I'm a data scientist and engineer who is always willing to push the boundaries of emergent technologies and find more efficient ways to work. I have a proven track record of integrating artificial intelligence and data analytics into existing regulatory processes.

My primary focus is advancing the use of artificial intelligence and data analytics to improve efficiency, support data-driven decision making, and maximize automation. Recently I've developed AI-assisted tools to drastically reduce the manual effort associated in nuclear reactor licensing projects, and deployed tools that automate a variety of complex manual tasks and save thousands of hours of labor every year. I've led teams of up to 100 scientists, engineers, and technicians solving complex problems in naval ship systems and in regulation of the commercial nuclear industry.

4500→1600billable hours on the AP1000 review after applying AI tooling 4,426average staff hours saved per year via automation $2.33Mtotal savings from all products in FY26
100maximum research and development team size led

Career map, 1997 – present

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Bettica Services (2009–2013) ran alongside NRC and Navy roles.

Work experience

Senior Data Scientist (Deputy Chief Data Officer) Nuclear Regulatory Commission · Mar 2026 – present
  • Lead artificial intelligence implementation activities in licensing and oversight to improve the efficiency of agency processes.
  • Manage the AP1000 Design Certification Document, Revision 20 amendment review.
  • Implemented maximum efficiencies using AI tools to reduce billable hours from 4500 to 1600 for the AP1000 review.
  • Oversee the development and implementation of data governance policies and procedures to ensure data quality, security, and compliance.
  • Assist in the formulation and execution of the agency's data and artificial intelligence strategies, aligning them with business objectives and goals.
  • Manage the collection, storage, and analysis of data to support decision-making processes and improve operational efficiency.
  • Lead initiatives to consolidate data, extract actionable insights, drive innovation, and enable data-driven decision making.
  • Coordinate with various departments and subject matter experts to ensure data integration and consistency across the organization.
  • Oversee the implementation of data-related technologies and tools to enhance data processing and analysis capabilities.
  • Provide broad program insight to information technology staff to improve harmonization of available technology with agency goals.
Project Manager (Licensing / Data and AI) Nuclear Regulatory Commission · Oct 2025 – Mar 2026
  • Led advanced and new reactor licensing projects, including microreactors, 10 CFR Part 52 design certification and combined license applications, and construction permits and operating licenses under 10 CFR Part 50.
  • Developed, tested, and verified novel processes to implement available artificial intelligence to expedite licensing reviews.
  • Provided artificial intelligence recommendations related to the efficient licensing of nuclear power reactors.
  • Trained and led a team of data analytics and artificial intelligence staff to quickly address emergent needs of the agency.
  • Developed high-impact artificial intelligence tools utilizing curated datasets to vastly improve efficiency.
  • Consolidated schedule and project information into high-impact visualizations to enable insights across all new reactor licensing projects.
  • Worked with a multi-disciplinary team to enable data-driven decision making in the NRC licensing process.
  • Implemented modern tools to maximize efficiency of regulatory processes, with a specific focus on new reactor licensing.
Reactor Systems Engineer (Data Scientist) Nuclear Regulatory Commission · Apr 2025 – Oct 2025
  • Organized and led the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation's regulatory and operating experience artificial intelligence program.
  • Developed, tested, and verified novel processes to implement available artificial intelligence to expedite regulatory reviews.
  • Provided artificial intelligence recommendations related to the wholesale regulatory review for EO 14300 and related efforts.
  • Trained and led a team of data analytics and artificial intelligence staff to quickly address emergent needs of the agency.
  • Developed high-impact artificial intelligence tools utilizing curated datasets to vastly improve efficiency.
  • Curated high-value datasets to support the development, deployment, and use of artificial intelligence throughout the agency.
  • Responded quickly and effectively to high-pressure requests for novel data analytics and artificial intelligence applications.
  • Implemented modern tools to maximize efficiency of regulatory processes, including rulemaking, operating experience reviews, inspections, licensing, and oversight.
Deputy Chief Data Officer (Senior Data Scientist) Nuclear Regulatory Commission · Oct 2024 – Mar 2025
  • Oversaw the development and implementation of data governance policies and procedures to ensure data quality, security, and compliance.
  • Assisted in the formulation and execution of the agency's data strategy, aligning it with business objectives and goals.
  • Managed the collection, storage, and analysis of data to support decision-making processes and improve operational efficiency.
  • Led data analytics initiatives to extract actionable insights from data, driving innovation and data-driven decision making.
  • Coordinated with various departments and subject matter experts to ensure data integration and consistency across the organization.
  • Oversaw the implementation of data-related technologies and tools to enhance data processing and analysis capabilities.
  • Provided broad program insight to information technology staff to improve harmonization of available technology with agency goals.
Reactor Systems Engineer (Data Scientist) Nuclear Regulatory Commission · 2019 – 2024
  • Applied advanced data analytics methods in Python and Azure to provide insights on commercial nuclear operating experience.
  • Produced high quality data visualization tools in Power BI and Tableau that allow NRC staff and management to make data-driven decisions.
  • Managed and maintained an internal hub site that collects relevant data products for the reactor oversight process.
  • Managed and maintained 20 internal data visualizations and back-end data processing to ensure data is of high quality and current.
  • Managed a diverse set of tools and responded to various user needs to lower the bar of access to all available data.
  • Worked under pressure to deliver short-turnaround data analysis on key topics of interest.
  • Trained new and existing staff in the use of data analysis and data visualization tools.
Reactor Systems Engineer Nuclear Regulatory Commission · 2017 – 2019
  • Systematically reviewed operating experience (OpE) from power reactors to assess significance and determine if follow-up actions were needed.
  • Updated guidance documents such as the IOEB Handbook and LIC-504 Appendix G to include current practices and ensure consistency.
  • Participated in technical reviews and audits to ensure the effectiveness and relevance of the operating experience program.
  • Worked closely with other NRC offices and international agencies (e.g., IAEA) to share operating experience and improve regulatory oversight.
  • Provided training and guidance to new and existing staff on current practices, tools, and resources related to the OpE program.
  • Leveraged operating experience to support regulatory decisions and ensure compliance with safety standards.
  • Regularly briefed senior management, regional management, and large gatherings of staff on emergent trends in operating experience.
Project Manager Nuclear Regulatory Commission · 2014 – 2017
  • Managed complex, highly visible, and publicly controversial rulemaking projects such as the power reactor decommissioning rule.
  • Identified, assembled, and led working groups composed of technical, legal, and regulatory experts to accomplish high-priority agency activities.
  • Developed SECY papers that provide the technical staff's options and recommendations regarding regulatory framework and policies to the NRC Commission.
  • Provided regular briefings to high-level NRC management on status and progress of assigned tasks.
  • Supported NRC staff in the development of products according to NRC policy, prioritization, and schedule.
  • Organized and led public meetings to discuss regulatory issues with and obtain feedback from external stakeholders (e.g., representatives from the nuclear industry, non-governmental organizations, and members of the public).
  • Developed budget, contracting, and staffing needs for major rulemaking activities that impact multiple program offices, business lines, product lines, and products.
  • Produced regulatory products including regulatory bases, proposed rules, and final rules and associated regulatory guides (industry guidance).
Mechanical Engineer Nuclear Regulatory Commission · 2013 – 2014
  • Performed technical safety evaluations on topical reports, license amendments, relief requests, and allegations associated with inservice inspection and testing of pumps, valves, emergency diesel generators, and other components to ensure proper preventative maintenance of equipment to support the safe operation of nuclear power plants.
  • Reviewed licensee submittals to determine technical adequacy and conformance with NRC regulations.
  • Evaluated allegations associated with nuclear components from a technical perspective.
  • Reviewed products designed to resolve significant safety issues to ensure technical and regulatory adequacy.
  • Represented NRC as a member of the ASME Operation and Maintenance of Nuclear Power Plants (OM) Code subgroup on air-operated valves (AOVs), supporting the development of a national consensus standard.
  • Provided regulatory perspectives to diverse audiences in various settings, such as industry user's group meetings, regulatory information conferences, technical symposia, and public meetings.
  • Updated NRC guidance provided to the public and industry on regulatory issues associated with nuclear components.
  • Organized joint NRC/ASME symposium on pumps, valves, dynamic restraints, and inservice testing.
  • Restructured branch-specific training plans to incorporate flexibility, feedback, and updated technology (SharePoint) in order to meet both the needs of individual candidates and the technical organization.
Naval Architect Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division · 2011 – 2013
  • Managed a multi-year, multi-million dollar program on advanced surface combatants involving research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) and procurement (SCN) funding.
  • Oversaw and directed the work of approximately 100 scientists, engineers, and technicians developing a complex technical product for installation on a U.S. advanced surface combatant in a challenging and dynamic fiscal environment.
  • Formed and executed plans, including management of personnel and funding, to meet program objectives within schedule and budget.
  • Interacted frequently with NSWCCD management to identify resource needs and align limited personnel resources to high priority activities.
  • Analyzed and reported detailed impacts of significant funding reductions, including sequestration, on program technical products and overall schedule.
  • Identified, implemented, and directed technical and programmatic solutions to challenging problems associated with surface ship performance.
  • Reported project status and critical program information to stakeholders, including NAVSEA sponsors and Navy admiralty, on a regular basis.
  • Facilitated regular communication and resolved differences of opinion between technical performers and program sponsors.
  • Employed DOD Risk Management process to identify, analyze, and mitigate risk associated with submarine and surface ship programs.
  • Provided oversight on research, development, testing and evaluation, construction, and in-service maintenance of submarine propulsors.
Project Manager Nuclear Regulatory Commission · 2008 – 2011
  • Responsible for project management of technical reviews on next generation nuclear reactors, specifically in the areas of reactor design, containment design, accident analyses, quality assurance, and probabilistic risk assessment.
  • Provided support to technical NRC staff in order to facilitate delivery of products according to NRC policy and schedule.
  • Organized frequent public meetings regarding critical issues that involve NRC staff, applicant personnel, representatives from the nuclear industry, and members of the public.
  • Delivered multiple high priority, technically complex, and cross-cutting products under considerable schedule pressure in a demanding environment.
  • Participated in the licensing of new reactors, including design certification and combined license applications.
Co-Founder Bettica Services, LLC · 2009 – 2013
  • Co-founded an arborist service company operating in Northern Virginia and helped run the company for five years.
  • Performed extensive arborist services, including tree pruning, tree removal, stump grinding, and related services.
  • Organized and led services to meet customer needs and specifications.
  • Ran heavy machinery, chainsaws, wood chippers, dump trailers, and trucks.
  • Worked in a physically demanding setting and ensured crew safety, resulting in zero injuries during jobs performed.
  • Supported company growth by interfacing with potential customers and quoting jobs for clients.
Mechanical Engineer Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division · 2004 – 2008
  • Performed hydrodynamic experiments on breaking bow waves, captive submarine models, captive and remote-controlled surface ship models, ballast water exchange processes, and full scale surface ships.
  • Specialized in optical measurement systems, including particle image velocimetry (PIV), laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), and global laser rangefinder profilometry (GLRP) on model-scale and full-scale systems.
  • Developed patented software algorithms for novel optical measurement systems.
  • Heavily involved in test planning, experimental design, data collection and analysis, uncertainty analysis, and reporting for a myriad of experimental fluid dynamic (EFD) programs.
  • Produced ONR-funded proposals for Navy research on multiple topics.
Graduate Research Assistant Virginia Tech · 2002 – 2004
  • Performed research on novel digital image processing methods for particle image velocimetry.
  • Worked with lasers, digital cameras, and associated electronics to perform experiments on fluid dynamics.
  • Led work with university-associated companies to produce advanced software for processing data from particle image velocimetry experiments.
  • Supported multiple doctoral candidates on experiments and processing for dissertations.
Graduate Research Assistant University of Michigan · 2001 – 2002
  • Performed research on direct brain interfaces utilizing connections during treatments for epilepsy.
  • Worked with patients in a clinical setting to gather data on electrical impulses during prescribed movements.
  • Developed software and instrumentation to interface with medical equipment and record clinical data.
  • Worked with a multi-disciplinary team to chart project goals and progress, collect and analyze results, and recommend programmatic changes.
Undergraduate Student, Physics & Math Tutor Virginia Tech · 1997 – 2001
  • Obtained a Summa Cum Laude B.S. degree in Engineering Mechanics (Applied Physics) and a Minor in Mathematics.
  • Worked as a physics and math tutor for 100-level and 200-level physics and mathematics courses.
  • Completed a clinical internship rotation with a specialization in Biomechanics.
  • Published a senior design project involving mechanical automation of electrostatic self-assembly methods for ultrathin film applications.

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Skills

Technical proficiency

Applied AI95%
M365 Integration95%
Python95%
Claude95%
ChatGPT Enterprise85%
JavaScript85%
Tableau80%
SQL75%
HTML75%
CSS70%

General strengths

Project management Artificial intelligence Data analysis & visualization Programming Communication Teamwork Critical thinking Adaptability

Education, qualifications & awards

MS, Engineering Mechanics

Virginia Tech

2004

BS, Engineering Mechanics

Virginia Tech · Minor in Mathematics · Summa Cum Laude

2001

General Assembly

  • Data Science, 2019
  • JavaScript, 2021

NRC qualifications

  • Rulemaking Project Manager
  • Licensing Project Manager
  • Reactor Technical Reviewer
  • Operating Experience Engineer

Meritorious Service Award

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

2024

Team & individual performance awards

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

2008 – 2026

Publicly-Available Projects

Full project list ↗
AP1000 DCD Renewal Safety Evalaution ReportNRC ADAMSSafety Evaluation Report for AP1000 DCD Revision 20 completed in 4 months and 66% under budget. Operator Licensing Exam Outline GeneratorNRC public websiteGenerates exam outlines for operator licensing. Operating Reactor Scram TrendingNRC public websiteTrends of reactor scrams across the operating fleet. Inspection Findings Search DashboardNRC public websiteSearch and filter inspection findings for any plant. NRC High Value DatasetsNRC public websiteCurated open datasets from across the agency. eCFR Citation ReviewerNetlify app, popular with NRC staffCross-references eCFR citations with Federal Register notices.

Publications & patent

2009Surface Profile Measurement Method, U.S. Patent US 7,519,502 B1, April 14, 2009.Patent
2026SECY-26-0034, “NRC Regulatory Pathways and Licensing Readiness for Near Term Large Light-Water Reactor Deployment,” NRC ADAMS Package ML26051A093.
2025–26AP1000 Renewal and Amendment to Include DCD Revision 20, NRC ADAMS collection.
2019NRC Information Notice 2019-02, “Emergency Diesel Generator Excitation System Diode Failures.”
2014–17NRC Rulemaking Documents Produced, NRC ADAMS collection.
2015Draft Regulatory Basis for RIN 3150-AJ59 (Docket NRC-2015-0070), “Regulatory Improvements for Decommissioning Power Reactors.”
2015Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for RIN 3150-AJ59 (Docket NRC-2015-0070), “Regulatory Improvements for Decommissioning Power Reactors,” November 19, 2015.
2015SECY-15-0014, “Anticipated Schedule and Estimated Resources for a Power Reactor Decommissioning Rulemaking,” January 30, 2015. ADAMS Package ML14357A177.
2014NUREG/CP-0152, Volume 9, “Proceedings of the Twelfth NRC/ASME Symposium on Valves, Pumps, and Inservice Testing for Operating and New Reactors.” U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
2014Carneal, J.B. “Regulatory Perspectives on the Use of Inservice Testing Programs in the Nuclear Industry.” Proceedings of the 12th NRC/ASME Symposium on Pumps, Valves, and Inservice Testing for Operating and New Reactors.
2014Carneal, J.B. “NRC Perspective on ASME OM Code, Mandatory Appendix IV, Revision 0, Inservice Testing of Air-Operated Valves in Light-Water Reactor Nuclear Power Plants.” Proceedings of the 12th NRC/ASME Symposium on Pumps, Valves, and Inservice Testing for Operating and New Reactors.
2013EPR Design Certification Public Documents Authored, NRC ADAMS collection.
2008Carneal, J.B., Etebari, A., Percival, A.S., Atsavapranee, P. “Unsteady Bow Wave Dynamics of Simple Hull Geometries.” 2008 ASME Fluids Engineering Summer Conference, Jacksonville, FL.
2008Carneal, J.B., Etebari, A., Atsavapranee, P. “Infrared Global Laser Rangefinder Profilometry: Development and Applications.” 2008 ASME Fluids Engineering Summer Conference, Jacksonville, FL.
2006Carneal, J.B., Atsavapranee, P. “Global Laser Rangefinder Profilometry: Initial Test and Uncertainty Analysis.” 2006 ASME Joint European Fluids Summer Meeting, July 17–23, 2006, Miami, FL.
2005Carneal, J.B., Atsavapranee, P., Shan, J., Furey, D.A., Baumann, C. “A Global Laser Range Profilometry System for the Measurement of Three Dimensional Wave Surfaces.” 2005 ASME Fluids Engineering Summer Conference, Houston, TX.
2004Carneal, J.B. “Validation and Integration of a Novel Flow Image Quantification (Flow-IQ) System.” Master's thesis, Virginia Tech.

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