Senior Advanced Application Engineer, 3M Company, United States
Clara Mata is a distinguished Senior Specialist Application Engineer with over 25 years of experience in applied research and development, primarily at the forefront of energy-related technologies. Her multifaceted career spans critical sectors such as oil and gas, mining, and, more recently, the rapidly evolving field of liquid hydrogen energy. With a robust foundation in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and solids mechanics, Clara has consistently driven innovation by combining experimental techniques with advanced modeling. Her work is marked by a strong customer-oriented approach and interdisciplinary collaboration, making her a pivotal figure in transforming engineering solutions into commercially viable technologies at 3M. She is also a prolific contributor to patents and peer-reviewed publications, showcasing her commitment to advancing science through practical application.
Professional Profile
🎓 Education
Clara Mata holds a Ph.D. in Fluid Mechanics from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities (1994–1998), where she developed a strong foundation in transport phenomena and experimental fluid mechanics. She began her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Universidad Simón Bolívar in Caracas, Venezuela (1984–1990). This rigorous education provided the technical depth and analytical rigor that continue to define her engineering work today.
🛠️ Professional Experience
Clara began her professional career as a Senior Research Scientist at PDVSA-Intevep in Venezuela, where she led experimental modeling of particle transport, gas-liquid flow in pipelines, and the rheological characterization of complex fluids like Orimulsion®. She collaborated with CNRS on micellar solutions and surfactant mixing processes. Transitioning to the U.S., she served as a Postdoctoral Associate at the University of Minnesota from 2006 to 2008, focusing on diffusion-based extraction in microfluidic systems and teaching mechanics courses. She then joined 3M as a Research Scientist (2008–2009), leading fluid flow experiments in oil and gas applications. Since 2010, Clara has served as a Senior Advanced Application Engineer at 3M, where she has made groundbreaking contributions to cryogenic storage technologies, lightweight cements, and energy sector innovations.
🔬 Research Interests
Clara’s research centers on fluid dynamics, thermal conductivity, multiphase flows, cryogenic insulation, and the mechanical behavior of engineered materials under extreme conditions. Her recent focus on the thermal behavior of insulation materials in liquid hydrogen storage has contributed to safer and more efficient energy solutions. Clara is particularly interested in translating fundamental physics into scalable, field-ready applications in energy and sustainability.
📚 Publications Top Notes
Title: Validating Effective Thermal Conductivity of Glass Microspheres in Cryogenic Storage Insulation via Finite Element Analysis
Author: Clara Mata
Published in: CEC/ICMC, 2025
Summary: Finite element analysis confirms glass microspheres’ thermal performance, aiding material selection for efficient cryogenic hydrogen tank insulation systems.
Title: Study of the Evacuation of Gas in Bulk-Fill Insulation Materials Used in Large-Scale LH₂ Storage Tanks
Author: Clara Mata
Published in: Journal Volume 97, pp. 1498–1506, 2025
Summary: Investigates gas evacuation behavior in cryogenic insulation, enhancing thermal performance in large-scale liquid hydrogen storage tanks.
Title: Survival of Hollow Glass Microspheres in Drilling Fluids Applications – Effect of the Drill Bit/Formation Contact
Author: Clara Mata
Published in: Journal of Petroleum Science & Engineering, Vol. 189, 106966, 2020
Summary: Assesses microsphere durability during drilling, optimizing materials to improve performance in aggressive subsurface environments.
Title: Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Lightweight Cement Testing Under Triaxial Loading Conditions
Author: Clara Mata
Published in: Journal of Petroleum Science and Technology, Vol. 174, pp. 663–675, 2019
Summary: Explores how carbon nanotubes enhance lightweight cement strength, promoting safer operations in downhole high-stress environments.
Title: Drilling Fluid Density and Hydraulic Drag Reduction with Glass Bubble Additive
Author: Clara Mata
Published in: Journal of Energy Resources Technology, ASME, Vol. 139(4), 042904, 2017
Summary: Demonstrates how glass bubbles reduce fluid density and drag, improving energy efficiency in oil and gas drilling processes.
🏆 Conclusion
Clara Mata’s career exemplifies the highest standards of applied engineering research, translating scientific rigor into real-world solutions that advance energy technologies and industrial innovation. Her ability to span multiple disciplines, from cryogenics to drilling fluids, and her consistent output of impactful patents and publications underscore her unique contributions to science and industry. Through leadership, deep technical knowledge, and a commitment to collaboration, Clara has earned her place as a frontrunner for the Best Academic Researcher Award. Her work not only addresses present-day challenges but also lays a foundation for future advancements in sustainable and efficient energy systems.