limits. It is incredibly rewarding to see these ideas evolve from theoretical equations in our undergraduate or graduate textbooks into practical applications that could have a real-world effect.

Another highlight for me has been the chance to mentor and collaborate with students and researchers. Watching them grow, develop their own ideas, and reach their goals has been a source of great pride. Contributing to their academic and professional journeys is something I truly value.
 

What breakthroughs would you like to see in your field of research over the next decade?

I believe the field of energy-water will keep evolving as the challenges we face continue to change. In the next decade, I expect to see a merging of synergetic systems that push the boundaries of conventional thermodynamic limits. The big question for me is: "How far can we push these limits with all the advancements in materials, manufacturing, and system design?"

Innovations at the material level, paired with thoughtful system design and integration, will be crucial in paving the way for these breakthrough systems. Georgia Tech has always been at the cutting edge of this kind of research.

I am also hopeful that we will see more interdisciplinary collaborations, where experts from different fields come together to tackle these challenges from various angles. It is through this kind of teamwork that we can bridge gaps and create truly impactful solutions.
 

What is the biggest challenge of being a new professor on campus?

I believe one of the biggest challenges of being a new professor is striking the right balance between all the various responsibilities. There is the excitement of starting new research projects, along with the demands of teaching, mentoring students, and writing grants. However, the mechanical engineering faculty and staff at Tech have been incredibly supportive and helpful in addressing my questions and setting up my lab space.
 

What are you most excited about while returning to Tech?

Georgia Tech has always felt like a home away from home, so I am thrilled to return to this ever-buzzing community. Even though I left in 2021, it is amazing to see how much has changed in just three years. I am particularly excited about the renovated Tech Way space in the NARA complex—it is where I spent a lot of my time during my graduate studies. However, now it will be where my students will sit. The new exhibition hall and student center are also fantastic additions to the campus.  
 

What do you enjoy doing for fun?

I really enjoy swimming, and you will find me at the CRC doing a few laps at least twice a week. I am also a big fan of hiking, and with so many great trails in North Georgia, I am excited to explore them.