GE Global Research

What is your title?

Chief Scientist

What is your expertise?

Variety of things, based out of Physics

How long have you been at GE?

35 years. 1974-present.

Where did you receive your education?

B.S., Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1970; M.S., Ph.D., Physics, University of Illinois, 1971, 1974.

What are you working on now?

Many things.

Any awards, medals, patents, or special recognitions?

Honorary Societies: Phi Eta Sigma (Freshman 1967); Sigma Pi Sigma (Physics 1969); Pi Mu Epsilon (Math 1969); Tau Beta Pi (Engineering 1969); Phi Kappa Phi (General 1969); Sigma Xi (Professional 1974).

Coolidge Fellowship (2008), GE highest award for achievement in R&D.

Also, 57 publications and 11 patents.

Biography?

Dr. Bray, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, attended Georgia Institute of Technology and was graduated with a B.S. degree in physics in 1970. He received an M.S. in physics from the University of Illinois in 1971 and a Ph.D. in physics in 1974. While at Illinois, he worked under Professor John Bardeen on unusual mechanisms for superconductivity. He joined General Electric Global Research after graduation in September, 1974. Until June 1979, he worked as a theoretical condensed matter physicist in support of several programs. Since June 1979, he has held several technical management positions supervising R&D on various physical science topics, biotechnology, electronic materials processing (e.g., molecular beam epitaxy, chemical vapor deposition), electronic devices, electronic packaging, and high-temperature superconductivity. In 1996, he began work in the new GE Six-Sigma quality thrust and eventually acted as manager of the Measurements Systems Program, containing the bulk of the NDE projects. In 1998, he became manager of the new Optical Measurements and Processing Lab, focused on applied optics projects of many types. In 2001, he became Program Manager of the Superconducting Generator Program. He presently is a Chief Scientist within Power Conversion Systems.

Where did you grow up?

Atlanta, GA

Who is a technologist (past or present) that you most admire?

John Bardeen

What is your favorite Web site?

Google

What do you think is the most impressive (recent or historical) technology breakthrough?

Quantum theory.

What invention of the future will change the world/way we live?

Something we can’t guess now.

What is your hobby?

Biking, hiking, ballroom dancing.

What type of music do you listen to while you are working?

Can’t listen to music and work intensely.