Dr. Richard A. Vaia, a member of the scientific and professional cadre of senior executives, is the Chief Scientist for the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. He serves as the principal scientific authority and primary authority for the technical content of the Science and Technology portfolio, ensuring the Directorate meets national, Department of Defense, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, Air Force Materiel Command, and AFRL objectives in core area technologies. Dr. Vaia’s research has covered the chemistry, physics and processing of nanomaterials for multifunctional structures, coatings, inks, flexible electronics, optical devices and autonomous concepts. He has published more than 220 articles, is co-inventor on 16 patents and has given more than 150 plenary, keynote and invited talks at national and international scientific venues.