David Coffey is an AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Office. With a career spanning academia, national labs, and industry, David brings a wealth of experience in physics, renewable energy technologies, and energy innovation to his fellowship. He holds a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Washington.
Before joining the DOE, David was a Professor of Physics and Chemistry at Warren Wilson College where he partnered with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) on advanced photovoltaic research and led initiatives to integrate sustainable energy into academic and community projects. Before working in academia, David was a researcher at NREL where he developed new techniques for testing semiconductors. In industry, David was a senior scientist at the startup Nano Terra, Inc. where he led nanotechnology research efforts that secured multiple patents and small business innovation research grants.
David’s fellowship interests include leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance energy systems, advancing thermal energy storage, and supporting grid-edge innovation. His work reflects the broader goals of fostering energy sustainability and scientific progress.