Adam Bratis — Acting Deputy Laboratory Director, Science and Technology, and Chief Research Officer

He serves as the senior scientific leader for the laboratory and is responsible for developing NREL's scientific and technical strategic planning efforts. Bratis evaluates and identifies opportunities for strengthening the laboratory's core capabilities, improving the quality and impact of its research and increasing the relevance of its programs.

As acting deputy laboratory director, he collaborates with NREL's director and associate laboratory directors to create and accomplish the laboratory's strategic agenda, measures the lab's progress toward its goals and objectives, and champions the lab's scientific research to external stakeholders.

Bratis manages key relationships with leading research institutions, the Science and Technology Committee of the Alliance for Sustainable Energy Board of Directors, the Chief Research Officer's Council, and other committees within the U.S. Department of Energy. He also works with senior leadership to promote the development of NREL's talent pipelines.

Previously, Bratis managed NREL's R&D efforts in support of the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in the transportation and bioenergy space—including technical and managerial oversight in the areas of biosciences; conversion of biomass to fuels, chemicals, and materials; algal biofuels; techno-economic and life cycle analyses; and fuels testing.

Before joining NREL in 2008, he had 11 years of experience with ExxonMobil in the areas of R&D, corporate planning, and refining and supply. Bratis has extensive knowledge of both alternative and conventional fuels.

He has a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Clarion University, a doctorate in organic chemistry from the University of Delaware, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Delaware.