Remembering and Honoring Marshall Brain

Marshall Brain was a professor, director of the Engineering Entrepreneurs Program, entrepreneur and friend. Brain began his teaching career in NC State’s Computer Science Department, teaching from 1986 to 1992. His passion for education led him to create Emphasis on Teaching, a grassroots newsletter aimed at enhancing the learning experience for students. His dedication earned him a place in NC State’s prestigious Academy of Outstanding Teachers.

HowStuffWorks.com started as a hobby for Brain in 1998 but turned into a booming platform that Discovery Communications later acquired. Beyond this, he expanded his influence through writing and television. He authored several notable books, including The Engineering Book, The Teenager’s Guide to the Real World and The Doomsday Book: The Science Behind Humanity’s Greatest Threats. Among his favorites was Manna: Two Visions of Humanity’s Future, a thought-provoking science fiction story.

In 2012, Brain returned to NC State as the Director of the Engineering Entrepreneurs Program (EEP). The program’s mission is to inspire, empower and challenge its students to change the world by solving an engineering problem with an entrepreneurial approach. In addition to leading the EEP, Brain was an integral part of the NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship team, from helping launch our university-wide student incubator to providing bold ideas for growth and strategy. He was freely giving of his time, always willing to jump in and help mentor student teams and collaborate on projects and strategic planning. His big thinking and joyous laugh are missed dearly in the group.

From stories shared over the past several weeks, Brain is remembered by the NC State community and broader entrepreneurship community for his curiosity and ability to explain complex topics clearly to all audiences. Many shared that he made them feel seen and encouraged their ideas.

A former student, Jay Coady, shared about the impact Brain had on his life. He said, “I met Marshall a year or so before I took his senior design. The first thing that struck me was his demeanor. He was direct and competent. He knew the right questions to ask, and how to find the questions you didn’t know how to ask. Marshall spent a great amount of time learning not only about what I was working on but also getting to know me. He then did his best to support and guide me and the projects I am working on. Marshall made me a better person and believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. I think the most intriguing thing was learning just how many people he fostered relationships just like this with. Marshall was unique. In a way that words can’t describe. No other professor in my entire education matches his character.”

Distinguished Professor Emeritus Tom Miller, founder of the EEP program, also reflected on Brain’s impact. He shared, “The EEP was created to develop an entrepreneurial mindset in our engineering and computer science students that would help them turn their amazing ideas into new products and services that would have a positive impact. Marshall epitomized that mindset and lived that dream, which made him the perfect person to lead the program. It was as if it was his calling. For Marshall, the NC mantra of “think and do” was an understatement; he was more like “think big and do bigger.” He loved nothing more than to impart that mindset to his students and help them understand that there is nothing they couldn’t achieve if they had the passion to follow their dreams. For so many, Marshall not only had an impact but truly set a new course for their lives and careers. He certainly left the world a better place.”

The impact of Brain’s work will continue on through the NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship program.