Dr. Thomas J. Buckholtz is a full member of the National Coalition of Independent Scholars and a fellow with the Ronin Institute for Independent Scholarship 2.0. He received a PhD in physics from the University of California, Berkeley, after receiving a BS in mathematics from the California Institute of Technology. His contributions to society and his publications span aspects of research and development, business, government, education and skills development, information technology and IT business practices, not-for-profit endeavors, startup enterprises, and the environment. His physics and mathematics research has included aspects of cosmology, elementary particle physics, statistical physics, and computations based on applications of mathematics. His other contributions include catalyzing a grassroots innovation program throughout an energy utility and serving as a United States General Services Administration commissioner, including leading a US$1-billion business unit, serving as co-chief information officer for the US federal government's Executive Branch, catalyzing a national movement to improve governmental service to the public, and instituting a new federal-government IT procurement practice. His awards have included honors at entrance from the California Institute of Technology, a US National Science Foundation graduate fellowship, and a California State Senate recognition for leadership, commitment to education, and community service.