Timothy Marler

Photo of Timothy Marler
Senior Research Engineer; Professor, Pardee RAND Graduate School
Santa Monica Office

Education

Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, University of Iowa; M.S. in mechanical engineering, Penn State University; B.S. in mechanical engineering, University of Rochester

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.

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Overview

Tim Marler is a senior research engineer at the RAND corporation and a professor at the Pardee RAND Graduate School. His work revolves around modeling and simulation with a focus multi-objective optimization, human modeling and simulation, training simulators and virtual environments, VR/AR, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technology.

Over his career, Marler has worked on projects involving technology assessment, forecasting, and deployment; algorithm analysis and development; training simulators; human systems integration; system integration software for electromechanical systems; and computational models for equipment distribution, injury prevention, human performance prediction, and motion capture analysis.  He is particularly interested in growing programs based on interrelated projects, often centered on software development.

He is a cofounder and colead for the RAND Biological Technologies' Emerging Challenges (BioTEC) Group and the RAND Health Biotechnology and Bioeconomy Strategy Group. He leads the VR/AR thrust for RAND's Tech + Narrative Lab. He currently serves on the Department of Commerce's Materials and Equipment Technical Advisory Committee within the Bureau of Industry and Security.

Previously, Marler spent seventeen years at The University of Iowa's Center for Computer Aided Design, where he was the assistant director of the Virtual Soldier Research lab, the codirector of the Advanced Manufacturing Technology lab, and an adjunct professor with the Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, and Electrical and Computer Engineering. Additional experience ranges from software design to manufacturing, at Ford Motor Company, Amana, Pacific Northwest National Lab, and Hon.

Marler holds a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Iowa.

Research Focus

Pardee RAND Graduate School Courses

Recent Projects

  • Live, Virtual, and Constructive Systems for Space Force Training and Readiness
  • Assessment of Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) Requirements and the use of Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) Capabilities for Training
  • Tools and Support for Human Systems Integration with The Future Vertical Lift Demonstrations
  • A New Framework and Logic Model for Using Live, Virtual, and Constructive Training in the United States Air Force
  • Supporting Joint Warfighter Readiness: Opportunities and Incentives for Inter- and Intra-Service Cooridnation with Training-Simulator Acquisition and Uase

Selected Publications

T. Marler, D. Young, "The Pragmatic Road to a Ph.D.," Times Higher Education, 2018

M. Bataineh, T. Marler, "Neural Network for Regression Problems with Reduced Training Sets," Neural Networks, 2017

T. Marler, N. Capdevila, J. Kersten, A. Taylor, S. Wanger, J. MacKiewicz, "Human Simulation for Task-Based Survivability Analysis," International Journal of Human Factors Modelling and Simulation, 2016

T. Marler, J. Arora, Multi-Objective Optimization: Concepts and Methods for Engineering, VDM Verlag, 2009

Commentary

  • Wayne County Airport Police commander Bryan Birch (L) tries out VR goggles during community engagement training in Taylor, Michigan, August 26, 2021, photo by Eric Seals/Reuters

    The Bright Appeal of New Tech May Overshadow Practical Business

    Law enforcement departments are increasingly considering using augmented reality and virtual reality for training. How can the AR/VR industry be incentivized to ensure that content responds to user needs and is accessible?

    Aug 24, 2021 Inside Sources

  • People wearing virtual reality headsets watch films at a newly opened VR cinema by Er Dong Pictures in Beijing, China, March 27, 2019, photo by Lin Hui/Beijing Youth Daily/Reuters

    China Is Organizing the VR Industry. The United States Could Do the Same

    Given the potential value of virtual reality as a tool—and the increasing competition from China—the United States could focus more energy on advancing VR in a coordinated fashion. Otherwise, America risks missing an opportunity to excel internationally with a valuable and broadly applicable emerging technology.

    Aug 23, 2021 The National Interest

  • Digital image of heads with padlocks, photo by maxkabakov/Getty Images

    Now Could Be the Time to Form Policy for Emerging Brain- and Body-Enhancement Technologies

    Policymakers might consider developing appropriate policy frameworks for emerging brain- and body-enhancement technologies to ensure that innovations harnessed for societal, economic, or military benefits do not create new vulnerabilities and that governments adequately defend and manage against potential attacks. The technology is quickly moving forward. Policy may need to play catch-up.

    Jan 12, 2021 RealClearDefense

  • Young Asian woman looking at an eye scanner image, photo by Photographer is my life/Getty Images

    Biology, in the Language of the People

    As technology and the ability to gather ever-growing amounts of data move further into the realms of biology and human performance, communication and transparency become increasingly important. Experts should consider whether they are using the words, examples, and models that connect with a broad audience most effectively.

    Feb 21, 2019 Annals of Biostatistics & Biometric Applications

  • U.S. Marine Pfc. Garrett Reed watches over a bridge during a security patrol in Garmsir, Afghanistan, December 7, 2011

    The American Intellectual Property

    In a continued search for competitive advantage, the United States may be asking the wrong question. Perhaps the question should be, how to most effectively cultivate what is inherent in Americans.

    Dec 19, 2017 RealClearDefense

Publications