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Benjamin Baker

@benjaminbaker

CBRN-E threat analyst at GDIT advising State Department programs; researched frontier AI risks in biological weapons development.

United States

Message

At GDIT, I advise the U.S. Department of State on biological and chemical threat reduction, including Cooperative Threat Reduction programs. I analyze proliferation risks and emerging technologies, and prepare reports and recommendations for Department leadership.

At The Schull Institute, I authored an independent policy paper on how frontier AI could contribute to biological weapons development while supporting legitimate science. My research assessed dual-use risks and proposed layered safeguards designed to disrupt misuse without hindering beneficial scientific use.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Biological and Chemical Engagement Advisor

Current

GDIT

Jul 2026 - Present (3 months)

Advises the Department of State on biological and chemical threat reduction initiatives, analyzes proliferation risks, and prepares executive-level reports and briefings for senior leadership.

Biological Threat Analysis Chemical Threat Analysis Nonproliferation Biosafety Biosecurity Chemical Security Strategic Engagement Policy Guidance Executive Briefings Cooperative Threat Reduction

Current

Research Fellow (Scholar)

Current

The Schull Institute

May 2026 - Present (5 months)

Authored an independent policy paper on frontier AI and biological weapons, assessing dual-use research risks and proposing layered mitigation frameworks.

Policy Analysis Dual Use Research Of Concern AI Risk Assessment Biosecurity Governance Threat Forecasting DNA Synthesis Screening Stakeholder Engagement

AmeriCorps VISTA

Durham Public Schools Foundation

Jul 2024 - Feb 2025 (7 months)

Built partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and businesses to expand educational resources and volunteer engagement, and tracked program outcomes for grant initiatives.

Partnership Building Program Evaluation Grant Reporting Community Engagement

CBRN Program Country Lead

Valiant Integrated Services

Jul 2021 - Aug 2024 (3 years 1 month)

Led requirements analyses and capability assessments for international chemical and biological defense programs, and served as liaison between U.S. government and international partners.

CBRN Requirements Analysis Capability Assessment International Delegation Liaison Technical Exchanges Robotics Unmanned Aerial Systems Analytical Reporting

Chemical & Biological Weapons SME

Interfuze Corporation

Jan 2020 - Jul 2021 (1 year 6 months)

Trained U.S. Army personnel on chemical and biological threats and CBRN defense, and led operational evaluations of protective systems and detection technologies.

CBRN Training Chemical Threat Analysis Biological Threat Analysis Detection Technologies Protective Equipment Operational Evaluation Technical Reporting

74D CBRN Specialist

U.S. Army 110th CBRN Technical Escort Unit

Nov 2016 - Dec 2019 (3 years 1 month)

Conducted hazardous site exploitation, evidence collection, and contamination control during CBRNE exercises, and performed technical hazard assessments and threat identification.

CBRN Detection Threat Assessment Reconnaissance Hazardous Materials Response Site Exploitation Contamination Control