
Dr. Nina French is the Technical Director of the Energy Portfolio at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). As technical director, Nina is responsible for technical due diligence and assessments of the commercial technology associated with AE&M’s three lines of effort. Additionally, Nina is a senior advisor to DIU’s director and is responsible for DIU’s relationships with National Laboratories and Academic institutions.
Nina’s career has spanned industries, from National Labs R&D, project management for DoD, DOE, and EPA, jet engines, coal combustion, and hydropower. She has served on the EPA Science Advisory Board, the International Incineration Council, National Coal Council (appointed by DOE Secretary), American Coal Council, National Coal Transportation Association. She has testified before the Senate Finance Committee and two-House committees on the importance of clean energy technologies, and the path to development.
Nina holds a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from University of Illinois, Stanford University, and University of California-Davis, respectively. Her work has resulted in over 15 patents in combustion, 3D printing and firing with ceramics, single- crystal turbine blade manufacturing, coal-fired power plants emission control, and advanced waste management technologies.