J.R. Gaines is the Technical Director of Education for the Kurt J. Lesker Company, Jefferson Hills PA, United States. He has more than 40 years of experience in the research, development, and commercialization of advanced materials technologies including superconductivity, semiconductors, cryogenics, space simulation, energy generation, and energy conversion and storage. His experience includes vacuum systems, thin-film deposition, inorganic chemistry, nanotechnology, and advanced ceramic processing. He currently develops and delivers Lesker’s many educational programs through Lesker University teaching events.