Dr. R. Barbara Mattas

Barbara graduated from Altoona High School before earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Dickinson College in 1953. She later earned both a Master of Arts in Psychology in 1971 and a Ph.D. in Human Factors Engineering in 1975 from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Mattas began her professional career as a bacteriologist with Eli Lilly in Indianapolis, where she conducted cancer and viral research. In 1962, she joined the Central Intelligence Agency, beginning a distinguished 31-year career. Throughout her service, she became a respected expert in arms control and chemical and biological weapons policy, contributing to intelligence analysis, treaty verification and research involving human performance, perception and complex technological systems. She represented the United States and the intelligence community in international negotiations on chemical weapons treaties and verification during the Cold War era.

Beyond her extraordinary professional accomplishments, Dr. Mattas was fiercely independent and deeply intellectual. She approached life with curiosity, determination and an exceptionally quick wit. Her work reflected a rare ability to move fluidly between the worlds of biology, psychology, engineering and international affairs. Her academic research in human factors engineering explored visual perception and stereoscopic performance, reflecting a lifelong fascination with the intersection of science, technology and human capability. She remained intellectually curious throughout her life and never lost her love of learning, research and discovery.

A passionate supporter of the arts, Barbara was a devoted patron of Wolf Trap Center for the Performing Arts and a generous supporter of Dickinson College. She especially loved literature, ballet, opera, travel and genealogy research, taking tremendous pride in uncovering and preserving family history. She traveled extensively and fondly recalled adventures in Germany, Switzerland, Greece and Alaska.

Barbara was a master storyteller who loved a good list, a trip to the bookstore, any lemon dessert and giving impromptu briefings on topics that captured her interest. She was also an enthusiastic football fan who faithfully cheered for the Washington Commanders and Penn State Nittany Lions.

Her sharp mind, adventurous spirit and unwavering independence left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Barbara is lovingly remembered by her extended family, friends and the many people whose lives were touched by her wisdom, generosity and strength.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 30, 2026, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Altoona. She will be laid to rest at Alto-Reste Park, Altoona.

Arrangements are by The Good Funeral Home Inc., 108 Alto-Reste Park, Altoona.

In honor of Barbara’s life and courageous battle with lung cancer, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association.

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