Timothy Marler

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

Education

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

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 on computational optimization, training simulators and virtual environments, digital human modeling, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies.

Over his career, Marler has worked on projects involving technology assessment, forcasting, and deployment; algorithm analysis and development; training simulators; system integration software for electromechanical systems; and computational models for optimization-based equipment distribution, injury prevention, human performance prediction, human-systems integration, and motion capture. Marler currently serves on the Department of Commerce’s Materials and Equipment Technical Advisory Committee (MTAC) 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, co-director 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

  • An Analysis of Education and Training Programs in Advanced Manufacturing using Robotics
  • Gap Analysis of Joint Training Needs and Training-Simulation Capabilities
  • The Future of the Battlefield: Humans, Machines, and Combat in 2040
  • Improved Officer Decision-Making and Stress Management with Virtual Environments
  • Mission and Design Requirements for Squad Multipurpose Equipment Transport

Selected Publications

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

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

Commentary

  • 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