Benjamin Shultz is an expert on foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). His research is focused on two primary areas: 1) the efforts of far-right and Russia-affiliated actors to undermine democracy in the U.S. and Europe through disinformation campaigns; and 2) the use of online gaming and virtual reality platforms as recruitment channels by organized crime groups.

Ben maintains an affiliation as an Artificial Intelligence Expert with the Council of Europe International Cooperation Group on Drugs and Addiction (Pompidou Group) in Strasbourg, France. He previously worked with Deloitte, serving as a lead analyst on the firm's Foreign Malign Influence Team, and as a Disinformation Analyst with DebunkEU, a media literacy organization based in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Ben holds an M.A. in International Relations and a Master of Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship at Syracuse University, as well as a B.A. in Political Science from California State University, Sonoma. Ben has a keen interest in languages and is fluent in German, a beginner in French, and is learning Russian. Ben's prior experience spans political campaigning, internships on Capitol Hill, and ice hockey officiating. In his free time, Ben enjoys exploring new countries, mapmaking, and serving as a volunteer severe weather spotter for the National Weather Service.