As the director of research, Ben directs CEE’s research activities. Ben leads a team of expert researchers with a wide variety of expertise in building science, energy efficiency, and decarbonization. Under Ben’s direction, the team conducts research across building sectors and technologies supporting the development of innovative technologies, conducting applied research, and providing technical support for program development, market transformation, and policy work.

Ben has more than fifteen years of experience in energy efficiency and building decarbonization. He has been a senior research and principle investigator on research projects funded by Minnesota Department of Commerce, DOE’s Building Technology Office, and several utility partners. Ben’s areas of focus include water heater performance, service water heating, and residential HVAC systems.

Ben has been with CEE since 2008. Ben has a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree in physics from St. John’s University.