In 1941, Compton, an American nuclear scientist and Nobel Prize winner, visited the Brazilian National Academy of Sciences for a symposium on the origin of cosmic rays. He was hosted by Motta’s grandparents during the visit, Motta’s mother recalled to her son. During the same visit to Rio de Janeiro, Compton also completed a diplomatic mission on behalf of the U.S. State Department to ensure Brazil’s support of the Allied forces during World War II.
Compton is known for his discovery of the Compton Effect, for which he won the Nobel Prize in 1927. Taught to all first-year nuclear engineering students, it describes how photons interact with charged particles.
Other notable scientists, such as J. Robert Oppenheimer — the director of the Manhattan Project that led to the invention of the atomic bomb — also visited Motta’s grandparents due to Moses’ position as long-time president of the academy, Motta’s mother recalled to her son.
“This award presents a wonderful story to remember my grandfather by,” Motta said. “He was throughout his life more than a scientist, having an impact much beyond his actual scientific work. It’s this legacy that I have always hoped to emulate in my own career.”
Motta has contributed to nuclear engineering education through teaching, advising and mentoring over a more than 30-year career with Penn State, according to Elia Merzari, professor of nuclear engineering at Penn State, who nominated Motta for the award.
“Arthur’s contributions to education are unparalleled, through his teaching and advising and through the publication of a textbook widely used in undergraduate and graduate courses around the world,” Merzari said. “Additionally, his foundational contributions to Penn State’s nuclear engineering program cannot be understated. I have come to admire Arthur as a scientist, nuclear engineer, teacher, leader and mentor.”
Motta has advised over 50 graduate students who have gone on to research careers in nuclear laboratories and universities in the U.S. and aboard. For his efforts in advising students, he was awarded the Penn State Engineering Alumni Society Outstanding Advising Award in 2001.
Motta’s research interests, which center on the behavior of nuclear materials in the reactor environment, have yielded over 190 publications, review articles and book chapters.
He is a fellow of ANS, and previously received the ANS Mishima Award for outstanding contributions in research and development work on nuclear fuel and materials.
Motta received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and master’s degree in nuclear engineering from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and a doctorate in nuclear engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. He has taught at Penn State since 1992.