Brent Nelson, Ph.D.

Brent Nelson, Ph.D. has a diverse work experience in the energy industry. Brent is currently the Managing Director of Markets and Strategy at Ascend Analytics, where they lead the Market Intelligence unit, develops long-term power market forecasts, and oversees consulting engagements on investment and development strategy. Their focus is on renewables and storage, supporting project finance, valuation, resource planning, and project development activities. Prior to this role, they held positions at Ascend Analytics as the Director of Market Intelligence, Manager of Forecasting and Market Fundamentals, Manager of Resource Planning Consulting, and Senior Energy Analyst.

Before joining Ascend Analytics, Dr. Nelson worked at Northern Arizona University for over a decade. Brent was an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, leading a research group and teaching courses in energy systems and analysis. Their areas of expertise included demand-side resources, load flexibility, smart buildings, and renewable integration. Brent focused on the intersection between energy consumption, supply, and economics. At Northern Arizona University, they taught various energy-related subjects, such as energy systems analysis, renewable energy, and thermodynamics.

Dr. Nelson also had roles at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, where they worked on energy analysis and modeling, and at the U.S. Department of Energy as a Program Manager and Strategic Energy Consultant. Brent gained additional experience as an Innovation Engineer and Design Methodologies Assessment at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and as a Research Engineer at the same institution.

Overall, Dr. Brent Nelson has extensive experience in the energy industry, with a focus on market intelligence, consulting, research, and teaching in the areas of energy systems, renewables, and demand-side resources.

Brent Nelson, Ph.D., completed their education in a sequential manner. Brent began their academic journey at the University of California, Berkeley, where they pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from 1998 to 2002. Following this, they furthered their education at the Georgia Institute of Technology, undertaking a Master of Science degree as well as a Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering between 2002 and 2007.

In 2020, Brent Nelson enrolled in the Quantic School of Business and Technology, where they are currently pursuing an Executive MBA. No specific field of study is mentioned for this degree.