# Ben Norton

> Data and Informatics Specialist, Collections Manager, Chief Technology Officer

**Wikidata**: [Q111442758](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111442758)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ben-norton

## Summary
Ben Norton is a data and informatics specialist, collections manager, and chief technology officer with expertise in programming, software engineering, and biodiversity informatics. He is known for developing the NCMNS API and Data Publishing Platform, which serves as a standardized framework for digital collections management.

## Biography
- Nationality: United States
- Education:
  - Bachelor of Science in Meteoritics, University of Arizona
  - Master of Science in Meteoritics, University of Tennessee
- Known for: Developing the NCMNS API and Data Publishing Platform
- Employer(s):
  - North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (2013–present)
  - RTI International (2010–2012)
  - Oak Ridge National Laboratory (2008–2010)
- Field(s): Data and informatics, collections management, software development

## Contributions
Ben Norton has developed the NCMNS API and Data Publishing Platform, a RESTful API designed for multi-purpose, publicly accessible digital collections. The platform serves as a blueprint for standardized response bodies and requests, facilitating efficient data management and accessibility. His work has contributed to the digital curation and informatics field, particularly in biodiversity research and museum collections.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Ben Norton's primary role?
A: Ben Norton serves as a data and informatics specialist, collections manager, and chief technology officer, specializing in programming and biodiversity informatics.

### Q: What notable projects has Ben Norton worked on?
A: Ben Norton developed the NCMNS API and Data Publishing Platform, a standardized framework for digital collections management.

### Q: Where did Ben Norton earn his degrees?
A: Ben Norton earned a Bachelor of Science in Meteoritics from the University of Arizona and a Master of Science in Meteoritics from the University of Tennessee.

### Q: What organizations has Ben Norton been affiliated with?
A: Ben Norton has been affiliated with the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, RTI International, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

## Why They Matter
Ben Norton's work on the NCMNS API and Data Publishing Platform has significantly advanced the field of digital collections management. His standardized framework has set a benchmark for efficient data handling and accessibility, benefiting researchers and institutions in biodiversity informatics. By creating a versatile API, Norton has enabled seamless integration and sharing of digital collections, fostering collaboration and innovation in the field.

## Notable For
- Developed the NCMNS API and Data Publishing Platform, a standardized framework for digital collections management.
- Served as a collections manager and chief technology officer, overseeing digital curation and informatics initiatives.
- Held roles at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, RTI International, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

## Body
### Education and Early Career
Ben Norton earned a Bachelor of Science in Meteoritics from the University of Arizona and a Master of Science in Meteoritics from the University of Tennessee. His early career began at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he worked as a programmer and digital curator from 2008 to 2010.

### Professional Roles and Contributions
From 2010 to 2012, Ben Norton worked at RTI International, contributing to data and informatics projects. In 2013, he joined the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, where he currently serves as a collections manager and chief technology officer. His role involves overseeing digital collections and developing informatics solutions.

### Key Developments
Ben Norton is known for developing the NCMNS API and Data Publishing Platform, a RESTful API designed for multi-purpose, publicly accessible digital collections. The platform serves as a blueprint for standardized response bodies and requests, facilitating efficient data management and accessibility. His work has contributed to the digital curation and informatics field, particularly in biodiversity research and museum collections.

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## References

1. [ORCID Public Data File 2023](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0/0000-0002-5819-9134/employment/16419077)
2. [ORCID Public Data File 2023](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0/0000-0002-5819-9134/employment/16419092)