Jared Thomas is a researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). His current research includes wind and hybrid energy plant optimization and wind turbine design optimization. He was previously a research assistant in the Brigham Young University (BYU) Flight, Optimization, and Wind Laboratory (FLOW Lab) where he received a PhD in mechanical engineering in 2022. Jared received an MBA from the BYU Marriott School in 2018 and a BS degree in mechanical engineering in 2015, also from BYU.
Jared’s engineering interests include design optimization, systems engineering, and aerodynamics. He is developing new techniques and tools for solving wind and hybrid energy system design problems with integrated component design. He has created and contributed to several open-source tools including HOPP, WISDEM/FLORISSE, OpenMDAO, and FLOWFarm.
Jared’s primary business interests are strategy, product management, and entrepreneurship. He has worked with local and international companies as a business consultant, most recently as a partner in the BYU Marriott School’s Cougar Strategy Group (CSG).
Jared also holds minors in music and mathematics. He enjoys spending time with his wife and kids exploring the outdoors, making music, and experimenting with sourdough.
