Thomas Benson

About Thomas Benson

Senior Research Associate and Analyst with 9 years of experience in technical writing, socio-technical assessments, critical energy infrastructure, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and qualitative methodology. I also lead responsible AI development and evaluation by improving AI tools and functionality to align with best practices. What I’m known for: Delivered numerous analytical reports for DOS, and DOE programs, including NE, NNSA, HUD, OP, OE, CMEI, and CESER. Co-authored a paper on responsible AI, AI risks and biases in public comment data, primarily related to environmental assessments for permitting energy projects and identified solutions informed by survey data. Led data validation and evaluation efforts for an AI tool with a focus on reviewing different version outputs for accuracy, model outputs with original correspondence data, LLM-as-a-judge outputs, and LLM-identified duplicates. Executed a survey of subject matter experts to acquire feedback on an AI tool and communicated this feedback to AI engineers to improve the tool to ensure it met expectations; also, pending scientific publication on this topic. Developed PNNL’s AI and Buildings Strategy by assessing data in industry, national labs, and academia, and identified funding opportunities to accelerate AI deployment in buildings. Developed 16 reports with best practices to foster community acceptance of energy systems and diminish soft costs by conducting focus groups, interviews, and surveys. Supported 10 Risk Mitigation Cohort sessions for state energy officials to enhance energy security and resilience. Achieved 30 awards, grants, and fellowships in academic excellence and advancing sustainable development and energy security since 2020. Shared research findings and policy recommendations at 22 conferences since 2020.Before PNNL, I was a Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) Finalist, and a Princeton Dissertation Scholar during my MA and PhD in Political Science and International Relations, where I developed expertise in energy and environmental policy and research methods. I also completed an EDF Fellowship and Oxford University Fellowship.I enjoy helping governments and businesses use data to create positive impacts that result in measurable improvements and establish enduring successes beyond initial deployment of a product or services. Feel free to connect via LinkedIn.All views expressed on LinkedIn are my own.

Experience

1. Adjunct Fellow

   The American Security Project

   Aug 2022 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   The American Security Project (ASP) is a nonpartisan organization created to educate the American public and the world about the changing nature of national security in the 21st Century. I am responsible for independently and collaboratively producing public-facing content relating to energy security. Identified opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the resilience of US military bases by conducting an assessment of the risks to 5 military installations from extreme weather-related disasters, water and food insecurity, sea-level rise, coastal degradation, public health emergencies, and climate-related migration, and reviewing congressional and military climate strategy documentation.

Education

• St John Fisher & St Aidans Associated Sixth Form

  AS & A-Levels

  2011 — 2013

• St John Fisher Catholic High School in Harrogate

  GCSEs

• University of Delaware

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Political Science and International Relations

• University of Delaware

  Master of Arts - MA, Political Science & International Relations

  2017 — 2019

• University of Leeds

  Bachelor of Laws (LLB / BA-equivalent), LLB Law

  2013 — 2016

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Supportive
• Networking
• Flexibility
• Reliable
• Enthusiastic
• Problem Solving
• Communication
• Diligent
• Articulate
• Commercial Awareness
• Sensitive
• Westlaw
• Presentable
• Determined
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office
• Committed
• Computing
• Negotiation
• Integrity
• Microsoft Word
• Legal Writing
• Initiative
• Public Speaking
• Creative
• Independent Thinking
• Numeracy
• Social Media
• Teamwork
• Legal Assistance
• Professional Cleaning
• Legal Research
• English
• Meticulous
• Competent
• Team Organisation
• Time Management
• Critical Analysis