Dr. Beach conducts research related to the interplay between the development of Energy Policy, Environmental Policy, and Technology Policy at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Beach also teaches a wide range of classes on Energy Technology Policy, International Energy Policy, and Energy Economics in the Cockrell School of Engineering, The LBJ School of Public Policy, The McCombs Business School, and the Jackson School of Geosciences.

Prior to joining The University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Beach served for twenty-five years in the United States Navy where he was a qualified Submariner, Naval Aviator, Surface Warfare Officer, and Acquisition Professional. Since retiring in 2003 he has also served as a consultant on defense-related topics for the U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group, MITRE, Naval Research Advisory Committee, Naval Research Laboratory, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and the Defense Science Board.

Dr. Beach holds a Ph.D. from the LBJ School of Public Policy, University of Texas at Austin an M.S. in Physics from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a B.S. in Chemistry with a minor in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Oklahoma. He is also a graduate of the Defense Acquisition University and Certified Level III DoD Acquisition Professional and Program Manager.