Fellows 2021 book-20 (interactive) single pages

STRUCTURES

Structural Analysis

FELLOW Mark R. Gurvich, Ph.D.
2009
POWER & CONTROLS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering,
Dr. Mark Gurvich is an expert in a broad Riga Technical University
range of advanced aircraft structures
and materials with interests in light-
weight composite applications. His main
contributions are in innovative structural
designs, including their modeling and
optimization. Dr. Gurvich joined Collins
Aerospace from his prior role in United
Technologies Research Center. His
results are reflected in 50+ issued
or pending patents, 110+ journal and
conference papers, and a book. He is a
Fellow of ASME and elected member of
the Connecticut Academy of Science and
Engineering.

51

SYSTEMS

Intelligent Control System
Design and Implementation

Haftay Hailu, Ph.D. FELLOW
2021
MISSION SYSTEMS
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Pennsylvania State University
M.S., Electrical Engineering, Haftay Hailu is an expert in
Pennsylvania State University intelligent control system design and
M.S., Mechanical Engineering, implementation. He has developed
Louisiana State University control system solutions for multi-domain
B.Sc., Mechanical Engineering, products such as electro-mechanical and
Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia thermal-fluid systems, and has applied
model-based engineering as means to
52 solve complex dynamic system problems.
Haftay has provided a control system
perspective on Collins initiatives such as
RSI and MBSE, and is currently engaged
in controls and targeting design for ISR
systems. He leads development of a re-
usable dynamic model library and tools
package called GNCL.

MATERIALS &
PROCESSES

Aircraft Escape Systems

FELLOW John Hampton
2021
MISSION SYSTEMS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
M.S., Mechanical Engineering,
John Hampton is one of only a handful of Missouri University of Science & Technology
global experts in aircraft escape systems.
His technical experience working closely B.S., Mechanical Engineering,
with industry customers provided a Missouri University of Science & Technology
foundation of knowledge of military
aircraft escape systems, ejection seats,
helmet mounted displays, and front-line
warfighter operations. John’s ability to
visualize opportunities, including the ACES
5 ejection seat, opened new markets.
His leadership changed the ejection
seat industry, saved lives, and saved
the ejection seat product line from near
extinction to today’s exponential growth.

53

ELECTRONICS

Power Electronics

Harold J. Hansen FELLOW
2010
MISSION SYSTEMS
M.S., Engineering Management, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
B.S., Electrical Engineering, Harold Hansen has worked in areas such
Fairfield University as high voltage, power electronics, finite
element analysis, SPICE, radiation design,
54 arcing containment, electrical insulation,
corona discharge and electrostatic
phenomena. He has supported a number
of programs, including the space shuttle,
Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMU),
the International Space Station, Orbital
Express, Sabatier, Orbital Test Vehicle,
Orion, CST-100, Space Bus Neo, Parker
Solar Probe, Joint Strike Fighter and
B787. Harold is the author of Collins’
guidance on electrical spacing and the
guidelines of design for arc containment.

SYSTEMS

Imaging and Vision Systems

FELLOW Dan Henry
2021
AV I O N I C S
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
M.S., Electrical Engineering,
Dan Henry is an architect of electro- Drexel University
optical (EO) and infrared imaging
systems. His experience encompasses B.S., Electrical Engineering,
the full lifecycle of airborne imaging University of Michigan
systems. Dan was the chair of the SPIE
Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and
Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems and
Applications Conference for 13 years. He
also enjoys teaching and mentoring.

55

ELECTRONICS

Analog Design

Gary Hess SENIOR FELLOW
DISCIPLINE LEAD
POWER & CONTROLS FELLOW
B.S., Electrical Engineering, 2014
Western New England College
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
56
In his role as a Senior Fellow Discipline
Lead for Electronics Engineering, Gary
oversees process and tools strategy for
the Electronics discipline. His expertise of
analog control circuitry spans many types
of aerospace control systems. Given his
expert disciplinary skills, Gary also co-led
the Robust Electronics Initiative (REI).
Currently, Gary is the Collins Aerospace
representative on the Air Vehicle Systems
Institute (AVSI) executive board.

MECHANICAL
DESIGN

Electronic Packaging

SENIOR FELLOW Andre Hessling
FELLOW
2012 INTERIORS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Dipl.-Ing.,
Hamburg University of Applied Science
During his mechanical engineering career,
Andre Hessling has matured more than iBA, Innovation-Management,
half a dozen different technological Vallendar WHU Otto Beisheim
pursuits to TRL 6, which was critical School of Business
to winning recent business. He has
established new materials and processes,
such as optical silicone, for new types of
light-shaping functional elements. Andre
is continually and consistently expanding
and reworking Collins Aerospace
Technical University (CATU) training
courses, as well as mentoring internal
talent.

57

MANUFACTURING
& INDUSTRIAL

Electronics Processing

David D. Hillman FELLOW
2016
POWER & CONTROLS
M.S., Material Science & Engineering, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Iowa State University
B.S., Material Science & Engineering, David Hillman is a technology engineering
Iowa State University specialist in the areas of material
applications, microelectronics and
58 electronics assembly processes/process
development. Dave was named an IPC
Raymond E. Prichard Hall of Fame award
recipient in 2018, and has published 300+
technical papers. He is a member of the
American Society for Metals, the Minerals,
Metals & Materials Society, Surface Mount
Technology Association, and the Institute
for Interconnecting and Packaging of
Electronic Circuits (IPC).

MECHANICAL
DESIGN

Electromechanical,
Aero & CFD

FELLOW Richard Himmelmann
2014
MECHANICAL DESIGN
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
B.S., Mechanical Engineering,
As a Fellow, Rich Himmelmann strives University of Wisconsin
to be innovative and use his knowledge
of electric machine, turbomachinery and
machine element design and analysis to
solve many of Collins’ toughest problems.
He is proficient in many of the world’s
top analysis codes, including CFD,
ANSYS static and dynamic structural and
thermal analysis tools, SPEED motor and
generator design and analysis, Infolytica
electromagnetic analysis, Unigraphics
solid modeling and drafting. Rich created
several new, proprietary, engineering
design and analysis tools for many of
Collins’ products.

59

ELECTRONICS

EMC, Lightning and Nuclear

Robert C. Hoeckele FELLOW
2018
POWER & CONTROLS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
B.S., Electrical Electronic
Engineering Technology, For more than 25 years, Robert Hoeckele
University of Hartford has focused on Electromagnetic
Compatibility (EMC)/High-Intensity
Radiated Fields (HIRF)/Lightning, indirect
effects design, and certification test
of aircraft avionic and engine control
electronics. He provides his technical
expertise, leadership and collaboration to
both engine and airframe manufacturers
for both commercial and military fixed
wing and rotorcraft applications.

60

AERO-THERMAL
FLUIDS

Fluid Heat Transfer &
Thermodynamics

FELLOW Charlene Hu, Ph.D.
2019
AEROSTRUCTURES
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering,
Charlene Hu has more than 25 years of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
experience working in engineering design
and analysis in the aerospace industry, M.S., Mechanical Engineering,
specializing in hot section durability The Johns Hopkins University
and gas turbine combustor design and
development. After joining Aerostructures, M.S., Thermal Physics Engineering,
she led the development of CFD-based Tianjin University, China
nacelle anti-icing analysis and ventilation
analysis . She is an active member of B.S., Mechanical Engineering,
Collins Aero-Thermal Fluids council, Tianjin University, China
and currently leads a COP on tool-based
optimization.

61

SYSTEMS

Control Theory /
Performance Analysis

Richard A. Hull, Ph.D. FELLOW
2012
MISSION SYSTEMS
Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
University of Central Florida
M.S., Electrical Engineering, Rich Hull has an extended career as
University of Central Florida an expert on guidance, navigation and
B.S., Engineering Science, control (GNC) algorithms and flight
University of Florida control software for aircraft, missiles and
rocket launch systems. Rich currently
62 provides GNC expertise to gun and mortar
launched precision guided projectile
research and technology (R&T) programs
at Collins. He also applies advanced
control methodology to other products
such as MEMS sensors and electric
actuator controllers. An instructor of
several courses in the Collins Aerospace
Technical University (CATU), Rich is a
Life Senior member of the IEEE and is
Chair of the IEEE Technical Committee on
Aerospace Controls.

ELECTRONICS

Lighting Electronics

FELLOW Eric Johannessen
2019
INTERIORS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
B.S., Electrical Engineering,
Eric Johannessen is a subject matter Stony Brook University
expert on aircraft lighting, LED driver
design, power electronics, analog/digital/ A.S., Mathematics,
embedded systems and colorimetry/ Suffolk College
photometry. He has additional experience
in PC board manufacturing, design for
certification/cost/manufacturability,
audio design, human factors and was a
consultant for several years in various
electronics industries. One of Eric’s key
attributes is his ideation/white boarding
ability that enables teams to rapidly
develop new design concepts or solve
complex problems.

63

MECHANICAL
DESIGN

Industrial Design

Glenn Allen Johnson FELLOW
2019
INTERIORS
M.Des., Computer Related Design, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Royal College of Art
B.A. (Honors), Industrial Design, Glenn Johnson leads the sub discipline of
University of Teesside Industrial Design at Collins. This involves
Ordinary National Diploma, Engineering, product aesthetics, user-centered design
University of Lincoln and consideration for manufacture.
Having previously worked at BAE Systems
64 and Airbus, Glenn established the
Industrial Design Studio for Interiors.¬.
Glenn helped design several industry-
leading products, including the Endura
beverage maker, the Pinnacle passenger
seat, the Sukhoi Superjet cabin interior
and the British Airways business class
Club Suite. He holds more than 40 patents
in aircraft interiors and became a Fellow
of the Royal Aeronautical Society in 2019.

SIGNAL &
INFO PROCESSING

Waveform Generation / Design

FELLOW Mark B. Jorgenson
2014
MISSION SYSTEMS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
M.Sc., Electrical Engineering,
Mark Jorgenson left his role as a University of Calgary
government research scientist to
found a tactical communications and B.Sc., Electrical Engineering,
networking startup. After Collins acquired University of Calgary
the company, he continued leading
development of tactical radio technologies
designed for challenging environments,
as well as the development of an ad-hoc
networking waveform fielded in more than
10,000 Type 1 VHF combat net radios.
Mark is one of the principal developers
of NATO standardized ad hoc networking
waveforms for V/UHF, as well as new
wideband HF waveforms and protocols
that are now a U.S. defense standard.

65

ELECTRONICS

RF Engineering

Sai K. Kalyanaraman, Ph.D. FELLOW
2017
AVIONICS
Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Ohio University
M.S., Electrical Engineering, Sai Kalyanaraman leads enterprise-wide
Ohio University spectrum and RNSS efforts in addition
B.E., Electronics and to chairing multiple industry committees
Communication Engineering, on standards development for navigation
University of Madras, India systems. He led Collins’ first open service
GNSS chipset design and the development
66 of high integrity certified GPS solutions.
Currently, Sai leads efforts in the areas of
spectrum management and compatibility
assessments, and serves as the
enterprise representative to RTCA, ICAO,
AiA and NDIA. He has authored more than
a dozen publications and co-authored a
chapter on GPS in the latest revision of
the Digital Avionics Handbook.

PROJECT

Structural Certification

FELLOW Sami Kazi
2021
INTERIORS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
M.S., Mechanical Engineering,
Sami Kazi has over 30 years of aircraft University of Oklahoma
interiors certification experience. He is
an FAA structures DER and delegated B.S., Mechanical Engineering, N.E.D.
representative for Boeing, Airbus, University of Engineering & Technology
several airlines and STC organizations
on structural compliance. Sami
provides technical leadership during the
certification process of aircraft interior
products and solutions to resolve issues
related to in-service product failures,
malfunctions and defects. He is also an
experienced structural analyst using static
and dynamic Finite Element Analysis and
classical hand analysis techniques.

67

ELECTRONICS

Power Electronics

Mustansir Kheraluwala, Ph.D. FELLOW
2016
POWER & CONTROLS
Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
University of Wisconsin
M.S., Electrical Engineering, Mustansir Kheraluwala provides
University of Wisconsin technical leadership in business pursuits,
B.Tech., Electrical Engineering (Honors), developing advanced technology and
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur product roadmaps, enhancing IP, and
supporting future growth initiatives
68 such as electric propulsion and high
temperature electronics. He chairs TRL
a¬nd product development reviews for
Power & Controls, and supports cross-
SBU/BU NARs. An instructor for Collins
Aerospace Technical University and head
of the Power Electronics Community
of Practice, Mustansir also directs
sponsored research projects at leading
universities and consortia.

PROCESS QUALITY

Process Quality Compliance

FELLOW Helen Kiesel
2021
QUALITY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
M.Sc., Quality Systems Management,
Helen Kiesel has over 30 years of Supplier National Graduate School of
Quality and Quality Systems/Compliance Quality Management
Management experience, and 40 years
of experience in aviation and aerospace MBA, Project Management,
industries, in both Engineering and Keller Graduate School of Management
Quality functions. She is actively involved
as a participating member of both the B.Sc., Microbiology/Chemistry,
U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to University of New Mexico
ISO/TC 176 –focused on representing
U.S. interests in the development of
international standards – and the
Americas Aerospace Quality Group (AAQG)
and AAQSC AS9100 Writing Team.

69

MANUFACTURING &
INDUSTRIAL

Product Acceptance Testing & Equipment

Ron Knight FELLOW
2021
OPERATIONS
M.S., Management Information Systems, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
University of Phoenix
B.S., Computer Science, Ron Knight has been developing
Charter Oak State College technology solutions to ensure the quality
of safety-critical products for over 30
70 years. He focuses on sustainable and
adaptable automated test platforms using
modular open systems architectures and
model-based testing, for both hardware
and software products. Recently, Ron
joined the Smart Factory team to help
advance digital thread capabilities of
our factories. He is a strong advocate
for developing mentoring and reverse-
mentoring relationships to encourage
individual growth and help embrace
technology transition.

ELECTRONICS

EMC & Lightning

FELLOW John G. Kraemer, P.E.
2014
MISSION SYSTEMS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
M.S., Electrical Engineering,
John Kraemer is a leader in the Fairleigh Dickinson University
development of practical methods for
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) control B.S., Electrical Engineering,
and has presented several EMI classes Iowa State University
for Collins Aerospace Technical University
(CATU). He led the implementation of
automated design rule checking of printed
circuit board designs for EMI control
best practices, a capability used by the
heritage Rockwell Collins community
and being expanded to the heritage UTAS
community. With several patents to his
name, John has published industry papers
and held leadership positions on industry
technical committees.

71

SYSTEMS

Principal System Architect –
Electrical Gen / Dist (ATA24)

Michael J. Krenz FELLOW
2019
ENTERPRISE ENGINEERING
M.S., Electrical and Computing Engineering, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
University of Iowa
B.S., Electrical Engineering, Michael Krenz has more than 30 years of
Milwaukee School of Engineering experience in aerospace engineering, and
holds an FAA Commercial Pilot’s license
72 with two Type Ratings. His primary
experience includes designing system
architectures for cockpits and Electric
Power Systems’ (EPS) Power District
architectures. Michael also developed key
engineering tool sets, including launching
the UaDAP customer modifiable logic
tool. He has led advanced technology
groups for both Collins’ Avionics and EPS
businesses, is a leader in the National
Science Foundation’s Embedded Systems
Consortium, and holds 36 U.S. patents.

AERO-THERMAL
FLUIDS

Aerodynamics & Fluid Mechanics

SENIOR FELLOW Bill Kunik
DISCIPLINE LEAD
FELLOW AV I O N I C S
2012 M.S., Mechanical Engineering,
University of Toledo
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY B.S., Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics,
University of Minnesota
As the leader of the Aero-Thermal
Fluids discipline, Bill Kunik is focused on 73
discipline process and tools integration
across the business units. He also
supports Avionics in new technology
development, critical field support,
and safety issue investigations and
product/system development process
improvements. Bill’s primary expertise is
in sensors and systems design of air data,
stall protection and ice detection systems
for fixed and rotary wing commercial
and military aircraft. He provides
technical direction for engineering on
new technologies, product development
activities and product safety activities
within Collins.

SYSTEMS

Principal System Architect

David Larsen FELLOW
2019
MISSION SYSTEMS
B.S., Electrical Engineering, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Dave Larsen is a leader in the
74 advancement of Prognostics and Health
Management (PHM) Systems. He is
known for authoring Collins’ common
PHM standard work methods, driving
cross-business PHM collaboration, and
leading the design and development of
PHM-enabling systems and components,
specializing in health data provisioning.
Dave hosts the monthly PHM Community
of Practice and teaches the “Introduction
to PHM” course within CATU. He is also
the CATU Systems Discipline
Training Lead.

SOFTWARE

Software Process

SENIOR FELLOW Jeanne Larsen
DISCIPLINE LEAD
FELLOW POWER & CONTROLS
2007
M.S., Engineering Management,
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Jeanne Larsen oversees process and tools B.S., Computer Engineering,
strategy for the Software discipline. Her University of Connecticut
specific expertise is in aerospace Software
Certification (DO-1 78B/C), Software Tool B.S., Mathematics,
Qualification, Integrated Modular Avionics University of Connecticut
and software project management.
Having worked on a wide range of product
areas during her career, Jeanne is a
strong advocate for software engineering
processes, tools and automation. She
has established strong relationships with
Collins’ major commercial customers,
including Boeing, Embraer, Bombardier
and Airbus, in addition to certification
authorities.

75

ELECTRONICS

FPGA and Digital Electronics

Kirk Lillestolen FELLOW
2010
POWER & CONTROLS
B.S., Electrical Engineering, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
University of Connecticut
In coordination with the AVSI committee,
76 FAA and EASA certification agencies,
Kirk Lillestolen developed Aerospace
Industry Certification guidance for the
use of complex Commercial Off The
Shelf (COTS) electronic components,
soft IP in programmable logic and the
use of Multicore processors. He led the
organization and developed training for
topics such as Signal Integrity, Timing,
Single Event Effects (SEE), DO-254,
FPGA development and Digital COTS
components. Kirk has provided on-site
support for field failures, NARs, RRCA’s
and design support across multiple
business units.

AERO-THERMAL
FLUIDS

Fluid Heat Transfer &
Thermodynamics (Refrigeration)

FELLOW Qiao Lu, Ph.D., P.E.
2019
INTERIORS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Ph.D. and M.S., Food Engineering,
Dr. Qiao Lu has made substantial University of Missouri
contributions in air transport refrigeration.
His inventions have advanced refrigeration M.S., Agricultural Engineering,
solutions for mutiple commercial aircraft University of Missouri
platforms, including the A340, A380,
A350, B777, B787, B777X and Bombardier B.S., Mechanical Engineering,
C-Series. As a subject matter expert, he Shanghai Ocean University, China
has solved many refrigeration systems
design and retrofit challenges, and has
developed multiple design handbooks
and guidelines for aircraft industries. He
is a recognized fellow in the American
Society of Heating, Refrigerating and
Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and
holds 72 patents.

77

MATERIALS &
PROCESSES

Composite Materials and Processing

Weiming Lu, Ph.D. FELLOW
2018
ENTERPRISE ENGINEERING
Ph.D., Materials Sciences & Engineering, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
University at Buffalo
M.E., Chemical Engineering, Dr. Weiming Lu is an expert in high
Chinese Academy of Sciences temperature composite development,
B.S., Chemistry, including C/C composites, Carbon Piston
Hangzhou Normal University, China and ceramic matrix composites (CMC). He
has successfully performed production
78 failure investigations related to various
carbon materials. Dr. Lu provides
professional consultation for carbon fiber
reinforced polymer matrix composites
(PMC), carbon fiber, carbon surface
chemistry and thermal management
related to carbon materials. He teaches
a graduate course at the University of
Connecticut related to carbon materials.

MECHANICAL
DESIGN

Electro-Mechanical Actuation, Torque
Drives, Rotating & Structural Machinery

FELLOW Bejan Maghsoodi
2021
MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
M.S., Solid Mechanics ME,
Bejan Maghsoodi is a technical leader California Polytechnic State University
and innovator of mechanical design,
analysis, and R&D test validation for B.S., Mechanical Engineering,
electromechanical actuation systems, California Polytechnic State University
including power transmission gear
systems, torque drives, clutches, brakes,
differential timing mechanisms, rotating
machinery, and structural assemblies. He
is the architect and mechanical design
lead for the Next Generation Pegasus
Rescue Hoist product line.

79

SOFTWARE

IT – Business Processes

Dale W. Maine FELLOW
2007
ENTERPRISE ENGINEERING
M.S., Computer Science, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
B.S., Electronic Technology, Dale Maine began his career in software
University of Hartford engineering before moving to digital
technology supporting engineering
80 development tools. In the late 1990s, he
formed a corporate Internet Services
team and developed the first web
applications for human resources
and suppliers. Dale also created the
MyWorkflow tool that has been used
across the corporation for a variety of
business processes. Currently, Dale
is responsible for implementing the
decoding and ingestion of flight data
into the Cloud for the Ascentia PHM
application.

PROCESS QUALITY

Process Quality

FELLOW Scott C. Maitland
2018
QUALITY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
M.S., Engineering Mechanics,
Scott Maitland has been involved with Cleveland State University
material science and special processes
(SP) for more than 30 years. Scott B.S., Welding Engineering,
provides leadership for Enterprise Quality The Ohio State University
on the application of Nadcap for Collins
and leads the alignment of SP goals for
legacy UTAS/Rockwell Collins, in addition
to leading the SP Working Group. Scott
continues to represent the company on
the Nadcap Management Council, serves
as chair for the Continuous Improvement
Sub-Committee and is a member of
multiple American Welding Society
technical committees.

81

MATERIALS &
PROCESSES

Surface Engineering

Marilea Manzini, Ph.D. FELLOW
2021
MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Ph.D. Electrochemistry,
Université de Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada Marilea Manzini has 18 years of
experience in the aerospace industry. She
M.Sc., Chemistry/Physics, is considered an expert on electroplating
Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos, Brazil and metal finishing processes. Her highly
developed troubleshooting skills are
B.Sc., Chemistry, Education, sought for resolving challenges related to
Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos, Brazil coatings. She implemented a zinc-nickel
plating process and was part of the team
that developed a non-chromate primer.
Marilea now leads the investigation of
coatings to replace chromium. She is a
member of SAE International and ASTM
International, and teaches Introduction to
Electroplating and ZnNi Plating for CATU.

82

MANUFACTURING
& INDUSTRIAL

Global Operations Supply
Chain Technical Optimization

FELLOW John Marcin
2021
OPERATIONS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
MBA, International Business,
John Marcin has international expertise Rensselaer Polytechnic University
in technology and operations specializing
in conventional and additive manufacture M.S., Materials Engineering,
of cast aerospace materials. He leads Rensselaer Polytechnic University
the Global Operations Supplier Technical
Optimization engineering working B.S., Materials Engineering,
group, providing technical solutions to Lehigh University
production and delivery issues. John is
also the technical focal point for product
design optimization, producibility, process
optimization, technology infusion and
supply chain strategy for castings,
forgings, and raw material across Collins.

83

SIGNAL &
INFO PROCESSING

Cybersecurity – Information Assurance

James A. Marek FELLOW
2019
MISSION SYSTEMS
M.S., Computer Engineering, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Iowa State University
B.S., Computer Engineering, Jim Marek is a Certified Information
Iowa State University System Security Professional (CISSP)
working in the Cybersecurity domain
84 for more than 20 years. For 30 years,
he has specialized in numerous high
assurance security and safety critical
systems for a broad spectrum of avionics
and mission systems applications. Jim
is a pioneer in the development and
deployment of virtualization technologies
for implementing Multiple Independent
Levels of Security/Safety (MILS)
architectures to solve tough multi-level
security challenges, and has been a
leader at Collins in the transition to a Risk
Management Framework.

STRUCTURES

Vibration, Rotating Structures

SENIOR FELLOW Lisa McDaniel
DISCIPLINE LEAD
FELLOW ENTERPRISE ENGINEERING
2012
M.S., Mechanical Engineering,
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Lisa McDaniel has a structural B.S., Engineering Mechanics,
background, specializing in vibration, Penn State University
fatigue and fracture. She is a consultant in
airfoil vibration, rotor analysis, tools and
methods development, and applied impact
dynamics (testing). Lisa has provided
her expertise and consult across several
of the RTX business units in structural
analysis, structural testing and root cause
and corrective action within her discipline
knowledge base.

85

SIGNAL &
INFO PROCESSING

Navigation Signal Processing

Gary A. McGraw, Ph.D. FELLOW
2014
MISSION SYSTEMS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Ph.D., Electrical Engineering,
University of California Dr. Gary McGraw leads advanced
positioning, navigation and timing
M.S., Electrical Engineering, (PNT) system concept development and
University of California analysis, transition of technologies to
business units and acquisition of funding
B.S., Electrical Engineering and Mathematics, from external agencies. His focus and
Iowa State University areas of expertise include high accuracy
and integrity satellite navigation, multi-
function communication systems for PNT
and multi-sensor integrated navigation
systems.

86

SYSTEMS

Principal System Architect –
Training Simulation & Simulators

FELLOW Angus Thom McLean, III, Ph.D.
2016
MISSION SYSTEMS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Ph.D., Computer Science,
Angus McLean serves as the Live Virtual Georgia Institute of Technology
Constructive (LVC) subject matter expert
for Collins Aerospace, assisting in the M.S., Computer Science,
development of new technology and Texas A&M University
strategic focus areas. Angus continues to
actively pursue advances in autonomy and B.S., Aerospace Engineering,
autonomous aircraft operating systems. United States Naval Academy

87

MECHANICAL
DESIGN

Pneumatics & Turbomachinery

Brent J. Merritt FELLOW
2018
POWER & CONTROLS
MBA, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Western New England College
M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Brent Merritt is a seasoned mechanical
Western New England College engineering expert with more than
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, 35 years of experience. He has had
Clarkson University increasing responsibility related to
the design, analysis, manufacture,
88 qualification and engineering
management of mechanical aerospace
hardware. With a focus on pneumatic
and turbomachinery, Brent is considered
a subject matter expert in foil bearing
technology and aerospace castings.

SOFTWARE

Open Systems Architecture

FELLOW Sarah Miller, P.E.
2021
MISSION SYSTEMS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
M.Sc., Computer Science,
Sarah Miller leads the Digital University of Iowa
Engineering transformation for Mission
Systems, specializing in DevSecOps B.S., Computer Engineering,
and transitioning our people, process, Iowa State University
products, infrastructure, and security
to this new environment of agility. She
engages with the U.S. DoD Modular Open
System Approach (MOSA) standard
organizations in the development of
reference architectures and the definition
of the technical stack. Sarah has a
strong background in the development
of embedded software, specializing in
software frameworks, communications
and cybersecurity.

89

MATERIALS &
PROCESSES

Advanced Material Processing

Sergey Mironets FELLOW
2018
ENTERPRISE ENGINEERING
MBA, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Sergey Mironets has been actively
National Transport University involved in developing Additive
Manufacturing Strategy, selecting
90 components for manufacturing cost
reduction utilizing Powder Bed Fusion and
Direct Energy Deposition technologies.
Representing Collins on ASTM F42 and
SAE AMS committees, Sergey has more
than 50 patents either awarded or in the
application process. During his tenure
at GEC-Poland, Sergey spearheaded the
establishment of AM hub specializing in
aluminum alloys. He also served as an
industry adviser to graduate students at
the University of Connecticut and Virginia
Tech University.

SIGNAL &
INFO PROCESSING

Cyber & Product Security

FELLOW Patrick Morrissey
2018
AV I O N I C S
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
M.S., Information Assurance &
Patrick Morrissey has worked in Computer Engineering,
cybersecurity for more than 25 years Iowa State University
across Collins Aerospace, developing
products for both government and B..S, General Engineering,
commercial sectors. Patrick helped University of Illinois
assemble and lead a team of dedicated
security engineers who ensure the next
generation avionic systems are hardened
to cyber-attacks. He holds three patents
and redefined the process for designing
cyber-resilient systems. As a Fellow,
Patrick continues to teach cybersecurity
concepts and their application to the
current and next generation of engineers.

91

SIGNAL &
INFO PROCESSING

Machine Learning

Ryan Murphy FELLOW
2021
MISSION SYSTEMS
M.S., Systems Engineering, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Iowa State University
M.S., Business Administration, Ryan Murphy has 19 years of experience
The University of Iowa in the fields of digital signal processing,
B.Sc., Electrical Engineering, communication theory, and machine
The University of Iowa learning. He is recognized as a natural
problem solver that takes ownership
92 of issues and faces challenges head-
on. Ryan’s key innovations advance the
state-of-the-art in tactical voice quality,
communications, and signal detection/
classification. As a co-inventor of the
Common Hardware Integrated Library, he
is revolutionizing the way we develop and
integrate embedded firmware solutions
across the company.

SOFTWARE

Software & Open System
Architecture

FELLOW Jason Myren
2017
AV I O N I C S
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
B.S., Computer Science,
Jason Myren is a lead architect and University of North Dakota
technologist who has helped set internal
strategies and define future architectural
roadmaps. Throughout various programs
and pursuits, Jason has applied and
customized civilian avionics solutions to fit
military and mission needs. He is focused
on quickly delivering value via adoption
of DevSecOps. Jason believes the best
avionics solutions use open standards
and focus on the creation of tools and
capabilities that provide end customers
with the autonomy to customize them.

93

SOFTWARE

Certification and Airworthiness

Scott E. Nagel FELLOW
2019
AVIONICS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
M.S., Computer Engineering,
Nanyang Technical University, Singapore Scott Nagel is known at Collins for his
passion and extensive teaching, training
M.S., Computer Science, and mentoring of engineers across
Augustana University the globe. He is a TSO Compliance
Representative (TCR) delegated by Collins
B.S., Electrical Engineer, Aerospace to approve systems, integrated
South Dakota State University modular avionics and software data for
the Federal Aviation Administration. Scott
teaches several certification courses
through the Collins Aerospace Technical
University (CATU) that reach more than
1,000 students each year.

94

PROCESS QUALITY

Compliance

SENIOR FELLOW Susie Neal
DISCIPLINE LEAD
FELLOW QUALITY
2014
B.S., Business Management and
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Global Logistics,
University of Phoenix
Susie Neal has 35 years of experience
developing processes and implementing
management system software and
management systems in the chemical and
aerospace industries. She holds various
leadership roles within the aerospace
industry, serving as a certified trainer and
auditor. Susie has led multiple projects to
reduce certification cost and transition to
one certification body. She is part of the
Defense Contract Management Agency’s
(DCMA) industry team that is working
to reduce the number of DCMA Level 3
nonconformances issued to an OEM.

95

MANUFACTURING
& INDUSTRIAL

Electronics Manufacturing &
Electronics Producibility

Jason E. Nipper FELLOW
2019
OPERATIONS
M.S., Systems Engineering & EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Engineering Management,
Northern Illinois University Jason Nipper is a subject matter expert
B.S., Electronics Engineering, in the areas of electronics manufacturing,
International Telecom & Technology Institute printed circuit board technologies,
soldering processes, soldering
96 materials, design for manufacturing/
assembly, failure mode analysis,
semiconductor/wafer manufacturing,
new product introduction, EU RoHS,
supplier competency audits and process
Relentless Root Cause Analysis (RCCA).
Jason actively mentors emerging talent
globally, provides guidance across all
Collins business units and is the dean
of Electronics Manufacturing for Collins
Aerospace Technical University (CATU).

SOFTWARE

Software Design & Implementation –
BSP / OS / Device Drivers

FELLOW Christopher Noll
2010
POWER & CONTROLS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
M.S., Systems Engineering,
Christopher Noll’s expertise falls in the Worcester Polytechnic Institute
architecture and development of safety-
critical software platforms used for B.S., Computer Systems Engineering,
rotary wing flight control and vehicle University of Massachusetts
management applications. His specific
areas of focus include the use of open
standards and flexible architectures
maximizing reuse and reducing time to
market.

97

AERO-THERMAL
FLUIDS

Electronics Cooling

Debabrata Pal, Ph.D. FELLOW
2019
POWER & CONTROLS
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
University of Maryland
M.S., Mechanical Engineering, For more than 19 years at Collins
University of South Carolina Aerospace, Debabrata Pal has been
B.Tech, Mechanical Engineering, deemed an expert in the area of thermal
Indian Institute of Technology management of electronics and electrical
machines. He leads thermal design for
98 electric power generation, conversion,
and distribution and control systems.
Debabrata is a co-lead of the Electronics
Cooling Community of Practice and
reduced order modeling working group.
He prepares and teaches classes in the
Collins Aerospace Technical University
(CATU). His area of expertise includes
computational fluid dynamics and heat
transfer.

MATERIALS &
PROCESSES

Metallic Materials & Characterization

FELLOW Roque Panza-Giosa, Ph.D.
2012
MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Ph.D., Materials Science,
Roque Panza-Giosa’s expertise is in McMaster University, Canada
physical metallurgy. He has worked more
than 30 years in the Materials & Processes M.Eng., Materials Science,
(M&P) field, specializing in metallic University of Toronto, Canada
materials and protective finishes. Roque
worked in the development of design B.Sc., Materials Science,
allowables and implementation of novel University of Toronto, Canada
Beta Titanium alloys for landing gear
structures and Additive Manufacturing,
and recently helped develop non-
chromate REACh-compliant primers and
hard chrome replacements. He represents
Collins at the ASM-AMEC Committee,
sponsoring AMS 2759/2 for over 10 years.
Roque is dedicated to failure investigation,
root cause and prevention.

99

QUALITY

Statistical Methods

Carol Parendo FELLOW
2019
QUALITY
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
University of Minnesota
Carol Parendo uses her expertise in
100 statistical methods to solve problems
in quality, manufacturing, design
and reliability engineering. She is a
statistics educator and an effective
leader. Her focus is increasing statistics
proficiency and application throughout
the engineering and quality disciplines
through training, coaching and sharing
best practices. Through the ASTM E11
Committee for Quality and Statistics and
internal training topics pertaining to zero
defect plan and process certification,
Carol helps Collins teams stay up to date
on new developments.