Scientist wins AF research award Published Dec. 5, 2014 By Gina Giardina 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- A scientist in the Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) Materials and Manufacturing has been chosen as a 2014 recipient of the Air Force John L. McLucas Basic Research Award. Dr. Richard Vaia is highly regarded for his research and technical knowledge. "Dr. Vaia's research resulted in a game-changing enhancement in which the opto-electronic properties were engineered by controlling composition and structure between one and 10 nanometers," said Dr. Morley Stone, AFRL's chief technology officer. This award, named for the former Secretary of the Air Force, recognizes individuals who make outstanding contributions through their scientific efforts and achievements in the U.S. Air Force's in-house basic research activities. Vaia's research group focuses on building composites from nanomaterials. "These materials are over a thousand times smaller than a human hair, and, at this size, properties change," said Vaia. "The objective of my research is to understand these changes, determine the rules and develop the tools to build structures, devices and systems from such materials," he explained. "This work will have profound impact in a variety of DOD applications, particularly holding promise in next generation sensors, alternative weapons and counter-defensive anti-access and area denial technologies," Stone said. "Just like the Wright Brothers relied on novel lightweight, strong materials to enable their first flight, future Air Force capabilities rely on new materials to fly faster, avoid threats, see farther, and protect our Airmen," said Vaia of how his research continues the Air Force tradition of innovation.