MAY 2004

RTF TESTING ................................. 38x6 SWT tests help lay groundworkfor shuttle improvements

CENTAUR RECOGNIZED ........... 4A special ceremony celebratesthe release of a history book

WHO INSPIRED YOU? ................ 12Four Asian-Pacific Islandersshare their inspirations

Volume 6 Issue 5 May 2004

Icing research aircraft comes to Glenn

T

Continued on page 2

he delivery to Glenn of an S–3 Viking, aformer Navy aircraft, provides a big boostto NASA's Aviation Safety and SecurityProgram (AvSSP) and the future of itsicing flight research capabilities. OnMarch 26, George Finelli, AvSSP man-ager, visited Glenn to help officially wel-come the aircraft.

"We're excited to take delivery of theS–3 from the Navy," said Tom Bond,chief of Glenn's Icing Research Branch."The increased power, speed, and rangeof this aircraft will provide new oppor-tunities for our researchers to explorelarge-scale icing weather movement,high-speed icing physics, and databasedevelopment for improved validation oficing simulation models."

Aircraft icingresearch atGlenn hasbeen basedon the use oftwo major fa-cilities, the Ic-ing ResearchTunnel and aDeHavillandTwin Otter,the workhorsefor Glenn'sin-flight icingresearch forthe past 22years. Thesefacilities, along with computational tools, George Finelli, NASA's AvSSP manager,

came to celebrate delivery of the S–3 andtalked about the long heritage and value oficing research to the aviation community.

Photo by Quentin SchwinnC-2004-26

Glenn news release

More details on page 7

n my inaugural talk to employees, I com-mitted to opening the doors of ourCenter to the local community. Journeyto Tomorrow, our new festival plannedfor June, will be an excellent opportunity

for us to showcasethis great researchlaboratory and itspeople by reachingout to those who maynot know us andstrengthening rela-tionships with thosewho do.

During this 4-day event, we will demon-strate our commitment to technical excel-lence, our unparalleled expertise in innova-tive technology, our dedication to theNASA mission, and our community spirit.

Join me on the journeyAs this Center's most valuable resource—its employees—you can play a key role inthe success of this event.

• Grab your baseball gloves, family, andfriends and come out to Jacobs Field forNASA Day with the Indians on June 10.

• Volunteer to help with our June 11Technology Showcase to promoteopportunities for partnership andcollaboration with the business andacademic communities.

• Sign up to help with the June 12 and 13Open House, and don't forget to inviteyour family, friends, and neighbors.

Journey to Tomorrow is a fun and excitingway to continue our efforts to engage,

educate, and inspire the public. Please joinme on the journey!

I

Dr. Earls

2

Campbell retires onald Campbell, who served as NASA Glenn's directorfrom January 1994 to October 2003, retired from theAgency on April 4. He most recently headed NASA'sSpecial Projects Office for Nuclear Power Systems. Plansare being made for his retirement dinner.

D

Icing research plane unveiledContinued from page 1

ASA's second X–43A hypersonicresearch aircraft flew successfully March27, reaching a test speed of Mach 7(seven times the speed of sound), orapproximately 5,000 mph. That was fasterthan any known aircraft powered by anair-breathing engine has ever flown.

High-fidelity flight data was obtainedthroughout the vehicle's boost, stageseparation, and descent to splash down.The initial data review, conducted onMarch 31, confirmed that scramjets work,but according to Griff Corpening, chiefengineer at Dryden, there were a coupleof areas that differed from what was seenin the wind tunnels, thus reinforcing theneed for flight testing.

Significant aviation milestones thatoccurred during this combined effortby Langley, Dryden and industry partnersincluded the first controlled acceleratingflight at Mach 7 under scramjet power;the first air-breathing scramjet-poweredfree flight; and the first successful stageseparation at high dynamic pressure oftwo nonaxisymmetric vehicles.

The March 27 flight from Dryden beganwith NASA's B–52B launch aircraft carry-ing the X–43A to the test range over thePacific Ocean off the California coast. Amodified Pegasus rocket boosted theX–43A to its test altitude of about 95,000feet. It separated from the booster andflew freely under its own power. Thevehicle landed in the Pacific Ocean atthe end of the test. Planning is underwayfor the next flight this fall at Mach 10,approximately 7,500 mph. ◆

NASA fliesscramjets

NHeadquarters news release

Campbell

experimental methods, and the highlyspecialized instrumentation employedby the Icing Branch, have led to the suc-cessful advancement of safety-basedresearch supported in Glenn's AircraftIcing Project. NASA's new aviationsafety objectives, however, require in-creased capability in range, speed,payload, and onboard power beyondthe Twin Otter's capabilities.

With eight times the range of Glenn'scurrent icing research aircraft, the S–3will enable research flights from Cleve-land to Wyoming and back in a single day.It is representative of modern researchaircraft to be used to develop in-flightcharacterization of natural icing phenom-ena. Glenn will need to modify the planeto incorporate diagnostic tools and allow

in-flight icing weather forecasting. Theaircraft is scheduled to begin performingresearch flights in November 2006.

"This icing research program has provedover and over again the value of doingthe ground-based research, workingin the wind tunnel, but most important,proving it in flight. You've got tofly it—that's what this business is allabout," said Glenn Deputy Director RichChristiansen. It's going to have a long,healthy, and productive future."

The NASA AvSSP is a partnership with theFederal Aviation Administration, aircraftmanufacturers, commercial airlines,and the Department of HomelandSecurity to reduce the fatal aircraftaccident rate and protect air travelersand the public from security threats. ◆

Photo courtesy of N

AS

A D

ryden

New ISS crew reports for duty xpedition 9 Commander Gennady Padalka and NASA ISS Science Officer MikeFincke began their tour of duty on the International Space Station (ISS) April 29 whenMichael Foale, Expedition 8 commander, and cosmonaut Alexander Kaleri, flightengineer, returned to Earth. They were accompanied by European Space Agency (ESA)Astronaut Andre Kuipers, who arrived with Ex–9 under an agreement between ESA andthe Federal Space Agency of Russian.

Padalka and Fincke will spend 6 months maintaining Station operations and continuingresearch. The Ex–9 mission is commemorated in thepatch, pictured below. The Soyuz rocket and letter "X"combine into the Roman numeral IX. The "X" evokesExploration, which is at the core of the indivisible part-nership of the two space pioneering nations. Researchaboard ISS will lead to human exploration of the Moonand Mars. In memory of the astronauts and cosmonautswho gave their lives, stars form the leading edge of thewings of the eagle spirit that embodies Human SpaceFlight. The astronaut symbol is flanked by the Ex–9 crewnames leaning to-gether, with a "9" stylized as the plumeof their rocket. ◆

E

MAY 2004

3

8x6 SWT produces vitaldata for Return to FlightBY DOREEN ZUDELL

R ecent testing in Glenn's 8- by 6-FootSupersonic Wind Tunnel (8x6 SWT)for the Agency's Return to Flight(RTF) activity is helping lay the ground-work for potential improvements onthe space shuttle.

The tests centered on protuberance airload (PAL) ramps that are currently usedon the space shuttle's external tank. Theramps are intended to reduce aerody-namic loads on the liquid hydrogen (LH2)and liquid oxygen (LO2) portions of thecable tray during launch.

"Because the PAL ramps are made offoam, with the potential to break off,members of the Space Shuttle ExternalTank Return to Flight team are looking forpotential alternatives for removal of foamramp materials," explained ScottWilliamson, Research Testing Division.

The RTF team contacted NASA Glennlast June to request that it rerun a 1983test to verify loads on the LH2 portion ofthe cable tray. Utilizing designs from the1983 test and the original splitter plate(platform) for mounting hardware, theGlenn team quickly got to work fabricat-ing the test unit. In just 2 months, theydesigned, fabricated, installed, verified,and completed testing of a 1/4-scalesection of the LH2 cable tray.

In September, the RTF team inquiredabout a second test to focus on the LO2cable tray section. Because no tests inthe 8x6 SWT had been performed previ-ously on this area, the project requiredmore intensive design than the first test.Glenn again stepped up to the challengeby completing the 1/2-scale model test-

This is the third in a series of articles highlighting Glenn's significantrole in the space shuttle investigation and Return to Flight efforts.

ing process in lessthan 5 months.

"The Glenn teamperformed in anextraordinary fash-ion," said DennyKross, manager ofthe Space Shuttle External Tank Returnto Flight Team, Kennedy. "Due to theirtremendous dedication, technical excel-lence, and 'can-do' attitude, Glenn pro-vided very high quality products that di-rectly support the NASA space shuttleReturn to Flight effort."

In April, Glenn performed additionaltesting on the LO2 cable tray section.The results from all these tests, coupledwith other test results, will be used toanalyze whether the ramps can beeliminated, reshaped, or reduced in size.All of the data will be used to preparefor several full-scale tests, and helpcertify a change to the shuttle externaltank cable tray design.

Williamson explained that in addition tothe team in the 8x6 SWT who performedthe testing and those who supported itthrough in-house design and fabricationcapabilities, many others were affectedby this RTF effort.

"Projects originally scheduled for tunneluse had to be delayed so that we couldhave access to the facility. We tried towork around their schedules but it wasnot always possible," Williamson said."However, our people showed true'One NASA' spirit through their patienceand understanding. The entire Centercan take pride in this." ◆

Graphic by Jim Lucic

he NASA Headquarters Office ofProcurement awarded the Glenn mem-bers of the Custodial Services SourceEvaluation Board (SEB) the AcquisitionImprovement Award for their work inprocuring the follow-on contract. Theprocurement was accomplished in 123days from solicitation issuance to awarddate and required the efforts of onlya group of five individuals. The boardmembers awarded are L. Marc Hudson,Marisa Pischel, Richard Flaisig, DavidVance, members of the ProcurementOffice, and Patricia Fordosi, FacilitiesDivision. In addition, Robert Lisy, Pro-curement Division, was recognizedfor his excellent participation inthe Goddard SEB for the SpaceMission Communications and DataServices procurement. ◆

HQ awardsprocurement effortsT

Scott Williamson inspects the hardwareinstalled in the 8x6 SWT in preparation forthe space shuttle Return to Flight testing.

View us online athttp://

AeroSpaceFrontiers.grc.nasa.gov

4

Lebacqz speaks on role of aeronautics

f you are a current or former civil servantor support service contractor employeewho worked on the Centaur Program,either in the Launch Vehicles Division orone of the facilities that developed andtested Centaur, you (and your spouse)are invited to a special ceremonycelebrating the release of a historypublication on Centaur, June 9, from1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Visitor Center.

The book, titled Taming Liquid Hydrogen:The Centaur Upper Stage Rocket 1958–2002, focuses on the technical andpolitical hurdles that Centaur faced overthe three decades that it was managedby NASA Lewis (Glenn). Locally authoredby Dr. Virginia Dawson and Dr. MarkBowles, this new book in the NASAHistory Series has won the 2004American Institute of Aeronautics andAstronautics Historic Manuscript Award.The award will be presented at the

ceremony and theauthors will be availableto autograph the book.

Centaur's high-energyhydrogen fuel trans-formed the Atlas andTitan missiles intolaunch vehicles capableof sending space probesto the outer reaches ofthe solar system. Thevehicle of choice for aseries of spectacularplanetary missions in the 1970s, Centaurwas nearly phased out in the early 1980s,when space policy dictated that allmissions be carried out by the reusablespace shuttle. Today, Centaur representsthe successful transfer of technology fromthe government to the private sector; itstill flies as the upper stage for the redesign-ed Atlas family of commercial rockets.

Attention former Centaur workers

Come celebrate Centaur!I

Eighty-nine members of the Lewis (Glenn) Centaur team posedfor this photo in 1979 while celebrating the 50th anniversary ofthe Atlas-Centaur flight.

n April 7, Dr. J. Victor Lebacqz,associate administrator for NASA'sOffice of Aeronautics (Code R), con-ducted a town hall meeting at Glennto share his values and managementstyle for bringing the skills and resources

BY S. JENISE VERISof all four Code R centers together toachieve the Agency's vision and goals.This event concluded Lebacqz's sched-uled visits to each Code R center.

Lebacqz discussed recent events thathave changed the role of aeronautics in

the Agency. He emphasizedthe need to bolster Code R'scredibility through participa-tion in several initiatives withgovernment, industry, andacademia partners. The initia-tives include the Joint Plan-ning and Development Office(JPDO), a prestigious groupdeveloping a model for theNation's new air transporta-tion system; the Industry Tech-nology Leadership Team, anindustry-led team to informNASA of industry needs; andthe Dean's Council, an aca-demic partnership with 15 en-gineering schools across thecountry.

Lebacqz briefly identified his top sixpriorities for addressing industry andeducational needs and the recommen-dations of various commissions andorganizations to regain U.S. promi-nence in aeronautics: (1) Ensure NASA'scontribution to an improved air trans-portation system through participationin the JPDO; (2) Maintain an emphasison public goods research (noise andemissions, safety and security, i.e., allthings easy to promote about NASA'swork); (3) Enhance and accelerateunmanned aerial vehicle research; (4)Assess and leverage possibilities for su-personics; (5) Increase the design andrisk reduction activities for planetaryaircraft; and (6) Determine the futureof hypersonic research.

Summarizing the role of aeronautics,Lebacqz said, "The Wright Brotherstook us into the skies of this planet 100years ago. Our job is to fully utilize andprotect our sky and to enable human-kind to explore other skies." ◆

O

Photo by Marvin SmithC-2004-515

Reservations for this event must bemade by May 28, for planning purposesand clearance to the Center. To reservea seat and a copy of the book, call216–433–2782 or e-mail Lynne.M.Wiersma@nasa.gov or Monica. M.Palivoda@nasa.gov ◆

MAY 2004

5

Q: On the Ask the Director Web site, you seem to have alot of questions where responses have not yet been posted.If you say you will post answers within 5 to 7 workdays,and you don't do that, you lose credibility. I suggest youconsider a more honest response time—perhaps 30 days?

A. I acknowledge that a number of responses have not been posted within the timeperiod I originally communicated to Center employees (5 to 7 workdays). While thattimeframe remains my goal, there is a twofold reason why delays have occurred. First,the complexity of many of the questions requires that I research information fromacross the Center prior to formulating a response. Second, at times, my travelobligations impact my ability to respond and/or review supporting information fromthe appropriate office/directorate. Additionally, due to the excellent employee re-sponse and subjects covered on the Ask the Director page, I am implementing severalinternal process changes that will, in most cases, result in expedited responses.Overall, I believe employees are more inclined to want an accurate response ratherthan a quick response. I appreciate your patience and understanding and fully expectresponse times to improve.

Q. There is a very real perception among employees in 7000 that Human Resourcesacts as more of an impediment on careers than a resource. I realize that your day-to-day responsibilities don't put you in touch with many of the employees "in thetrenches," so to speak. Nearly everyone I know has had a negative experience withour Human Resources department, be it promotions, or bench audits that take so longthat many of us think that a certain level of ineptitude must exist. I personally havereceived Notification of Personnel Action forms that come 6 months late. Employeemorale plays a crucial role in the Center's future. A Human Resources departmentthat does not build confidence and trust within the workforce is a serious liability.

What recourse do employees that feel"stonewalled" have?

A. I acknowledge that your perception isshared by numerous employees through-out the Center. I am asking the Chief ofthe Office of Human Resources andWorkforce Planning (OHRWP) to reviewthe issues raised in your question andprepare a plan to address the class ofconcerns you defined. I agree with youthat morale is extremely important.Often an explanation of processeswill serve to foster understanding andappreciation for the steps required toconduct audits, reviews, etc. In addition,establishing goals and timetables(metrics) for evaluating response timesshould help facilitate more timely feed-back. The employees of the OHRWPare dedicated to improving customerservice. If you desire a specific responseto an individual concern, please askyour line management to take the leadto work with the appropriate specialistwithin the OHRWP. Thank you forraising the issue.

The Ask the Director Web site can befound under Corporate Focus on theGRC internal homepage (WING). ◆

LESA MEETING: LESA/IFPTE, Local 28,will hold its next monthly membershipmeeting on Wednesday, May 12, at noonin the Employee Center, room 101.

WOMEN RETIREE LUNCHEON: Thenext luncheon for Glenn (Lewis) femaleretirees will be noon, Thursday, May 20, atThe Red Lantern in Kamm's Plaza, Cleve-land. For reservations, call Phyllis Monguloat 440–331–5966 by Monday, May 17.

SATURDAY AT THE VC: Improve yourown understanding or nurture yourchild's interest in the astronaut corpsduring the Saturday, May 22 program,"So You Want to Be An Astronaut" atthe Visitor Center (VC). For more infor-mation, call the VC at 216–433–2000.

ASIAN-PACIFIC ISLANDER PROGRAM:Glenn will celebrate the heritage ofAsian-Pacific Islander Americans underthe theme "Freedom for All. A Nation

We Call Our Own" on May 27, from10 a.m. to noon in the Ad. Bldg. Audito-rium. The program will feature a Glennkeynote speaker, cultural performances,and cuisine sampling. Your attendanceat the event is highly encouraged.

PROJECT ORION TALK: George Dyson,author of the book, Project Orion, will givea talk on May 27 in the DEB Auditorium at2 p.m. Sponsored by Glenn's EngineeringTraining Committee, the talk will focus onProject Orion, an attempt to build anuclear bomb-powered rocket in 1957.Dyson's father, Freeman Dyson, was aphysicist on the Project Orion team.

PHOTONICS CONFERENCE: Former as-tronaut Story Musgrave, who once repairedthe Hubble Space Telescope, will be oneof the featured speakers at the GreatLakes Photonics Symposium from June 7to 11 at Cleveland's Renaissance Hoteldowntown and the Great Lakes Science

Center. Other speakers include GlennCenter Director Dr. Julian Earls, BatellePresident and CEO Carl Kohrt, New YorkUniversity at Buffalo Professor ParasPrasad, and University of Toronto Presi-dent Sajeev John. The conference spot-lights optics and photonics technology inthe Great Lakes area. Sessions will focus on10 topics, including liquid crystal techno-logy, biophotonics, automotive applica-tions, quantum optics and advancedspectroscopy, enabling technologies, aero-space applications, nanotechnology andMEMS, and automatic recognition andprocessing technology applications. To reg-ister visit www.usasymposium.com/glps/.

EARTH SCIENCE CONFERENCE: NASA'sEarth Science Technology Office ispresenting the fourth annual Earth ScienceTechnology Conference in Palo Alto,CA, June 22 to 24. The conference willshowcase a wide array of technologyresearch related to NASA Earth science

Continued on page 11

6

BY S. JENISE VERIS

An "out-of-the box" experience

O

Veteran teams mentored rookies at Max Hayeswith help of Glenn's Mark Poljak (back, center).

Glenn volunteer referees tally points and keepthe frenzy of battling robots under control.

Deputy Director Christiansen was an honorarymember of Youth Technology Academy team.

North Royalton, "Rookie Team of the Year."

ver 1500 high school students representing 60 teams from six states came ready torock and roll in Cleveland during the third annual Buckeye Regional FIRST (ForInspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics competition.

The action-packed event, held March 25 to 27 at the Cleveland State UniversityConvocation Center, was the culmination of a 6-week race to build the strongest andmost agile robot from a kit of identical parts. Yet, for the majority of competitors, themost memorable aspects of this "out-of-the-box" experience were the relationshipsformed and the career possibilities discovered.

"There are no losers in this FIRST robotics competition," said Carol Galica (IDI),Glenn's FIRST program manager, Educational Programs Office (EPO). "There's beena wonderful transformation that occurs with this competition, which brings youngpeople and professionals from sponsoring corporations, colleges, and governmentagencies together to actually communicate and solve an engineering problem."

Although the level of support varies among the individual teams, a notable swell ofsupport for the FIRST program is growing throughout Northeast Ohio and the entirestate since bringing the (Buckeye) regional to the area March 2002.

• The number of teams statewide participating grew from 12 to 36; NASA Glennsponsorship grew from 5 to 31.• Max S. Hayes Vocational School (Team 541), last year's Buckeye Regional winner,extended professional courtesy to 10 other local high schools by sharing their shopand producing replicas of their winning robot base and drive system. This enabled theveteran teams to mentor the six rookie teams on a daily basis, including the 2004Buckeye Rookie Team of the Year, North Royalton (1278), which advanced to thenational competition in Atlanta.• A FIRST LEGO League Robotics Regional was created and hosted by Max S. Hayes;33 middle schools (including 10 Glenn-sponsored teams) from Northeast Ohiocompeted.• Cuyahoga Community College (CCC) now offers courses such as Introduction toRobotics and Introduction to Manufacturing where students working on the FIRSTprogram can also earn college credits towards an electrical engineering certificate.• The Cleveland TechWorks consortium was established to help teams find funding,training, mentors, and other resources necessary to develop successful FIRST teamsin the area. Consortium membership is open to any interested school or business andcurrently includes Parker Hannifin, Battelle Memorial Institute, CCC, OAI, spaceInstitute, and the City of Cleveland Department of Workforce Enhancement. Theconsortium is also working to find businesses that are willing to provide summerinternship opportunities related to robotics for FIRST students.

Through NASA's Robotics Education Project, 20 of the teams in the Buckeye Regionalwere awarded sponsorships to enable them to participate in this year's competition.An additional 11 teams were awarded registration scholarships from Glenn'sEPO. NASA sponsorship has grown exponentially as FIRST is becoming part of asystemic change in educational approach in communities across the country.

As External Programs Director John Hairston said, "From the NASA Glenn-EastTechnical High Team (120) that first entered FIRST competition in 1995, to thehundreds of other NASA teams that have followed, NASA sponsorship is an invest-ment in the development of an educated robotics technology workforce capable ofmeeting the myriad of challenges of future missions to explore our solar system inthe 21st century."

Editor's note: For a complete list ofcompeting teams and award winners ofthe 2004 Buckeye Regional, visitwww.firstbuckey.org.

MAY 2004

7

Glenn to host Journey to Tomorrow

A n exciting mission is on the horizon,where business, academia, and thegeneral public will be the explorers.

During Journey to Tomorrow, June 10through 13, the Center will host threeactivities aimed at showcasing its uniquecapabilities and strengthening relation-ships with the public.

The fun begins on June 10 with NASADay at Jacobs Field. NASA AdministratorSean O'Keefe will throw the first pitch!During the game, NASA will be recog-nized with video programming thathighlights the Center's uniqueness andvalue to the community. Discount ticketswill be available at the Main Cafeteriaon May 14 only. After that date, ticketorder forms will be available throughthe Exchange Store and online. Watchfor details on Today@Glenn.

On June 11, the excitement continueswith a Technology Showcase, where par-ticipants can explore the advantages ofpartnering with Glenn. A variety of com-munication avenues—presentations,speeches, exhibits, breakout sessions,handouts, and one-on-one discussionswith Glenn management and research-

BY DOREEN ZUDELL

ers—will show busi-ness, industry, andacademia attendeeshow to access Glenntechnology and iden-tify contracting op-portunities. Most im-portant, the event isdesigned to increaseinteractions betweenoffsite colleagues andGlenn employees.

"The TechnologyShowcase will pro-vide practical accessto Glenn—includinginformation on newprogrammatic direc-tions, how to access new technologiesand facilities, and upcoming procurementopportunities," said Kathy Needham,Technology Transfer and Partnership Of-fice. "It's a chance for Glenn to show offour expertise and provide business andacademia real-time advice on how towork with us."

On June 12 and 13, Glenn will put out thewelcome mat to the general public.Through a variety of tours, exhibits, and

live programs, the open house will showvisitors how the Center is workingto fulfill NASA's vision and mission.While the event will welcome peopleof all ages, special emphasis will beplaced on inspiring the next generationof explorers.

"The open house will emphasize familiesand hands-on educational activities,"explained Jo Ann Charleston, chief ofthe Educational Programs Office. "OurInteractive Zone will allow visitors touse cutting-edge technology to virtuallyimmerse themselves in the footsteps ofthe Wright Brothers, aeronautics engi-neers, and astronauts."

An event of this magnitude cannothappen without the support ofGlenn employees and retirees.People are needed to serve asspeakers, exhibit and facility staffers,hospitality aides, and supporters forother logistical functions.

"This is going to be an incredible 4 days,"said Journey to Tomorrow ProjectManager David DeFelice. "At the endof the event, people inside and outsideof the gates are going to say, 'Wow!' "

For more information on how youcan support the Journey to Tomorrowevents, see journey.grc.nasa.gov. ◆

Zero Gravity Facility during the 1998 open house.

Graphic by Jim Lucic

8

E

FEB awards recognize outstandingservice to job and community

Continued on page 9

l leven Glenn employees were honoredwith the Federal Executive Board'sWings of Excellence award on May 3.The award recognizes employees whoseoutstanding performances, either onthe job or off the job, have served as aninspiration to others and/or broughtcredit to the Federal service. Awardeesmay be recognized for on-the-job per-formance, community service, or both.

Timothy Bencic, Optical InstrumentationTechnology Branch, is recognized for hiswork in luminescent coatings for pres-sure and temperature measurement inaerospace propulsion systems and formentoring engineering students inGlenn's Summer Intern and GraduateStudent Research programs as well asstudents in two local high schools.

Amy Bower, Glenn Safety Office, PlumBrook Station, has implemented safety,health, and environmental requirementsat Plum Brook Station, including safetyoversight to the Reactor Decommis-sioning Project. During her tenure, therehave been no civil servant personnel losttime incidents.

Dennis Culley, Controls and DynamicsBranch, has provided technical leader-ship in development of control hardwareand software for complex systems. Hehelped organize a "Government Aware-ness Day" where Cleveland area Federalgovernment agencies provided informa-tion to community members. Culley leda project to plant endangered Americanchestnut trees at Glenn and at ClevelandMetro Parks.

Karen Edwards, Procurement Division,volunteers in her local school systemthrough the Band Boosters, the schoolendowment fund, and the Young Astro-nauts Program at Glenn. With interestfrom an endowment fund she establishedin memory of her daughter, Edwardsprovides grants to the school for enrich-ment programs for children with specialneeds. At work, Edwards believes in

empowering people to make a differ-ence in the way they conduct business.

Gwendolyn Flowers, Resources Analysisand Management Office, serves as presi-dent of the Board of Trustees for theCenter's day care facility. She also men-tors high school and college students whowork at the Center, and is a member ofthe Speakers Bureau. In addition to hernormally assigned duties, Flowers hasserved on Center and Agency teams.

Jill Noble, Information Systems Division,is an active member of the AmericanCouncil of the Blind. She does publicspeaking for the Cleveland Sight Centerand mentors for their Braille literacy pro-gram. She was instrumental in establish-ing an annual Dog-a-Thon event to raisefunds, which are used to purchaseadaptive equipment for children who areblind or visually impaired in NortheastOhio. Noble is also a member of theSpeakers Bureau.

Bryan Palaszewski, Combustion Branch,provides over 50 lectures annually topublic groups, from preschool to retirees.He works closely with Glenn's SpeakersBureau and Digital Learning Network,programs that allow NASA engineersand scientists to provide informationto the general public. Palaszewski devel-ops and uses a variety of outreach toolsin his presentations.

Dr. Robert Romanofsky, Antenna, Mi-crowave, and Optical Systems Branch, isinternationally recognized for his workas a communications research engineerand technical leader with notable contri-butions in the area of ferroelectricreflect-array antennas. His inventions havesparked small business initiatives forcommercialization. Romanofsky alsomentors student interns from univer-sities across the state of Ohio and as aprofessor at Cleveland State University.

Duane Schaft, Financial ManagementDivision, worked as project manager to

Bencic Bower

Culley Edwards

Noble

Dr. RomanofskyPalaszewski

Wings of Excellence

implement a Web-based time and atten-dance system at Glenn that eliminatedthe need for timekeepers. He is active indisability awareness both at Glenn andoutside organizations, inspiring othersthrough his life experiences as a personwith a physical disability. He is active in

Flowers

MAY 2004

9

Continued from page 8

Schaft Sikora

Tripp

the Berea Jaycees and has volunteered throughout the years in other social, fund-raising, and community service projects.

William Sikora, Office of Chief Council, was legal advisor to the Columbia AccidentInvestigation Board. Deployed with the board over a period of 7 months, Sikora helpedestablish the board's management processes and developed operating proceduresfor conducting public hearings, releasing information to the pubic, protecting priviledgedwitness statements, interacting with Congress, and archiving the board's records.

Paivi Tripp, Procurement Division, supports the Center meeting its research andinstitutional procurement needs and is a key implementer of the new integratedfinancial and purchase management systems, authorizing access and insuringqualified system users. She is also a member of the Procurement e-Business Teamand a leader in the Agency procurement efforts to consolidate certain businesstransactional functions in one location. ◆

FEB's Wings of Excellence awards

ASA's commitment to nurture the next generation of explorers is being embracedat the earliest level by a group of employees who crochet clothing for premature infants.

"Babies who are born prematurely lack the ability to maintain stable body tempera-tures," explained Kathy Naugle, Office of Strategic Management. "Items such as hatsand blankets help keep the infants warm, which better ensures their survival."

Naugle, who has been crocheting and knitting for more than 20 years, began craftingitems for "preemies" about 7 years ago when she learned that a hospital in Wisconsinwas in need of handmade blankets and hats. Since then, she has donated nearly 300hats, blankets, booties, sweaters, and afghans to hospital neonatal units.

Shortly after she began crocheting for the infants, fellow employees learned of heroutreach activity and asked Naugle if they could become involved. Years later, Naugleand her group—Susan Deal (IDI), Patricia McElroy, Jill Noble, and Theresa Scott—

Outreach nurtures the next generation

NBY DOREEN ZUDELL

Crocheting for preemies

Left to right,PatriciaMcElroy,Theresa Scott,Kathy Naugle,Jill Noble, andSusan Dealdonate theirspare time tocrochetingclothes itemsfor prematureinfants.

all members of the Information SystemsDivision—are still crafting the items. Theyalso collect donations from others.

"I didn't know how to crochet but I wantedto help the babies, so I asked Kathy if shecould teach me," said Deal, who nowcalls crocheting her "passion."

Noble, who also had no experiencecrocheting before joining the group,affirmed the joy she finds in this activity."It's a 'good' addiction," she said.

The most needed items, such as blankets,which typically measure 12 by 12 inches,and hats to fit small heads (about orangeor grapefruit size for premature babies),serve not only to warm the infants but askeepsakes for the families.

Sharing this unique kind of outreach hasresulted in a special friendship for partici-pants that transcends the regular lunch-time gatherings to crochet and comparepatterns. Through the years, the ladieshave traveled to stores, festivals, andconferences in search of yarns worthy towrap precious, tiny bundles—some ofwhom (who knows?) could turn out tobe NASA's future explorers. ◆

10

Dr. Angel

Dr. Paul Angel has been selected as thePropulsion Technology Roadmap man-ager in the Special Projects Office. Angelcomes to this position from the Environ-mental Durability Branch within theMaterials Division. He brings considerablematerials expertise as well as demon-strated leadership in project manage-ment and intercenter and interagencytechnology development activities. Hehas received numerous performanceawards including the NASA ExceptionalAchievement Honor Award.

Michael Goin, who previously worked inthe Organizational Development andTraining Office, has been selected to beexecutive director of the ClevelandFederal Executive Board (FEB). Goin pro-vides a full range of staff services to thechairperson and members of the board.The FEB functions as a focal point forcoordinating and sharing available infor-mation and expertise among Federalagencies through activities of its commit-tees, and serves as a major point ofcontact between the private sector andgovernment in areas of local and Federalconcern. Goin replaces Judy Montfort,who retired from this position earlierthis year.

Mark Manthey has been selected chiefof the Space Systems and Grants Branchin the Procurement Division. Manthey'sextensive experience in procurement,both in research and development andservices and construction, prepare himwell for this new venture. Manthey serveda 1-year term at NASA Headquarters andOffice of Management and Budget'sOffice of Federal Procurement Policy forthe Professional Development Program;completed the Executive PotentialProgram with a detail as an acting HighSpeed Research subelement programmanager; and demonstrated leadershipin many Source Evaluation Board-levelprocurements and other activities.

Promotions

AwardsOlga González-Sanabria, director of theEngineering and Technical Services, hasreceived the Women of Achievementaward from the Young Women's Chris-

Manthey González-Sanabria

Thank you from the bottom of my heart toall my friends at NASA, especially those inbuilding 142 and also across the Lab. Youhave stood by me since my illness withyour prayers, beautiful cards, phone calls,visits, food, and donated leave. Pleaseknow how much you all mean to me. I willnever forget you. I am so blessed to haveworked at NASA. —Mildred Bergman

I would like to thank anyone or every-one who donated leave to me andall the cards and calls I received duringmy recent illness. It was very muchappreciated. —Kathy Webb

Goin

tian Association (YWCA). Established in1977, this award is one of the most pres-tigious honors for women in Cleveland.It recognizes women who demonstrateoutstanding leadership qualities, as wellas excellence, accomplishments, andcommitment in their careers and commu-nities. Women chosen to receive thisaward are role models and mentors. Theyhave played significant roles in helpingother women achieve their goals. Theaward recipients must also exemplify theYWCA mission of empowering womenand eliminating racism.

• Discount movie tickets and CedarPoint and Geauga Lake amusementpark tickets are available in theExchange Store.

• A Ribs and Chicken BBQ Cook Outis set for May 20 and will be servedon the Main Cafeteria patio between11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

• Don't forget the Main Cafeteria foryour catering needs. The CateringDepartment can help you plan yournext party. For more information, callCrystal Wodziszi, 216–433–5534.

• The Main and DEB cafeterias willfeature 8-inch individual Donatospizzas with toppings loaded EDGETO EDGE for $4.99 each. Pizzaswill be on sale on Wednesdays from11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Exchange Corner

Milton Beheim, 73, who was chiefengineer prior to his retirement in 1986,recently died.

Edith (Long) Donahue, , , , , 82, who retiredas a secretary in 1985 after 22 years ofNASA service recently died.

William Fecych, 80, who retired in 1973with 17 years of Federal service, recentlydied. He worked as a supervisory nuclearengineer and helped design and bringonline the 60-megawatt research andtest reactor at Plum Brook Station.

Thelma Hunt, 78, who retired in 1988after 11 years of NASA service, recentlydied. Hunt was a secretary.

Milton "Pete" Lauver, 83, who retired in1982 after 24 years of service, recentlydied. Lauver was a chemist who perform-ed research in the area of combustionfundamentals and space power as amember of the Microgravity Division.

John Misencik, 75, who retired in 1982after 23 years of NASA service, recentlydied. Misencik was head metallurgist inthe 1960s and 1970s.

11

a closer look at our colleagues

Barbara Cotton

MAY 2004

AeroSpace Frontiers is an official publication ofGlenn Research Center, National Aeronauticsand Space Administration. It is published thefirst Friday of each month by the Communityand Media Relations Office in the interest ofthe Glenn workforce, retirees, Governmentofficials, business leaders, and the generalpublic. Its circulation is approximately 6700.

Editor..................................Doreen B. Zudell InDyne, Inc.

Assistant Editor.......................S. Jenise Veris InDyne, Inc.

Managing Editor......................Lori J. Rachul

DEADLINES: News items and briefannouncements for publication in the Juneissue must be received by noon, May 13.The deadline for the July issue is noonJune 11. Submit contributions to the editorvia e-mail, doreen.zudell@grc.nasa.gov, fax

216–433–8143, phone216–433–5317 or 216–433–2888, or MS 3–11.Ideas for news stories arewelcome but will bepublished as space allows.View us online at http://A e r o S p a c e F r o n t i e r s .grc.nasa.gov.

Cotton, left, autographing a copy of one of her books.

Job Assignment: I'm an in-formation technologyspecialist in the SystemsAnalysis Branch.

Time at NASA: I've workedfor Analex for 5 years andfor NASA 15 years.

Describe your family: Outof eight children, I am thethird eldest. My family isvery close knit. We all livewithin driving distance ofeach other and my parentshost family dinners at least

twice a month. I am married to David Cotton, who works in Glenn's Manufac-turing Engineering Division. We've been married 6 years and have twochildren, Nicoh 20, and Robert, 12. David had to get used to my family callingeach other 6:30 a.m. everyday. We are team players, picking each other upwhen we're down.

Social/professional activities at Glenn: In the past, I enjoyed membership inthe Glenn Women's Advisory Group Committee and the National TechnicalAssociation, but now I limit my participation to Glenn's Speakers Bureau.

Hobbies/interests outside of NASA: I have mentored more than 100 minorityyouth and women to choose careers in science and technology, served aschaperone for field trips to colleges and museums, and given presentations andmotivational talks to children of all ages. I also love to write. So far, I've writtenand published two nonfiction books: one about my dad, Eugene—A Biographyof a Sad Lonely Boy Growing Up in the Country (Cuba, AL) and the other, TwoPaths to Reach Your Goals: You Choose. I have six manuscripts that are ready forprint. I am also committed to my spiritual responsibilities. As one of Jehovah'sWitnesses, I study the Bible and share Bible truths on a regular basis.

Food temptations: Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate. Also, I love soulfood (greens, sweet potatoes, chicken dressing, etc.).

Philosophy to live by: Treat people the way you want to be treated. Anotherphilosophy I live by is to set positive goals in life. Once you reach a goal, it is timeto set another positive goal. In my household, you have to have a positiveattitude within yourself and your family. Do not allow outside negativity to takeroot in your home. Leave it at the door.

Person you most admire: My parents, Eugene and Mamie Wilson, set the bestexample for me to live by. Although they both were strict, I learned at anearly age that I am responsible for my own actions—take care of business first andthen play. They instilled in me the importance of family and marriage andtaught me that there are no obstacles that I cannot face. They have alwaysbeen there for me.

Favorite Web site: http://www.barbarajwilson.com. This is my Web site.

Continued from page 5

efforts. Attendees will encounter newdevelopments in information systems,computing, instruments, and componenttechnologies, and learn about the visionand future needs for Earth sciencetechnology. To register, examine abstractsand presenters, and preview the venueand schedule, visit http://esto.nasa.gov/conferences/estc2004/.

HBCU/OMU CONFERENCE: The 11th

Historically Black Colleges and Universi-ties (HBCUs) and Other Minority Univer-sities (OMUs) Research Conference willbe held July 14 and 15 at the OAI. Theconference will highlight the collabora-tion of Glenn researchers with HBCU/OMU students in the areas of propulsion,microgravity, materials, photovoltaics,batteries, sensors, and more. Oral andposter presentations will be available toprovide progress reports of Glenn-sponsored research. NASA Head-quarter's quarterly Small DisadvantagedBusinesses (SDB) Forum and Glenn's JobFair will be held concurrently at OAI.For more information, call Dr. SunilDutta, 216–433–8844. Contact CarlSilski, 216–433– 2786, regarding theSDB Forum, and Judy Drabik, 216–433–2487, regarding Glenn's Job Fair.

12

Volume 6 Issue 5 May 2004

AeroSpace Frontiersis recyclable!

National Aeronautics andSpace Administration

John H. Glenn Research CenterLewis Field21000 Brookpark RoadCleveland, Ohio 44135

Asian-Pacific Islander Heritage MonthG lenn employees of Asian-Pacific Islander heritage were asked, "What do you doand who was your source of inspiration?" This is the third in an AeroSpace Frontiersseries of heritage and awareness month features.

Dr. Kul Bhasin, manager, Space Communications Project. I stimulate new concepts ofcommunications and networking technologies with the help of very talented teamsacross the country. My strongest inspiration came from reading biographies of earlyAmerican inventors as a high school student in India: Ford, the Wright brothers, Edison,George Washington Carver, and Alexander Graham Bell. I marveled at their humblebeginnings and the overwhelming influences of their single-mindedness on science andsociety. Having no science role models in my family or community, these biographiescame to life for me and presented values I have adopted in pursuing my scientific career.

Hanh Do, project manager, Biological and Physical Science Division. I'm the lead forthree solid fuel combustion experiments, the Flow Enclosure Accommodating NovelInvestigations in Combustion of Solids, which will be operated in the Combustion IntegratedRack onboard the International Space Station. The encouragement of my managementand training have motivated me to pursue a management career. However, it was myhigh school English teacher who inspired me. When I arrived to the U.S. from Vietnam in1979, I could barely speak English, but with his encouragement, I was able to advance myEnglish and writing to attend college, where I found my niche in electrical engineering.

Kevin Konno, mechanical engineer, Engineering Development Division. I'm part of ateam that develops "extreme" flywheels for aerospace batteries. My strongest inspira-tion for entering this field came from my father, who grew up in a small fishing villagein Japan. He worked his way through medical school and later moved to the U.S.,the land of opportunity. He was always interested in research and usually spent freetime poring over medical books and journals related to his field of pathology. His loveof science really rubbed off on me. That and the astronaut G.I. Joe I got for my sixthbirthday led me to where I am today!

Tom Vannuyen, mechanical engineer, Engineering Development Division. I'm involvedwith testing of the shuttle cable tray for Return to Flight. Some recent projects include

design and analysis for the Gloveboxproject InSPACE, the Rocket-BasedCombined-Cycle program, and the SourceDiagnostic Test. My engineering skills weredeveloped during the 12 years I spentworking as a technician designing andfabricating actual hardware for researchprojects. The work was always interestingthough sometimes very challenging. It wasduring that time, working with wonderfulengineers, that I was inspired to advanceand pursue a degree in engineering. ◆

Dr. Bhasin Do

VannuyenKonno