Describing Thomas Grimes as a high achiever is a grand understatement. As a PhD student, on top of his own research, he formed a team to investigate the properties of polyactic acid under the effects of gamma-induced cross-linking, leading to several papers, $25,000 in prizes, a patent on floor coatings, and a family of gamma dosimeters. During that time, he met the requirements for his master's in nuclear engineering, finished a concurrent MBA from Purdue's Mitch Daniels School of Business, obtained his pilot's license, interned at Sandia National Laboratories, contributed to another Purdue group's AI research, and still managed to complete his PhD faster than the national average and with a 4.0.

At Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), he has been promoted three times in the last four years. Currently, he is the chief scientist for PNNL's GenAI Laboratory Directed Research and Development investment, a leading Department of Energy AI research facility. His core focus is overseeing the investment's highly successful project portfolio, which provides research funding in three thrusts: cloud-based AI, high-performance computing platforms, and partnerships with industry; using GenAI to advance DOE priorities; and expanding GenAI capabilities. He has upskilled hundreds of PNNL scientists on GenAI tools and driven outcomes often cited for commendation by clients.

Among his many industry engagements, Grimes was one of two federally funded scientists to attend and present at the 2025 International Atomic Energy Agency's Department of Safeguards Emerging Technology Workshop. He holds three patents and has written 16 journal articles, three preprints, and 20+ full-length refereed conference proceedings.