Recognizing Outstanding Engineers, Scientists & Technical Leaders in South Jersey

2007 Awards Banquet
Thursday November 15, 2007

Keynote Speaker: Gisele Mohler - Getting to NEXGEN
Humorous: Jerry Shockey - Anecdotes for Engineers

Theme: Year of Discovery

The Southern New Jersey Professional Societies (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics [AIAA], Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers [IEEE], IEEE Computer Society, and IEEE Women in Engineering [WIE] local sections) are pleased to announce the winners of the 2007 awards. There were 27 nominees submitted in 2007 – the largest group in the history of the recognition program. In addition, the evening was a complete sell-out with over 165 people in attendance.

The awards were presented at the 11th Annual Engineer of the Year Awards Banquet which was held on November 15th at the Mays Landing Country Club. The evening program began with a call to order and a flag ceremony led by Northfield Middle School Honor Society and Future Engineers club members Brittany Holmer, Kelley Marks and Stephanie Jones.

Jerry Shockey provided an entertaining talk with light show to get everyone in the spirit of the event. During the buffet dinner, door prizes were awarded to lucky ticket holders. Following the meal, Gisele Mohler who is the Manager of Evolution Partnership for the FAA provided the keynote address about the challenges we face as we advance into the 21st century in aviation. She also spoke of the opening of secure airways during the Holidays as a means of easing congestion along air routes in the sky.

AIAA presented a Special Service Citation to Catherine A Jaggard for her "leadership and organizational skills in revitalizing the Jersey Shore Science Fair and inspiring future scientists and engineers as JSSF Director 2000-2007". Emily Springer from AIAA represented Region 1 Director Thomas Milnes for the presentation. Ms. Jaggard was nominated for this award by the Region 1 Committee.

Ms. Springer and Trib Singh, president of Hi-Tec Systems, Inc. and past Chair of SNJ Section AIAA, presented Mary-Ann M Boyce and Catherine A Jaggard with framed certificates and name badges honoring their recent election as Associate Fellows [Lifetime] in AIAA. Dr. Anne Harlan (recently retired Director of the WJHTC) accepted the certificates with name badges on behalf of Wilson N. Felder AIAA Fellow and Dorothy C. Buckanin AIAA Associate Fellow.

 

Additional certificates of recognition for membership upgrades to Senior Member during the last year were presented to Holly Cyrus for IEEE; and Felix M. Malidong, Nicholas V. Chilelli, Roy Rode, Dr. Anne Harlan, Peter J. DeSilva, and Captain Gordon W. Krauss for AIAA. In both societies, senior membership is based on a minimum of 10 years of membership and professional achievement.

The IEEE Student Branch at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey also presented awards to two of their members. Dr. Anjantha Herath, Advisor to the Student Branch, and Dr. Michael Olan, Chair of the IEEE Computer Society of Southern New Jersey, presented the Student Leader of the Year 2007 Award to Ryan Shaw and the Student Researcher of the Year 2007 Award to Demetrios Roubos. Each student received an engraved award and their names were inscribed on the permanent plaques that are kept at Stockton College.

The nominees for the 11th Annual Engineer Awards included: Lawrence H. Beasley, Harry Bilicki, Nicholas Bompensa, Ryan Bowers, Nelson Brown, Steven Carr, Jennifer A. Charydczak, Bruce Cripps, Louis Delamarre, Laurie Dobbs-Condon, Stan Fink, John Frederick, Edward H. Guo, Ph.D., Robert R. Heinrich, Dr. Ajantha Herath Ph.D., Catherine A. Jaggard, John E. Lawson Sr., Carol Ann Love, Dr. Stefan Lukow Ph.D., Jonathan Lykens, Jill Miller, Steven Sinesi, Injun Song, Ph.D., Martin Suech, Harish Suri, Heather Tomasello, and Loi Tran.

Contributing to the success of the evening were the companies and colleges who sponsored tables. Included in this group were the ATO-E Test Team, Engility Corporation, Women In Engineering, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Rowan University, L-3 Communications/Ilex, Apptis, SRA International, Hi-Tec Systems, Inc., Engineering & Information Technologies, Inc., and the FAA.

The officers of the Southern New Jersey Professional Societies put in many hours behind the scenes to make this event a success. They include: Robert Cranston, Mary-Ann M Boyce, Philip Holmer, Joseph F Burns, Philip Ingraham, Holly Cyrus, Rodney Guishard, Heather Tomasello, Lia Ricalde, Dana Whicker, Michael Olan, Peter DeSilva, and all the members who contributed. Special thanks to Donna Burns for coordinating with the Mays Landing Country Club and providing the table centerpieces, and Dominique Holmer for helping with all the last minute details at the MLCC.

The winners were:

GOLD Award:
Dr. Stefan Lukow Ph.D.
SRA International
In Recognition Of Your Outstanding
Achievements as an Analytical Chemist supporting the Transportation Security Laboratory (TSL) Programs
November 15, 2007

Dr. Stefan Lukow, Analytical Chemist for Trace Detection of Explosives for Transportation Applications. Dr. Lukow is the primary technical liaison for the Trace Detection Team to the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) where he performs in depth analyses of new and existing technologies based on chemical trace detection techniques that are being evaluated for use in the NAS. As a result of his involvement with the TSL’s partners’ at NIST he has being granted guest researcher status. Dr. Lukow holds a PhD Analytical Chemistry and a MS in Chemistry from Tufts University and a BA in Chemistry from Wheaton College and is a member of the American Chemical Society.

Outstanding Researcher Award:
Dr. Ajantha Herath Ph.D.
Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
In Recognition Of Your Outstanding Research into Computer Forensics and the Development of Student Leaders And Researchers
November 15, 2007

Ajantha Herath, Assistant Professor, Computer Science and Information Systems Department, Richard Stockton College of NJ. Dr. Herath has written a number of computer security related research papers, such as the analysis of computer network vulnerabilities, computer intrusion detection, computer forensics, information security and law, and on developing mathematical models on cyber attacks. He has developed active learning course materials and emphasized multi-disciplinary efforts. Dr. Herath holds a PhD in Information Systems and Electronic Computer Engineering from Gifu University, Japan, and a MS in Information Communication and Systems Engineering from the University of Electro-Communications, Japan.

Technical Leadership Award: John Frederick
FAA
In Recognition Of Your Outstanding
Leadership of the V&V Protocol of Operations Program
November 15, 2007

 

John Frederick, System Development/Acquisition Discipline: System Verification and Validation, T&E Support. In 2005, Mr. Frederick was selected to lead the William J Hughes Technical Center (TC) initiative to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and recognition of the TC's test and evaluation processes and products. A T&E Handbook, a T&E Operations Guide were recently published and proposed changes to the FAA's T&E processes that would significantly affect and enhance FAA acquisition business. Mr. Frederick holds a BS in Computer Systems Management from Drexel University and is a Member and Presenter for the International Test and Evaluation Association.

Best in Test Award:
Jill Miller
SRA International
In Recognition Of Your Outstanding Contributions to the Independent Certification Test and Evaluation for the Explosive Trace Detection Program
November 15, 2007

 

Jill Miller, Explosive Trace Detection Expert for the Transportation Security Lab's Independent Certification Test and Evaluation. Ms. Miller has extensive experience on all fielded ETD systems in the NAS and has mastered the many different testing roles that are required to fulfill the objectives governing the Certification of ETD systems and equipment. She has substantial expertise in conducting test and evaluation of Explosive Trace Detectors and has developed techniques to capture false positives, acted as Test Lead, planned certification testing, and presented and co-authored ETD papers. Ms. Miller has a MS in Aeronautical Science/Human Factors from Embry Riddle University and a BS in Chemistry from Stockton College.

Outstanding Contributions to Air Traffic Control Award:
Jennifer A. Charydczak
FAA
In Recognition Of Your Outstanding Leadership, Organization, and Teamwork Approach for the ECG/EBUS Software Test Efforts
November 15, 2007

 

Jennifer A. Charydczak, Lead for the EnRoute Communications Gateway (ECG)/Enhanced Back-Up Surveillance (EBUS) System Test group. Ms. Charydczak has over 17 years of experience in NAS improvement and maintenance. She has also worked on En Route Air Traffic Modernization (ERAM) and Sustainment Technology Evolution Plan (STEP). Since becoming lead in 2006, Ms. Charydczak has tested over fifteen software releases that were successfully deployed nationally. She has won the 2007 Outstanding Achievement Award and the 2006 Chairman’s Citation of Merit Award from ATCA. Ms. Charydczak has a MS in Software Engineering from Monmouth University and a BS in Computer Science from Stockton State College.

Engineer of the Year Award:
Catherine A. Jaggard
Apptis Corporation
In Recognition Of Your Outstanding Engineering Accomplishments as Test Lead for the EnRoute Information Display System (ERIDS)
November 15, 2007

 

Catherine A. Jaggard, Project Manager/Senior Engineer, EnRoute Information Display System (ERIDS) at the WJHTC. Ms. Jaggard is the ERIDS test lead, providing configuration management and quality assurance programs for emerging aviation-related hardware and software systems. She has handled special assignments such as rapid prototyping and development for database software applications, plan and process development for the SMA/TIA project, implemention of new methodologies, and technical support. Ms. Jaggard holds a MS in Software Engineering from Monmouth University, and a bachelor’s degree double major in Computer Science and in International Management from Stockton State College.

Friend of the Societies Award:
Philip Holmer
Program Manager,
Engility Corporation
In Recognition Of Your Outstanding Leadership And Continued Support Of The Engineering Profession On The Local, Regional, And National Level
November 15, 2007

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Nominees

GOLD Award

Tech Leadership

 

Best in Test

Engineer of the Year

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A Sold Out Crowd in 2007

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10th Annual Awards Banquet

Thursday November 16, 2006

Jean Shipos, a motivational speaker and trainer, kicked off the evening with an insightful story of You Did Good. Jean taught us that appreciation is a strong motivator and we all long to hear those three magical words You Did Good. Since the banquet was devoted to showing appreciation and expressing thanks to outstanding achievers, her story set the stage for the rest of the evening of honoring engineers, researchers and testers who we told You Did Good.

Motivational Speaker Jean Shipos

Robert Cranston introducing Jean Shipos

 

Friend of the Societies Award

Mr. David Sparenberg followed Jean Shipos by telling about his dream of a Research Park located next to the William J. Hughes Technical Center . Mr. Sparenberg was recognized for his hard work of getting this effort off the ground. He talked about community and congressional support and the benefits the Research Park would bring.

Mr. Sparenberg being presented with the award by Joe Burns, Banquet Nomination Chair and Cathy Jaggard, Chair, IEEE.

 

The Gold Award

The Gold Award, a new award for engineers with 2-6 years experience, was presented to Mr. Tim Martin, of Titan Corporation. Mr. Martin supports the FAA R&D of satellite based navigation systems for civil aviation. He develops software, assesses algorithms and provides engineering support for the Global Positioning Satellite. Mr. Martin received specialized training at Ohio University on the GPS Anomalous Event Monitor which was developed to characterize anomalous events in the GPS signal. Subsequently, he led the GAEM activity at the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center . Mr. Martin has installed and configured the GAEM at various locations to establish a spatial correlation between data sets. He has assisted in the development of Terminal Area Path procedures that used differential GPS for guidance at Atlantic City (NJ), Memphis (TN), and Rio De Janeiro (Brazil).

Ekta Singhal                         Tim Martin , Recipient                               Parul Singhal

Other nominees for the Gold Award included Ms Ekta Singhal (left) who supports the NAS Information Management System (NIMS) deployment. As a software engineer, Ms Singhal accomplished research, design, development, testing, and implementation of web-enabled database (RDBMS) systems. She stabilized and improved the performance of Crystal servers in the NIMS environment at Herndon , VA. She did extensive testing on all 4 crystal servers and came up with a viable solution for the security certificate problem.

Also nominated was Ms Parul Singhal (right) who designs, develops and implements software for the Weather and Radar Processor (WARP) system. She has formulated methodologies, developed software tools and Quality Assurance processes. Her work has resulted in standardizing processes that reduce turn around time in deploying software builds. She recently supported the legacy satellite telecommunication infrastructure transition to the new FAA Telecommunication Infrastructure.

 

Outstanding Test Award

PACE Chair Rodney Guishard presenting Outstanding Test Award to Renee Nicole Frierson

 

Renee Nicole Frierson has conducted research that will reduce runway incursions. She conducted a research project to identify visual aid enhancement solutions that would reduce or eliminate inadvertent landings on taxiways. Renee also conducted an Automated Land and Hold Short Operation study evaluating 25 pilots' reactions to a visual stimulus presented using a Boeing 737-800 simulator.

 

Others nominees included: Jeffrey Livings who is the Manager of Test and Evaluation for Surface Surveillance systems. He has been responsible for the successful test of the Airport Surface Detection System, Airport Movement and Safety System, Parallel Runway Monitor, Autonomous Runway Incursion Prevention System, Surface Movement Radar and the Runway Status Lights. In addition, he was responsible for the successful operational test and site acceptance of dual surface movement radars at Atlanta airport. This was the first time that two surface radars were incorporated at a single airport to cover an unusually large airport. Also nominated for test was Jill Miller . Ms Miller works as a Trace Chemist/Test Engineer at the Transportation Security Lab. As an SME for explosive trace detection systems, Ms Miller has been an incalculable asset to the lab as the primary interface with the Security Agencies of other nations. Ms Miller 's main role is with the Certification Team, which conducts independent test and evaluation of Explosive Trace Detectors. She also represented the Transportation Security Lab in working with Lawrence Livermore National Lab on a Vehicle Borne IED study. Her work in the area of explosive trace detection has garnered international recognition for the Transportation Security Lab.

Technical Leadership Award

Philip Holmer Presenting Leadership Award to Robert Pappas , PhD

Robert A. Pappas, PhD is the Program Manager of the FAA National Aging Aircraft Research Program (NAARP) at the William J. Hughes Technical Center . He provides technical oversight on research programs encompassing a wide variety of technical disciplines related to aging aircraft. These disciplines include structural integrity, inspection systems, flight loads, rotorcraft safety, electrical and mechanical systems, and airworthiness of aircraft engines. The FAA Aging Aircraft Electrical Systems Research projects undertaken has yielded an understanding of how electrical systems age and how aging affects the safe transmission of power and signals in an aircraft. This research has helped the FAA develop regulatory measures to improve the safety of aging electrical wiring. He was an organizer and Conference Chair for the ninth Joint FAA-NASA-DOD Aging Aircraft Conference.

Other nominees for the award included Holly Cyrus and John R. Frederick . Holly Cyrus has conducted research on Polyester and Polyurea marking materials and written two formal Technical Reports this year. She has briefed at FAA HQ, presented at the Oct IEEE Section Meeting, where she discussed leading edge research that will improve airport signage, lighting, and pavement marking. She has written seven technical reports since being assigned to the R&D organization at the FAA WJHTC. Recently she briefed at three FAA Regions on lighting research. Her work results in safer landings, departures, and operational use of runways. Holly also helped organize and co-chair the Women in Engineering Conference at Baltimore . The third nominee, John R. Frederick , has served as the Test Program Manager for the Enroute ATC Modernization Program, the multi-billion dollar program that will upgrade the hardware, software and software architecture for FAA ATC automation system. His knowledge and innovations have resulted in his selection to lead the FAA ATO /Operational Planning Unit's effort to upgrade and standardize the FAA's Test and Evaluation processes. Through his leadership the team quickly produced results for enhancing the test process.

 

Aviation Research Award

Cathy Bigelow , PhD , accepting award for Mr Stoliarov from Philip Holmer, Program Chair

Stanislav I. Stoliarov conducts research for the Fire Safety Research Branch. His research addresses knowledge gaps in the understanding flammability of various materials. He seeks to bridge the gap between materials science and fire science by relating the chemical composition of condensed matter to its flammability. This knowledge guides the FAA's search for lightweight, ultra fire resistant materials for a fireproof cabin. His research provides the scientific support for performance-based fire safety standards for aircraft cabin materials.

Also nominated for the Aviation Research award was Anatoliy Ivanov . Anatoliy Ivanov is the Senior Engineer on the FAA's Unleaded Fuel Research Program supporting AAR-400. He has automated numerous test procedures and designed the program for calculating stoichiometric air to fuel ratios. He has conducted endurance tests to study the effect of test fuels on engine components and performed extensive Labview programming and analysis. His work has streamlined the analysis of data and the production of graphical results. Vasudeva Kolli also was nominated. His work supports the Safer Skies Initiative in the Systems Approach for Safety Oversight (SASO) program. Mr. Vasudeva has conducted extensive research in aviation safety risk analysis, developed data quality measurement tools, designed/developed information, decision support and risk analysis systems.

Engineer of the Year 2006

Dr. John G. Bakuckas (Winner)                 Dr. Izydor Kawa                       Michael A. Konyak

Dr. John G. Bakuckas (left) of AJP-6360 is the Manager of Transport Airplane Structural Integrity Research for the FAA National Aging Aircraft Research Program (NAARP). He has concluded structural evaluations and assessments for continued airworthiness of high-time operational aircraft in support of the issuance of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The objective of his research is to provide the data and procedures to verify aircraft fatigue damage assessments. A major FAA and NAARP goal is to understand the fatigue and fracture behavior of aging aircraft being operated beyond their design service goal. Dr. Bakuckas has established a Fellowship Program with Drexel University to provide an opportunity for Drexel graduate students to gain valuable real world experience at the FAA.

Also nominated for the award was Dr. Izydor Kawa . Dr. Kawa worked on the FAA Rigid and Flexible Iterative Elastic Layered Design computer program which incorporates the most advanced techniques in pavement design. His work will result in a rational, mechanistic method for the design of airport pavements for an FAA Standard. Additionally, Michael A. Konyak who has provided innovative capabilities for airspace simulations at the WJHTC was a nominee. As Senior Aeronautical Engineer for the FAA's Target Generation Facility (TGF), he has provided numerous advancements to the ability of the FAA to simulate realistic aircraft interactive traffic in support of Human-in-the-Loop simulations for both R&D and T&E. He has created and updated models for drag polars, engine thrust and speed brakes. He is a key designer that is developing trajectory prediction capabilities for potential use with the proposed NGATS Air Traffic Management architectures.

 

Student Leadership Award

 

Demetrios Roubos is studying computer science at Stockton College. Ten students and three faculty members attended from Stockton.

 

Women in Engineering Organizer Award

Dana Whicker (left) Joe Burns (right) presents the Women in Engineering Organizer Award to Renee Palmieri

Mr. Greco reminded banquet attendees of the large job ahead of us in building the National Aerospace System for the future. He addressed the importance of our young engineers as the future of the Air Traffic System.

 

Winner of the IEEE Engineer of the Year Award

Dr. John G. Bakuckas receiving the award from Cathy Jaggard, Chair of IEEE

 

9th Annual Awards Banquet

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8th ANNUAL ENGINEER OF THE YEAR

Thursday, November 18th
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Dianne Dorland
Dean of Engineering, Rowan University

Engineer of the Year

DR. NAVNEET GARG, Galaxy Scientific

This award recognizes outstanding achievement in engineering.

Dr. Garg is the lead author of the FAA’s report on Operational Life of Airport Pavements written in response to the US Congressional Mandate, Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act. The objective of the study is to evaluate whether the FAA standards for 20-year pavement design is consistent with available information on the life of airfield pavements. He is actively involved in the Flexible Pavement Research program at the FAA’s National Airport Pavement Test Facility where his research encompasses the design, traffic test, evaluation, data analysis and post traffic forensic investigation of failure mechanisms. Dr. Garg also developed new modified flexible pavement failure criteria and evaluated applications of a Portable Seismic Pavement Analyzer for concrete pavement modulus determination. He has published a significant number of papers in professional journals and presented his findings at international conferences and symposiums.

 

Outstanding Contribution to Test

DEREK MICHAEL KUBONT, Joseph Sheairs Assoc.

This award recognizes outstanding achievements in Test or ATC.

Mr. Kubont’s accomplishments during the specified award period are technically varied and worthy of recognition while serving as the Test Lead on the LAN based RAPPI and ECG RAPPI programs. In this role he developed numerous software applications to test, analyze and verify Radar data throughput and capacity on several national builds for the LAN based and ECG RAPPI systems. He also developed test plans and procedures to test the new code, conducted testing, identified weaknesses in the approach and devised solutions to correct the code before installation in ATRCC’s. Additionally, he traveled to 8 ARTCC’s to install the LAN based and ECG RAPPI hardware and software, conducted site acceptance testing, and completed the test reports for those sites. Mr. Kubont’s efforts also yielded significant information that was incorporated into RAPPI Software, Operator, Familiarization, Instructor, Implementation, and Student Manuals. He is active in the community as a Merit Badge counselor for several Scouting organizations and provides computer support to the Highland Community Church.

Outstanding Technical Leadership

GARY W. FURR, Titan Corp.

This award recognizes outstanding achievements in Technical Leadership.

As Task Lead on the ADS-B project Mr. Furr distinguished himself as the chair of an RTCA Standards Development working group and supported ICAO Standards Development and Practices. Under his guidance, these high profile activities brought international recognition to the technical excellence of the WJHTC and the ADS-B project. Mr. Furr served as the Technical Lead and major contributor during development and publication of RTCA Document 260, MOPS for 1090 MHz ADS-B. This ground breaking work lead to his selection as Co-Chair of an Ad Hoc working group to accomplish review of ADS-B VHF Digital Link Mode 4 MOPS developed by the European Organization for Civil Aviation Equipment (EUROCAE). Additionally, Mr. Furr is a respected authority in avionics standards and has been instrumental in the development of the Universal Access Transceiver used by both the ADS-B and Capstone programs. Mr. Furr has become a key industry player in one of the FAA and Free Flight’s most significant initiatives, the development of ADS-B technology, while continuing to contribute technically and take on increasing high level leadership responsibilities.

 

Outstanding Aviation Research

LOUISE SPEITEL, AAR-400, FAA

This award recognizes outstanding achievement in aviation research.

Louise Speitel has developed novel infrared spectroscopy instrumentation and methodologies for continuously measuring real-time combustion gas concentrations in smoldering and flaming fires. This analytical capability was the enabling technology for the development and subsequent patent filing of a composite plastic smoke generator that will be used to simulate cargo compartment fires. The plastic smoke generator can inexpensively reproduce a smoke composition signature that is representative of real luggage and is a significant advance over theatrical smoke generators using helium. The investigator also developed an analytical method using extractive Fourier transform spectroscopy to detect dozens of fire gases in-situ and in real-time providing for the first time a fire gas signature typical of cargo compartment fires. This allowed the FAA to validate a safe, reproducible, and realistic smoke generation source which became the benchmark for manufacturers to produce advanced fire detectors for aircraft.

FRIEND OF THE SOCIETIES AWARD

JOHN J. MCGRATH, Galaxy Scientific

The Friend of the Societies Award is given each year to an individual who through their continuous support of the South Jersey Professional societies, which are comprised of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), the IEEE Computer Society, and The IEEE Women In Engineering Affinity Group, has enabled the professional societies to enrich our community through our good works. These endeavors include advances in aviation, transportation and manufacturing brought about by our engineers, community outreach efforts such as visits to schools to promote education and careers in science and engineering, organizing and judging science fairs, hosting distinguished lecturers at our monthly dinner events, and lastly sponsoring the annual Engineer of the Year Awards Banquet. Through his continuous commitment and generous support to the South Jersey Professional Societies, John J. McGrath, of Galaxy Scientific has earned the distinction of “Friend of the Societies” for the year 2004, given at the 8th Annual “Engineer of the Year” Awards Banquet, November 18th, 2004.

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7th ANNUAL ENGINEER OF THE YEAR

Award Winners for 2003

ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
Dan Casey, AOS-540

OUTSTANDING RESEARCHER
Dr. James C. Weatherall, Galaxy Scientific

TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP
Bill Benner, ACB-630

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO TEST
Rick Thor, ACB-820

FRIEND OF THE SOCIETIES AWARD
Frank Valenti, AS&T

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6th ANNUAL ENGINEER OF THE YEAR