Professional Experience & Publications
Professional background, research, and scholarly contributions
Career Journey
From military pilot to AI ethics leader, Joseph's unique path combines operational experience with philosophical rigor and academic excellence.
Military Pilot
1,400+ flying hours
Academic Scholar
PhD Philosophy, Oxford
AI Ethics Leader
Chief Responsible AI Ethics Officer
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Published Author
​Bloomberg top 10 trade book and dozens of academic publications
Chief Responsible AI Ethics Officer
From 2022 to 2024, Joe served as the Department of the US Air Force's first-ever Chief Responsible AI Ethics Officer, where he led the development responsible AI policy for a military department of 600,000 officers, enlisted airmen, and civilians. During his career, Joe has served as the Lead, AI Cross-Functional Team in Air Force Futures, he has taught at the graduate and undergraduate levels (at the US Air Force Academy and Marine Command and Staff College, respectively).
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Leads cross-functional teams on AI ethics integration across military operations
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Develops policy frameworks for responsible AI deployment in defense applications
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Collaborates with international partners on AI ethics standards
Chief Data Officer Magazine- Top 40 Data Leaders Under 40
Named one of CDO Magazine’s elite “40 Under 40 Data Leaders,” Dr. Joseph Chapa is recognized for his trailblazing work as Chief Responsible AI Ethics Officer, U.S. Air Force. A thought leader in AI governance and military ethics, he holds a PhD in Philosophy from Oxford and spearheads cutting-edge initiatives to ensure responsible AI deployment.
Military Service
Joe has served his country honorably as a US Air Force officer, pilot, and military ethicist. He is a senior pilot with more than 1,400 pilot and instructor pilot hours. Throughout his nearly 20-year career, he has been continually humbled to work with such hard-working, brilliant, and tenacious Airmen striving to solve some of our nation’s hardest problems.
Academic Excellence
Joseph holds a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Oxford, where his research focused on ethics, just war theory, and military ethics. His academic work bridges theoretical philosophy with practical applications in modern warfare and technology.
Publications
Peer Reviewed Publications
Book Chapters
"At Once Monstrous and Graceful: The Ethics of Airpower"
in The Cambridge Companion to Airpower, edited by Heather Pace Venable (Cambridge University Press, forthcoming)
"Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Military Ethics"
in Intersections of Theory and Technology and Their Effects on the Future of Air and Space Power, edited by Heather Pace Venable (Air University Press, Forthcoming)
Review Essays
Publication Impact
1
Published Book
14
Peer-Reviewed Articles
5
Book Chapters
8
Review Essays