Eng edge may june 2016

THE ENGINEERING EDGE EDGEWOOD CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL CENTER Volume 8, Issue 3 May/June 2016

Deputy Director Bill Klein Honored PAGE 3

Sally Edler Named Women In Defense Woman of the Year PAGE 7

New Chemical Agent Test Facility Now Open PAGE 4

Employee Spotlight: Jason Adamek PAGE 8

Read about the ECBC Engineering Directorate online at http://www.ecbc.army.mil/news/ENG APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

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THE ENGINEERING EDGE |May/June 2016| 3

INSIDE THIS MONTH’S ISSUE: pg.3|AROUND THE CENTER: Deputy Director Bill Klein Honored with Commander’s Award for Civilian Service pg.3|ECBC Town Hall Recap pg.4–5|TEST: New Chemical Agent Test Facility Now Open pg.5|TEST: Collaboration Furthers Next Generation Detector Testing pg.6|STRATEGY: Engineering Directorate Meeting Recaps pg.6|ECBC IN THE NEWS: Natick Scientists Collaborating to Create ‘Second Skin’ Protection pg.7|AWARDS:‘Trailblazer’ Named Women In Defense Mid-Atlantic Woman of the Year pg.8|EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Jason Adamek The U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) Engineering Edge is an authorized publication for members of the DoD. Contents of the Engineering Edge are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or the Department of Army. Editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the ECBC Engineering Directorate. References to commercial products or entities in this publication, including inserts and hyperlinks, does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Army of the products or services offered.

This newsletter was published through the Balanced Scorecard. Hard copies are located in the Engineering Front Office, E3330, E3331, E3510, E3516, E3549 lobby A and C, E4301, E5102, E5165, and in Rock Island near the Deputy’s office.

For article suggestions, questions or comments, contact Ed Bowen at edward.c.bowen8.civ@mail.mil.

To access the electronic version, visit: http://www.ecbc.army.mil/news/ENG/

TODAY’S ARMY

AROUND THE CENTER

First Women Having ‘Blast’ as Combat Engineers

Deputy Director Bill Klein Honored with Commander’s Award for Civilian Service

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In June of last year, the Army opened the 12B combat engineer position to female Soldiers. Today, women are going through the school house at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and joining units around the Army.

Pvts. Brianna Moore, Chrisslene Tialavea and Lashonda Ivy are all recent graduates of the 12B course. All three enlisted last year around the time the MOS was opened to female Soldiers, and they are among the first women to be admitted to the 12B military occupational specialty.

Among other things, combat engineers construct fighting positions, fixed or floating bridges, obstacles and defensive positions; they place and detonate explosives; they conduct operations that include route clearance of obstacles and rivers; they prepare and install firing systems for demolition and explosives; and they detect mines visually or with mine detectors.

From Merrillville, Indiana, 18-year-old Ivy joined the Army, she said, for a lot of reasons―though she cited educational opportunities and financial stability as leading the pack. At her recruiter’s office last year, she didn’t know that the 12B MOS was opening to female Soldiers, and possibly didn’t know the MOS had ever even been closed to women. But her recruiter, she said, offered up an Army option to her that she said sounded enticing.

“My recruiter asked me if I wanted to blow stuff up,” Ivy said. “I thought that would be pretty cool―so I picked that MOS.” Now, Ivy serves as a combat engineer with 43rd Combat Engineer Company, Regimental Engineer Squadron “Pioneer”, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, at Fort Hood, Texas.

Moore, Ivy and Tialavea all say that despite being among the first female Soldiers to go through the combat engineer course, they have seen nothing but support from their male counterparts who are already on the job.

“I love my platoon and my company,” Moore said. “They all accept me and we continue to work together without any problems.”

More Info “First Women Having ‘Blast’ as Combat Engineers,” Mar. 7, 2016, http://www.army.mil/ article/163660/First_women_having__blast__as_combat_engineers/

Ask a Tech Tip: Weeding Your Lawn and Garden

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ongtime Engineering Directorate leader Bill Klein was honored with the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service for his dedication and professionalism while guiding the Directorate during a critical time in ECBC history.

The award was presented to Klein by Center director Dr. Joseph Corriveau at the ECBC Town Hall held on Feb. 16.

Comparable to the Army Commendation Medal, the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service is given for accomplishing supervisory duties in an outstanding manner and setting an example of achievement for others to follow, among other criteria. The award consists of a medal, lapel button and citation certificate.

Klein was nominated for the award by Michael Abaie, Director of Engineering.

“Bill’s dedication to ECBC is exceptional, and while his name is well-known throughout our organization, the full extent of his contributions to the Engineering Directorate exceeds even what many of us realize on a day-to-day basis,” said Abaie.

“He is the type of guy who works extremely hard in the background to make things happen and never complains, which is why I felt that it was important to publicly provide him with the accolades that he has earned

many times over.”

Klein demonstrated outstanding leadership while serving as Acting Director and Deputy Director of Engineering during a time of significant change at the Center. During this period, all four of the Center’s Senior Executive Service positions were filled by acting personnel.

As a long-time senior leader, Klein accepted the responsibility of directing the engineering Deputy Director of Engineering Bill Klein (left) received the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service in a ceremony led by Dr. Joseph Corriveau, arm of the Center, ECBC Director. Credit: ECBC Public Affairs assuring continuity in the Core Team Lead, Associate Director of the execution of its chemical Edgewood Research and Development and biological defense mission in support Center, Deputy Director for Engineering, of the Warfighter and the nation. and Associate Director for Resource Management and Systems Engineering.

The award citation notes Klein is “held During Operation Desert Shield/Storm, in high esteem and highly respected Klein served as Deputy Program Manager throughout ECBC, Aberdeen Proving Ground responsible for leading an effort that and the Chemical and Biological Defense resulted in the fielding of a first-time-incommunity, living the Army Values and history biological detection capability exemplifying what it means to be a public for U.S. forces. Klein also created the servant, proud and forthright for all to Shotglass effort in response to an urgent witness.” need from the White House. He has served Employed with the government since as either Deputy or Associate Director for 1980, Klein has served as Branch Chief Engineering since 1995. of the Detection Producibility Division, Deputy Director of Detection, Engineering

Mike Kauzlarich, of the Pyrotechnics and Explosives Branch, reveals how the techniques and lessons learned in labs can help solve your household problems. Submit a question to him at usarmy.APG.ecbc.mbx.engineering-directorate@mail.mil.

Now is the time when everyone starts thinking about their lawn and garden…and that includes weeding. Many of us buy expensive “weed and feed” products, and then apply them incorrectly. The “weed” portion of the fertilizer must stick to the weed in order to work―that’s why the instructions say to wet the yard first, and then spread the chemical. It helps the fertilizer particles stick to the weed leaves, producing better results. I recommend spreading the product in the morning, when your yard is wet from dew. Don’t forget to wear old boots or shoes. If your yard is already in good shape, here’s a trick that really works: Put a cup of household ammonia in a hose-end sprayer (where it is automatically diluted) and apply it to your yard for a quick “greening.”

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ECBC Town Hall Recap ECBC Director Dr. Joseph Corriveau opened the town hall meeting on Feb. 16 by reminding the workforce that their mission of protecting Soldiers and the nation from chemical and biological weapons is vital―adding that ISIS’s ambition to acquire weapons of mass destruction makes the mission more important and more visible than ever.

Corriveau also emphasized safety as a top priority for the Center, underscored by the realignment of the ECBC Risk Management Office to report directly to him moving forward. The Workforce Management Office has also moved under the Director’s purview, and George Collins will oversee both offices and report directly to Corriveau.

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Other topics covered at the town hall include the RDECOM command climate survey and ECBC’s center-wide strategic plan.

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TEST

New Chemical Agent Test Facility Now Open Unique Laboratory Supports Development of Next Generation Detector Aerosol Test Facility, a chamber specifically designed to handle aerosol toxicological and detector testing, with an environmental conditioning capability from -10°C to +50°C with or without humidity.

Other features include a control room, surety laboratory, agent storage facility, and ingress and egress rooms.

The Non-Traditional Agent Defense Test System is a collection of specialized test chambers designed to test chemical agent protection, detection and decontamination equipment under operational conditions most relevant to today’s Warfighter. Credit: ECBC Public Affairs

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he Army’s one-of-a-kind laboratory for testing how well new military equipment stands up against deadly chemical weapons is now open for business, and one of its first customers is a program that will expand the chemical detection capabilities of the nation’s Warfighters.

The Non-Traditional Agent Defense Test System is a collection of specialized test chambers designed to test chemical agent protection, detection and decontamination equipment, from small to large, under operational conditions most relevant to today’s Warfighter. It is the only facility in the world that allows an entire system― rather than individual components―to be fully immersed in chemical agent while under test.

The lab became fully operational at the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) in January 2016, and among the facility’s first customers is the Next Generation Chemical Detector, a program of record executed by the Joint Project Manager for Nuclear, Biological

A National Asset In addition to supporting ECBC’s mission to protect the Warfighter, the Non-Traditional Agent Defense Test System also allows the Center to continue to serve its partners that also have a vested interest in the defense against weapons of mass destruction, including the Department of Homeland Security, the intelligence community, and international allies.

“As awareness and understanding of non-traditional agents has grown, so has the need to perform tests under these conditions, which includes developing the infrastructure necessary to support that testing,” said Michael Abaie, ECBC Director of Engineering. “This system is a national asset, and we welcome our partners from across the test and evaluation enterprise to come here and put it to work for our Warfighters.”

On hand for the ribbon cutting in May 2015 was (left to right) ECBC Director Joseph Corriveau, Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, ECBC Engineering Director Michael Abaie and Joint Project Manager for Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Contamination Avoidance Col. Alfred Abramson. Credit: ECBC Public Affairs

and Chemical Contamination Avoidance.

The program will field four new chemical detection capabilities to Warfighters across the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. It is the first-ever system designed to detect all phases of matter: solid, liquid, vapor and aerosol.

The Next Generation Chemical Detector is now in the “brassboard” testing phase, with contractors bringing mature prototypes to the Non-Traditional Agent Defense Test System to be tested against a variety of chemicals and conditions. Testing will continue throughout 2016.

System Unveiled to DoD Development and construction of the NonTraditional Agent Defense Test System was a multi-year effort with support from across the U.S. Defense Department’s Chemical and Biological Defense Program. The lab is operated by ECBC, and was stood up in partnership with the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

“As director of the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, I am delighted that this capability now resides here at the Center,” said Joseph Corriveau, Ph.D., at a ribboncutting ceremony held in May 2015. “This facility expands our capabilities to ensure

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that the safest and best equipment gets into the hands of the Warfighter.”

U.S. Representative C.A. “Dutch” Ruppersberger of Maryland’s 2nd District, who attended the ceremony, noted, “The last time I was (at ECBC), it was to welcome home the team responsible for destroying a large chemical weapon stockpile in Syria. In a civilized society, the world cannot stand by and watch. The threats are real. Systems like the NonTraditional Agent Defense Test System will ensure our armed forces have what they need to do their missions every day.”

Collaboration Furthers Next Generation Detector Testing

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The brassboard testing phase is a rigorous process during which industry returned to the labs following the “breadboard” phase with modified prototypes that were smaller, lighter and updated with a detection algorithm. The brassboard phase is conducted in three steps: two technical tests customized for contractor-specific agents of interest, and one blind test where experts from ECBC and the JPM select the chemicals and conditions, but they will be unknown to the contractors.

Specialized Chambers for Unique Tests

ong-standing partners, the Joint Program Manager for Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Contamination Avoidance (JPM-NBC CA) Product Director Sensors, the ECBC Engineering Applied Detection Technology (ADT) Branch, and the ECBC Research & Technology Directorate, are currently working with industry to execute the “brassboard” testing phase for the Next Generation Chemical Detector (NGCD).

The facility’s test chambers have the inherent flexibility to address the rapidly changing threat environment that warfighters face on the battlefield. Lab components include the Primary Containment Module, an environmentally controlled chamber for testing large systems and equipment; the Test Chamber Module, a double glove box chamber to house test fixtures; and the

Managed by the JPM, the NGCD program is a long-term acquisition to field four new chemical detection capabilities to the Joint Warfighter, covering all phases of matter. The partners have been supporting the effort since it was in its early market-survey phase, before it became a fully-funded Program of Record.

While the JPM team worked with the customer to refine the detection requirements, the ADT and R&T teams confirmed the capabilities required to meet those requirements, then developed the appropriate test methodology.

Since the ribbon-cutting ceremony, ECBC and its partners put the finishing touches on the facility to make it fully operational and ready to accept equipment for testing.

The partners are leveraging their combined expertise in program management, systems engineering, and test planning and execution to ensure the success of this effort.

“This partnership is all about exchanging

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information and sharing guidance,” said Jennifer Iskra, a mechanical engineer in the ADT Branch. “We do our best to get information to each other as early as possible, and keep those lines of communication open throughout the program.”

“Managing the requirements is a very iterative process,” said Matthew Powers, a test lead with the JPM. “The ADT team serves as our ‘reality check’ with the capabilities required to meet the program’s evolving requirements.”

Another key area of collaboration in support of the program is in aerosol detection. The need for safe methods to detect aerosols is recognized internationally. The team is leveraging a NIOSH-patented capability, and modifying it to fit NGCD’s specific test requirements.

Brassboard testing is planned to last through 2016.

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STRATEGY

AWARDS

Engineering Directorate Meeting Recaps

‘Trailblazer’ Named Women In Defense Mid-Atlantic Woman of the Year

Strategic Management Meeting (SMM) Mar. 21, 2016 With Engineering Front Office leadership in full attendance, the 18th SMM was held to update the workforce on key efforts underway to position the Directorate for continued success in meeting its mission.

Status updates for several of the initiatives were presented by committee members.

A new initiative, Strategic Engagements, was debuted. This initiative will provide the opportunity for Engineering leaders to meet face-to-face with their counterparts at the Joint Project Managers and explain the Directorate’s critical capabilities and current support, and explore ways the Directorate can align its support to the JPMs’ innovation needs.

As always, Engineering leadership thanked the workforce for driving the strategic initiatives forward, and encouraged continued participation and engagement at all workforce levels.

The workforce can view the presentation on CB Connect at https://cbconnect.apgea. army.mil/ENG/default.aspx.

Supervisor’s Off-Site Apr. 5, 2016 More than 40 Engineering supervisors gathered at April’s Supervisor’s Off-Site to learn about and discuss important issues to the Directorate’s future.

Director Michael Abaie opened the meeting with a review of the State of the Directorate and a brief discussion of the new Strategic Engagements Initiative.

Deputy Director Bill Klein then examined Engineering Directorate’s strategic management system in light of the external influences arising from the chain of command and the Directorate’s customers. Using the example of systems engineering, Klein explained how key objectives on Engineering’s strategy map support the strategic goals of the Department of the Army, Army Materiel Command, RDECOM and ECBC, as well as the strategy of the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense

ECBC IN THE NEWS

(JPEO-CBD) and the larger U.S. Chemical and Biological Defense Program.

Associate Director and JPEO-CBD Client Manager Lowry Brooks followed with an informative presentation on the JPEO 30-year plan and more detail on the JPM strategic engagements.

Engineering Town Hall Apr. 12, 2016 Director Abaie led the town hall, which highlighted the ECBC Strategic Plan, some new Engineering Directorate strategic initiatives, and the Systems-of-Systems Engineering Tradespace.

The meeting also included an overview of feedback received from Division Chiefs regarding their views on the current state of the Directorate, and concluded with the presentation of service and recognition awards to staff.

The workforce can view the Town Hall presentation on CB Connect at https:// cbconnect.apgea.army.mil/ENG/Town%20 Hall/Engineering-Directorate-Town-Hall_12Apr-16.pdf.

Natick Scientists Collaborating to Create ‘Second Skin’ Protection www.army.mil

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CBC is collaborating with the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC) and others on a thin layer of material to give Soldiers additional protection against chemical and biological agents.

Collaboration has long been second nature for researchers at the NSRDEC, and now a partnership is developing “second-skin” chemical-biological protection.

NSRDEC is working with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of California at Santa Barbara, the Air Force Civil Engineering Center, and ECBC to develop second skin, the next generation of chemical-biological protection for the Warfighter. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency sponsors the project, which is a

high-priority effort.

“The second skin will be a protective ‘skin’ engineered with textile materials as a substrate that will adapt to the environment that the Soldier is in,” said Dr. Paola D’Angelo, an NSRDEC research bioengineer.

“The idea is that the skin will be lightweight, it will not retain heat, and it will be air and moisture permeable.”

“The material design is based on the use of responsive polymer gels, including organohydrogels and functional chemical species such as catalysts,” said Dr. Ramanathan “Nagu” Nagarajan, senior research scientist for Soldier nanomaterials at NSRDEC. “The second skin will be able to sense chemical and biological agents, which will trigger a response within the gels.”

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The technology will enhance Soldier safety by addressing multiple threats, and it will allow a Soldier to continue doing his or her job without interruption. The technology will be incorporated into one thin layer, which will reduce a Soldier’s logistical burden. It is designed to act autonomously without any Soldier intervention.

More Info “Natick Scientists Collaborate to Create ‘Second Skin’ Protection,” Jan. 28, 2016, http://www.army.mil/article/161481/ Natick_scientists_collaborating_to_ create__second_skin__protection/

Engineering Directorate employee Sally Edler (center) was awarded Women In Defense (WID) Mid-Atlantic Chapter’s Woman of the Year. The award was presented by Lori Lindholm (left), Vice President of WID National, and Sharon Jacobs (right), President of WID Mid-Atlantic. Credit: Women In Defense Mid-Atlantic Chapter

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lthough she has volunteered countless hours to advocate women’s roles in the defense industry and in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, Sally Edler was still surprised when her name was called to the podium to receive the Women In Defense (WID) Mid-Atlantic Chapter’s highest award―Woman of the Year.

“There are many women in the WID MidAtlantic Chapter who devote their skills and time to the WID mission and goals. They are all deserving of recognition. I remain surprised and humbled at having been singled out for this award,” said Edler.

The award recognizes chapter members who go above and beyond the duty of membership by actively advocating and exemplifying the mission of the organization.

It was presented to Edler at the chapter’s annual “Real Women, Real Work, Real World” (RW)3 Symposium, held on Mar. 24

at the Water’s Edge Conference Center in Belcamp, Maryland.

Edler is a mechanical engineer and business manager for joint interagency activities in the ECBC Engineering Directorate. A long-time government employee, Edler was hired at ECBC in 1981, and since then has supported several major programs in chemical and biological defense, including the Nuclear Biological Chemical Reconnaissance System, Chemical Agent Monitor, Automatic Chemical Agent Alarm, and two generations of the Biological Integrated Detection System (BIDS). She served as primary point of contact for the non-developmental item BIDS, fielding the first biological detection capability for U.S. forces.

Lori Lindholm, Vice President of WID National, called Edler a “trailblazer” for women in scientific fields, recognizing that she was “a mechanical engineer before STEM was a thing.” Edler was the first woman to chair a student chapter of American Society of Mechanical Engineers; the first woman to chair a student chapter of Joint Engineering Societies; and the first woman to work in the engineering test group and the power plants at Baltimore Gas and Electric.

In addition to her work at ECBC, volunteerism has played a major part APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

The award recognizes chapter members who go above and beyond the duty of membership by actively advocating and exemplifying the mission of the organization. Credit: Women In Defense Mid-Atlantic Chapter

in Edler’s career and personal life. “It is important for all of us to contribute to our community in some way, and we don’t have to look far to find someone who would benefit from our assistance,” said Edler. “We can do this through our church, professional organizations, community organizations, or by supporting family and friends who are active volunteers.”

“Sally really reaches out―not just at WID, not just in her job, but in the community,” said Sharon Jacobs, President of WID MidAtlantic Chapter. “As a mentor, Sally uses her personal experiences to guide junior employees. She is committed to recognizing the advancement of women supporting the DoD as demonstrated by her passion for this organization.”

WID, a national security organization affiliated with the National Defense Industrial Association, cultivates and supports the advancement and recognition of women in all aspects of national security. WID was established to provide women a formal environment for professional growth through networking, education, and career development.

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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Jason Adamek

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his month’s Employee Spotlight is on Jason Adamek, Integrated Project Team Lead (IPTL) with the Rapid Technologies Branch, Advanced Design and Manufacturing (ADM) Systems Engineering and Acquisition Division. He is also an avid traveler and hiker.

Tell us about your background. How did you get started with ECBC?

What was it like for you to support the Field Deployable Hydrolysis System (FDHS)?

I graduated from Penn State with degrees in mechanical engineering. I always enjoyed math and science, and engineering was just a good fit for the way I think. I started at ECBC in the Protection Engineering Division working on gas mask development.

Then I took a developmental assignment on the Tactical Garbage to Energy Refinery project, led by retired Senior Technologist Dr. Jay Valdes. Through this task, I interacted with several folks from ADM. I saw their variety of projects and constantly changing demands, and was excited when an opportunity to work in ADM became available.

ADM provided engineering support to CBARR and JPM-Elimination to transform 2-D process and flow diagrams into something that could be fabricated. We created 3-D CAD models of the system and produced the drawing package for fabrication. My role was to make sure the best ideas from all of the stakeholders and other engineers were incorporated into the design. We also helped adapt the system for use on a ship, which was no small feat.

What is your job with ADM?

Adamek hiked to the basecamp of K2, the world’s second highest peak, in 2015.

Adamek also loves photography. He took this photo during his trip to Codillera Huayhuash, Peru.

Engineers in ADM are called Integrated Project Team Leads (IPTLs). We usually work several projects at a time, either leading projects or contributing to others. I love the variety. I am currently the co-lead for the U.S. Army Rapid Equipping Force (REF) Expeditionary Laboratory (ExLab).

ADM provides engineering support, logistics and manpower to the prototyping lab in Bagram, Afghanistan. It’s similar to the RDECOM Field Assistance in Science and Technology-Center, but is packed into shipping containers so it can be set up anywhere. The engineers on-site address urgent or emerging Soldier requirements with prototype solutions. If the task is too large or requires quantities they can’t handle on-site, ADM provides the rear support for fabrication and materials. We also can tap into the RDECOM network for subject-matter expertise to make sure the Soldiers get the best solution. It’s a great working environment that allows for innovation and collaboration.

Photos courtesy of Jason Adamek

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I did not expect to go on the mission, but was very excited and didn’t hesitate when asked to go. My role on the Cape Ray was to help keep the system running smoothly and provide trouble-shooting. We made the most of the delays in Spain before getting started. It enabled us to practice operations and double-check the system.

I learned a ton working on the ship. We really had a great team on board. We were together in close quarters 24/7, and everyone maintained a great attitude. This is the perfect example of what can be accomplished when you’re part of a good team where everyone brings something to the table and is focused on accomplishing the task at hand. It was an unprecedented mission.

What are your hobbies outside of work?

Hiking and trekking is what I love to do with my time off. I’m focused on traveling to really exotic and hard-to-reach destinations while I’m still young and able. Last year I was able to trek in the Peruvian Andes and the Karakoram Mountains in Pakistan.

Hiking in such beautiful scenery has spurred my interest in photography, so I try to capture and share the memories.

I haven’t yet decided where the next trip will be, but there’s no shortage of options.

I love roughing it and going mostly on my own, which give me the flexibility and freedom to do what I want and make my own schedule.