Nahom M. Beyene

Senior Engineer; Professor of Policy Analysis, Pardee RAND Graduate School

Off Site Office

Education

Ph.D. in rehabilitation sciences, University of Pittsburgh; M.S.Eng. in biomechanical engineering, Stanford University; B.S. in mechanical engineering, University of Texas at Austin

One Page Bio

Media Resources

This researcher is available for interviews.

To arrange an interview, contact the RAND Office of Media Relations at (310) 451-6913, or email media@rand.org.

More Experts

Overview

Nahom Beyene is a senior research engineer at RAND and a professor of policy analysis at the Pardee RAND Graduate School. He provides technical project leadership and systems research expertise on topics spanning transportation, process automation, information assurance, data stewardship, and human interfaces to emerging technologies. Beyene contributes to projects and methodologies involving tech-enabled human performance, user-centered design, capabilities & requirements generation for acquisition programs, smart technology integration into organizational workflows, and design thinking to evaluate policy implications.

Prior to joining RAND, Beyene worked at the NASA Johnson Space Center on the team that developed the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device for the International Space Station. He then attended the University of Pittsburgh doctoral program in rehabilitation science to research driver rehabilitation services for people with disabilities and other medical impairments. His doctoral work has been recognized and awarded by PHD Comics, the Everyday Health Awards for Innovation at CES2014, and the Cameron Rian Hays Outside the Box Competition for Transportation Innovation. Beyene enjoys contributing to community enrichment efforts and sharing perspectives on equity and inclusion and is a lifetime member of the National Society of Black Engineers. He holds a Ph.D. in rehabilitation sciences from the University of Pittsburgh.

Research Focus

Concurrent Non-RAND Positions

Founder; Navity, Inc.

Recent Projects

FEMA COVID-19 Public Assistance Review
Weapon System Design Loop Analysis
Mission and Design Requirements for Squad Multipurpose Equipment Transport
AI for Elder Care in the Home
Pilot Design of Assessment & Authorization Integration Process: Using Human Centered Design Methods to Improve Customer Experiences

Honors & Awards

2018 Medal Award - Key Contributor, RAND Corporation
2021 Gold Medal, RAND Corporation

Languages

Amharic

Publications

Report
Improving the Technical Requirements Development Process for Weapon Systems: A Systems-Based Approach for Managers
Oversights during development of technical requirements for new weapon systems can result in cost or schedule overruns or unsuitable operational performance. This report describes a systems-based approach to help improve this process.
Nov 3, 2022
Report
Assessing the Potential for Racial Bias in the Security Clearance Process
In this exploratory report, the authors consider the security clearance process through the lens of racial justice. They identify areas where bias might contribute to the underrepresentation of Black Americans in the national security workforce.
Aug 15, 2022
Report
How to Analyze the Cyber Threat from Drones: Background, Analysis Frameworks, and Analysis Tools
The authors explore approaches for understanding, inventorying, and modeling cybersecurity implications of unmanned aerial systems (drones), and examine the threats and trends around them -- specifically, current vulnerabilities and future trends.
Mar 5, 2020
Report
Automating Army Convoys: Technical and Tactical Risks and Opportunities
How should the U.S. Army develop and integrate automated driving technology for its convoy operations in the next one to five years? The authors examine the technical and tactical benefits and risks of employment concepts for automated trucks.
Feb 5, 2020
Research Brief
Hacked Autonomous Vehicles: Who May Be Liable for Damages? An Initial Investigation into How Civil Liability Systems Can Prepare
Existing civil liability law is flexible enough to address most hacked autonomous vehicle claims. Manufacturers and operators will need to stay abreast of attacks and take precautions to avoid similar attacks and reduce liability exposure.
Jul 12, 2019
Report
When Autonomous Vehicles Are Hacked, Who Is Liable?
The arrival of autonomous vehicles (AVs) on the roads will require policymakers, industry, and the public to adapt to the risk of hackers attacking these vehicles. RAND researchers explored the civil liability issues related to hacked AVs.
Jul 12, 2019
Report
Core Competencies for Amputation Rehabilitation
The authors identify core competencies and behaviors in nine provider disciplines that participate in amputation rehabilitation and offer recommendations on how to implement them in the military health setting.
Jun 3, 2019
Report
Evaluating an Operator Physical Fitness Test Prototype for Tactical Air Control Party and Air Liaison Officers: A Preliminary Analysis of Test Implementation
This report provides a preliminary evaluation effort of the implementation of the physical tests and standards being adopted by the U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party and Air Liaison Officer career fields.
Jul 11, 2018