Timothy Marler

Timothy Marler is a Senior Engineer and Professor of Policy Analysis at the RAND School of Public Policy, part of the RAND Corporation. His expertise spans Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy, Emerging Technologies, Military Technology, Biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence, and Optimization Modeling. He focuses on the intersection of technological advancements with global implications, emphasizing balanced policy approaches to mitigate risks while leveraging opportunities.

Marler holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Iowa, where he previously served as Assistant Director of the Virtual Soldier Research Lab, Co-Director of the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Lab, and Adjunct Professor in Biomedical, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering. His career includes roles at Ford Motor Company, Amana, Pacific Northwest National Lab, and Hon, reflecting diverse industry experience.

His research explores military training technologies, virtual reality/augmented reality, machine learning, and biotechnology. Notable projects include analyzing the U.S. Space Force's operational test infrastructure and advocating for global collaboration to address risks and opportunities from converging AI and gene-editing technologies. He currently serves on the Department of Commerce’s Materials and Equipment Technical Advisory Committee.

Marler emphasizes the need for proactive policy frameworks to manage technologies like brain-computer interfaces and the metaverse, ensuring their safe and beneficial integration into society. His work bridges technical innovation with strategic policy analysis to address complex challenges in defense, public health, and global competition.