The director of the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Agency has to be equipped with a diverse background of knowledge and experience in order to lead its risk-prone, highly complex endeavors. Dr. Richard Muller, who was appointed to the post in April, certainly fits the bill. Muller has proved his capabilities in the research and development space for years and in his last role broke new ground in the quantum realm, helping to usher innovative understandings of the technology into the federal government.
Muller will speak at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Intel Summit on Sept. 19. This is reliably one of POC’s best-attended and most engaging events of the year, so be sure to secure your tickets now!
Who Is Richard Muller?
Dr. Richard Muller is the sixth director of IARPA, and succeeded Catherine Marsh, a 20-year Intelligence Community veteran. He has a background in chemistry, with a PhD in the subject from the California Institute of Technology, and across his career has accrued expertise in microsystems, quantum science, strategic computing and more. While he has ascended to managerial and program leadership positions over the last several years, his prior research work was rooted in experimentation with computational methods for predictions of the behaviors of novel materials, molecules and devices.
Richard Muller’s Career Background
Muller’s first major work after his PhD was as a postdoctoral research associate for the University of Southern California and subsequently, as director of quantum simulations technology for Caltech. Afterward he joined Sandia National Laboratories, where he worked for two decades. At Sandia, his various projects involved simulation of battery materials, multiscale modeling and modeling semiconductor quantum computing devices.
The executive’s impressive career also includes a stint at the Joint Program Office for the National Strategic Computing Initiative and over three and a half years at the Department of Energy’s Quantum Systems Accelerator, where he ultimately served as the program’s director.
IARPA Director
As the leader of IARPA, Muller is charged with administering the organization’s research-oriented practices, which are aimed at strengthening the national security goals of the IC. Muller and IARPA are not technology manufacturers or responsible for turning their research ideas into tangible hardware. IC agencies like the CIA and ODNI rely on IARPA to provide the knowledge and experimental findings to fuel innovation.
When Muller came to his post in April, Director of National Intelligence and multiple Wash100 Award winner Avril Haines commented, “His impressive credentials are rooted in science, academia, and leadership — all of which uniquely empower him to oversee technological innovation and scientific discovery for the IC. I look forward to working with him as we tackle some of the IC’s toughest challenges.”
Richard Muller to Headline 2024 Intel Summit
The Potomac Officers Club’s Intel Summit is a now decade-long tradition that provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to the government contracting sector. The IC is notoriously tight-lipped and secretive about their activities — understandably so. But because of the trusted nature of POC, its parent company Executive Mosaic and the types of attendees they attract, top intelligence leaders feel comfortable exploring topics they might not elsewhere.
These speakers, like Muller, and CIA Deputy Director of Digital Innovation Juliane Gallina, who will also be addressing the event, will explore their agency’s top priorities and lay out well-developed plans for how industry can assist them. Register for the event now!
