Dr. John T. Hays has provided long standing and tireless support of new technologies and advanced concepts for the development of cutting edge military and civil space systems. Having been born and growing up in the mountains of Los Alamos, New Mexico, he was exposed very early in his life to the challenge of technology. After graduating for Brigham Young University, He continued his graduate studies at New Mexico State University receiving a Doctor of Philosophy in Physics in May 1982. During his graduate studies he supported the Los Alamos National Laboratory, developing high power lasers and conducting experiments in laser plasma generation and diagnostics.

After his graduate studies, Dr. Hays joined the TRW, Redondo Beach, CA. working advanced programs and technologies in military laser systems and space and ground surveillance systems. Moving back to the mountains, he continued his career in developing advanced space surveillance systems at Martin Marietta, and General Dynamics, where in 2002 was the Director of Strategic Advanced Programs.

As a founding member of the Measurement and Signature Technology Association, and its Chairman 2000-2002, Dr. Hays directed the industry association's efforts in advocating and educating on the emerging potential of measurement and signatures technologies to the military, environmental and civil space communities.