Thursday, March 29, 2012

ECBC Women in Science and Engineering Blog, Part 8: Carol Eason

In recognition of Women's History Month, Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) presents a special blog series featuring candid responses from female ECBC employees and leaders on their experiences as females in the science and engineering fields. The final blog in this series features Carol Eason, Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) Risk Manager.

Progressing through school, I wasn’t sure what an engineer was, but found myself naturally attracted to the math courses—especially mechanical drafting. The summer after taking the mechanical drafting course, I was able to register for a full-time, intensive drafting course at a local university in New Orleans, La. Not only did I enjoy the coursework, but it led me to an opportunity with an engineering firm that specialized in Navy contracts.

As a young girl in high school, I always seemed to have a knack for math. Through hard work and encouragement from my mother, that knack paved the way for my career in science and engineering.

On my first day with the engineering firm, the mechanical designer I would be supporting met me and said “I don’t like working with women and don’t think they should be doing this job.” In my mind, he was an “old timer” and at that point I was ready to prove him wrong.
I spent long hours at the firm each day designing Navy consoles—drawing designs on an old-fashioned drawing table and ensuring every measurement, angle and view was correct. I went out of my way to hang out in the machine shop as the consoles were built and wired to make sure any changes were reflected in the blueprints. By the end of the summer, it seemed that the “old timer” had changed his mind about me—he not only told me that he enjoyed working with me, but also gave me a gift.
That tough summer taught me many lessons and prepared me for my future in a career field dominated by men. Today, I take great personal pleasure in seeing more young women establish careers in engineering and science—especially at ECBC. There was a day not far in the past where I attended meetings at various levels and was the only female present. We have taken some steps, albeit small, but steps, nonetheless. Most notably, we have our first, female member of the Senior Executive Service (SES), Suzanne Milchling.
I would like to thank the ECBC Engineering Directorate for making the celebration of women in science and engineering a priority. All around I see change and it is a good thing!
Ms. Eason serves as the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) Risk Manager.  Her responsibilities include the Chemical Biological (CB) safety, surety, security, environmental and Chemical Agent Standard Analytical Reference Material (CASARM) programs. Additionally she provides oversight and leadership to the DPI financial team.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, Department of the Army, Department of Defense or the U.S. Government.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

ECBC Women in Science and Engineering, Part Seven: Nichole Au

In recognition of Women's History Month, Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) presents a special blog series featuring candid responses from female ECBC employees and leaders on their experiences as females in the science and engineering fields. The seventh blog in this series features Nichole Au, a chemical engineer currently working in ECBC's Detection Engineering Branch.
My advice to young women who aspire to be scientists or engineers is to challenge yourself and never back down just because you are afraid to fail.  You have to put aside your fears of failure, and you can surprise yourself with your ability to rise to the occasion.  People have difficulty with the concept that it’s ok to struggle, everyone has to go through similar challenges.  Unfortunately, many young women are never given any positive reinforcement like “You can be an engineer” or “You can excel at math and science,” and they give up.  Or worse, they never try in the first place.  I was lucky; I always knew I could be an engineer because my dad never let me think otherwise.  (My family is full of engineers: electrical, civil, environmental, computer, and chemical.  Both men and women.)  If you have the aspirations to be a scientist or engineer, you’ll never know if you can do it unless you try. 
Just know that sometimes, when you will walk into a room, you may be the only female present.  The military is another traditionally male environment.  An important skill to learn is how to adapt, to be professional no matter what your environment.  It does take time to get used to the culture of a military organization (and the acronyms), but if you conduct yourself professionally, you will have no problem adjusting.  In my experience, even in the company of mostly males, no one expects anything different from me than they would a male counterpart.  People expect you to do your job.  As long as you get the job done, you will have the respect of your peers, male or female, civilian or military. 

Nichole Au is a Chemical Engineer with the Detection Engineering Branch at Edgewood Chemical Biological Center.  She graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore County with a B.S./M.S. in Chemical Engineering. 


Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, Department of the Army, Department of Defense or the U.S. Government.

Monday, March 26, 2012

ECBC Women in Science and Engineering Blog Series, Part Six: Nicole McKew


In recognition of Women's History Month, Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) presents a special blog series featuring candid responses from female ECBC employees and leaders on their experiences as females in the science and engineering fields. The sixth blog in this series features Nicole McKew, a biologist currently working as an Executive Management Specialist (Visit Coordinator/protocol). 

When I graduated from college I did not know exactly where I was going to be working.  I assumed that I would be working as an environmental scientist or marine biologist in a stream or bay somewhere tagging animals or measuring pollution levels in the water.  I never expected to be working for the Army.  When I applied for jobs, the one that I chose to pursue was with a government contractor working with the Edgewood Chemical and Biological Center (ECBC).  After a few years as a contractor, I was hired as a biologist with the federal government.  I have done a lot in my short time with this organization including working as a biologist, a chemist, a quality assurance manager, and currently working in the Communications Office as an Executive Management Specialist who coordinates all of the visits to ECBC.  I am truly a jack of all trades.

Friday, March 23, 2012

ECBC Women in Science and Engineering Series, Part Five: Azra Malik

In recognition of Women's History Month, Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) presents a special blog series featuring candid responses from female ECBC employees and leaders on their experiences as females in the science and engineering fields. The fifth blog in this sereis features Azra Malik, a Computer Scientist within ECBC's Advanced Design and Manufacturing Division.

Growing up in a family that mainly went into the medical profession, I developed a similar need to help people.  However, I knew early on that medical discussions at the dinner table bored me and I needed to do something that interested me.  Before going to college, I had always helped people that had problems with computers, as it was very easy and enjoyable for me.  So as I enrolled in college, I took an entry level computer science class that I really liked.  I found the programming to be logical and enjoyable which led me to continue taking computer science courses.  Eventually I declared it as my major and suddenly found myself graduating as one of three females with a Bachelor’s of Science (BS) in Computer Science. 
As I was completing my education, I had an opportunity to interview at Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG), Md.  I had several other opportunities, but because I am a patriotic person, I felt this was a chance to help the nation and the Army.  Through the work that I would be doing at APG, it felt right to join a workforce supporting and helping to protect the Warfighter. 
Upon joining the Department of Defense (DoD) workforce, I began utilizing my programming skills to help support the reliability teams at the Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity (AMSAA).  Being one of only two computer scientists in the branch, I quickly became an expert in developing executable programs to support various reliability growth models. 
Still driven to help more, I volunteered as co-chair of the Aberdeen Middle School mentoring program, that encourages sixth through eighth graders to pursue math and science courses and education in high school and college.  The program teaches the workforce of tomorrow critical concepts through innovative and enjoyable ways such as trivia, competitions, field trips, and science projects.  This was my opportunity to show kids the exciting opportunities math and science provide, and to be a role model for young women in particular.
Working for the DoD has been a truly rewarding experience.  Initially, I wasn’t certain I was making a difference, but after spending 14 weeks in a class with a combination of military and civilian analysts, I learned that the Warfighters understand and appreciate the work I was doing. 
Later, I left AMSAA and I joined the Advanced Design and Manufacturing (ADM) Division at the Edgewood, Chemical and Biological Center (ECBC).  Once again, I was one of two computer scientists in the division.  At the Center, I have been working with professionals from many backgrounds – artists, animators, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, prototype engineers, and engineering technicians, to name a few.  It is very enriching to work with professionals with so many different ideas.  Here, I am able to see the direct impact I always yearned for – a product that I programmed being directly delivered into the Warfighter’s hands – men and women alike.
Throughout my career, though I have always worked in male-centric fields, fortunately, I have never had any instances where I have faced any challenges based on my gender.  I believe that this has to do with the confidence I have in the work I do.  I have always been able to stand behind my work, because it is mathematically accurate and professional, a combination that works in any environment.  The Army is just this type of environment, composed of military and civilian personnel, men and women, working together to defend this nation.  I simply feel honored to be able to say that I am a part of that. 

Azra Malik is a Computer Scientist in the Advanced Design and Manufacturing Division. She obtained a Bachelor of Science from Loyola College and a Masters of Science from Johns Hopkins University. Currently, Azra is doing a rotational detail as ADM's Executive Officer.


Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, Department of the Army, Department of Defense or the U.S. Government.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

ECBC Engineering Test Division Showcases Test and Evaluation Capabilities at Marine West Expo

The U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center’s (ECBC) Engineering Test Division (ETD) recently participated in the Marine West Expo, held in Camp Pendleton, CA in early February. The expo is intended to provide active and retired Marines an opportunity to observe new gear and products, state-of-the-art technology, and a vast array of capabilities from organizations, like ECBC, that are directly connected with the Warfighter experience.
“The Camp Pendleton Expo was an excellent opportunity for the ECBC ETD to showcase the latest in test and evaluation of chemical detectors, chemical swatch materials, and filter testing provided by the Center,” ECBC Engineering Test Division Chief Eugene Vickers, said.
ECBC ETD exhibitors interacted with hundreds of active Marines and potential customers over the two-day event. Not only did ETD accomplish their goal of spreading engineering testing awareness, but they also created new relationships with both private and government organizations.
“Working with Marine West has given ECBC the networking mechanism and opportunity to plan for challenges of the 21st Century in the chemical and biological defense community,” Vickers said.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Women in Science and Engineering Blog, Part Four: Doretha Green


In recognition of Women's History Month, Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) presents a special blog series featuring candid responses from female ECBC employees and leaders on their experiences as females in the science and engineering fields. The fourth blog in this sereis features Doretha Green, Technical Manager for the Rapid Area Sensitive-site Reconnaissance Advanced Technology Demonstration within ECBC's Engineering Directorate.
When I was in high school, I was a good science and math student, but my favorite subject was history. My rural Arkansas high school did not offer advanced placement classes in math or science and I was not aware of career opportunities in engineering. Potential career choices centered on traditional women’s careers of teaching or social work.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Women in Science and Engineering Blog Series: Part Three, Shawn Bowen


In recognition of Women's History Month, Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) presents a special blog series featuring candid responses from female ECBC employees and leaders on their experiences as females in the science and engineering fields. The third blog in this series features Shawn Bowen, of ECBC's Decision Analysis Team. 

Have I faced challenges in a field that is historically underrepresented by women?  Absolutely!  For example, my team offers meeting facilitation, which involves helping groups understand and accomplish their objectives and takes years of training and practice to master.  Several years ago, a customer asked if I could facilitate his meeting.  After clarifying, it became apparent that he wanted someone to set up refreshments.  I don’t know if his request was a subconscious response to me being a woman (who have historically filled the role of refreshment organizers), or if he just made a mistake.  However, experiences like these make it difficult for young employees-- especially women--to overcome anxiety and intimidation often felt because they are not yet established. This can make it hard for women and young employees to build confidence in themselves in the workplace.

People tell me that more women are advancing in science and engineering fields in the Department of Defense (DoD).  I suppose that’s true because there are more women in leadership positions than previously, but I think we still have a long way to go.  For some meetings, I am the only woman in the room.  Why is this, and why do I receive double-takes from people who were expecting the person running the meeting to be a man?  I believe that the workplace will see more women on projects that have previously been dominated by men because more women are being hired in science and engineering.  However, I also believe that I will be much older before I stop being the only woman in the room.  

My experiences as a woman in the DoD have made me a stronger, more confident person.  The job I have, which we fondly refer to as “herding cats” at times, requires me to be assertive and sharp in front of groups, whether they include both men and women or not.  I find that because my meetings are male-dominated, I’ve recognized the importance of overcoming my shyness and naturally timid nature.  When running meetings, my mantra is to do what it takes to get the job done and worry about how uncomfortable I am later (if there’s time, which there usually isn’t!).  Instead of viewing my shyness as part of myself, I view it as a challenge that I can overcome.  My advice to other young women, who work in a male-dominated field or organization, is to not be intimidated and use their experiences instead to become better people.

Ms. Shawn Bowen works on the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center’s Decision Analysis Team in the Directorate of Program Integration.  She has been with the team for six years, and has a background in chemistry, mathematics, and engineering management. 


Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, Department of the Army, Department of Defense or the U.S. Government.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Women in Science and Engineering Blog Series: Part Two, Mary Wade

In recognition of Women's History Month, Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) presents a special blog series featuring candid responses from female ECBC employees and leaders on their experiences as females in the science and engineering fields. The second blog in this sereis features Mary Wade, Supervisory Biologist and Branch Chief for the BioDefense Branch within ECBC's BioSciences Division.
If I were to be able to go back and tell my teenage, or even early college age, self that I would be working as a scientist and supervisor for the Army at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), Md. I am not sure I would believe it. I did not always know that I would be a scientist. In fact, growing up in a family with generations of civil engineers, I was pushed to also pursue engineering. However, I was not very interested in that particular field and entered college as a biology major instead due to a strong interest in science and medicine, although still not 100% sure what I would ultimately do with a degree in biology.
It was not until my junior year in college when I knew that I wanted to be a microbiologist. I had taken my first microbiology course at the time with a professor that was very enthusiastic about his field and he really influenced my direction of study from that point on. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I went to graduate school and completed a PhD in microbiology. I then moved to Maryland for a postdoctoral fellow position at Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health. My research focus as a graduate student and postdoctoral fellow were both in the public health arena and even as a postdoc I still thought I would move back south and take a position with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, I saw a position at ECBC as a research microbiologist to work in the BL3 laboratory and the thought of conducting biodefense research seemed very exciting and rewarding. I was offered the position and began working at APG in 2004. I began working in the BL3 laboratory as a member of the BioDefense Branch and conducted research in the area of bio-detection for about six years before entering into a management role as the Branch Chief for BioDefense Branch in 2011.
As a female manager at ECBC there are challenges. I look around and recognize there are fewer women in leadership roles than in the laboratory. However, I think that will soon change, and over the next few years, there will be an increase in the number of female branch chiefs and division chiefs at ECBC. Already we have seen the first female Senior Executive Service (SES) appointed at ECBC and that fills me with pride. I can only hope that I might somehow contribute to the growing representation of women in leadership roles just as the strong women that have come before me have helped make it possible for me to serve as a leader today.
Mary Margaret Wade, PhD is a Supervisory Biologist, Branch Chief for the BioDefense Branch within the BioSciences Division for the Research and Technology (R&T) Directorate at the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical and Biological Center (ECBC).

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, Department of the Army, Department of Defense or the U.S. Government.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Women in Science and Engineering Blog Series: Part One, Jadey Pareja

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, Department of the Army, Department of Defense or the U.S. Government.
In recognition of Women's History Month, Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) presents a special blog series featuring candid responses from female ECBC employees and leaders on their experiences as females in the science and engineering fields. The first blog in this sereis features Jadey Pareja, a chemical engineer in ECBC's Protective Equipment Test Branch.

I will be the first to admit I don’t fit the typical profile of a scientist.  I’m your high school cheerleading captain, the bubbly girl you want to kill in the morning before you have had your first cup of coffee, the girl with a pink lab coat.  I attended a predominately all-girl college, but was the minority when it came to my graduating class of four chemists.  I will never forget my first day at work as a professional at the ripe age of twenty-two:  I walked into the building as was immediately informed by an older gentleman that my desk was “over there.”  I looked in the direction where he was pointing only to discover the secretary’s desk.  It was at that moment I realized I was going to be the female on the all-male baseball team for the rest of my life.  Thank goodness I was wrong.

In 2005, I was hired by Edgewood Chemical Biological Center as a chemist.  The opinions and barriers associated with women in scientific fields had already been broken down by most of the women currently employed by ECBC.   These women had the courage to step outside their comfort zones for not only their immediate futures, but for the future of women to eventually work for ECBC.  The all-male baseball team image was no longer an issue.   

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

ECBC Engineers Show and Tell Careers at Local Schools to Spread STEM Awareness

Across the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC), several employees have devoted time and creative efforts to classroom visits and presentations to inspire and encourage future generations to give careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) a chance, using interactive and exciting hands-on activities.

“Teaching students more about what we do and how a STEM education can be applied in a practical way is personally rewarding,” said Debbie Brooks-Harris, a packaging specialist in Engineering’s Packaging Branch.

David Vincitore, also a packaging specialist agrees. “These activities are rewarding because we are helping shape the future of our profession,” Vincitore said. “We have to keep in mind that someday these students could be our replacements, so we want to expose them to all of the different possibilities early on. It will let them see, first-hand, how packaging, or engineering in general, is a viable career option.”

Pyrotechnics Branch Chief Sparks Youth Interest in Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Through Local STEM Presentations

Joseph Domanico, Chief of the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center’s (ECBC) Pyrotechnics and Explosives Branch, found a way to turn his passion into his job, a hobby and an extracurricular activity. His resounding love for the sparkles and mystery behind fireworks landed him an invitation to four interactive “science behind pyrotechnics” presentations at Havre de Grace Middle School. The presentations to eight middle school classrooms earned him the unofficial title of “local expert.” 
Havre de Grace’s invitation came after the school heard about Domanico’s presentation at Bel Air Middle School this past December where he addressed more than 100 eighth-graders about the science behind pyrotechnics. Domanico’s presentations are designed to encourage middle school students to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Domanico bears light on traditional science lessons through the real-world application of subjects like chemistry and physics.

ECBC Engineers Collaborate to Create Cost-Effective Training Options for the Warfighter

Teachers use it to teach lessons, football players study their plays on it, and now soldiers can use it as a one-stop device for training refreshers, an easy-to-carry installation manual and more.
“The Department of the Army and Army customers are looking to increase use of mobile devices for Warfighters,” said COL Raymond Compton, military deputy of the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC). “On one small mobile device, a Warfigher has a full library of information across different applications to support a device or even to support the operation of a full vehicle. If a Warfighter is carrying a mobile device, the weight of their backpack is significantly less.”
In addition to being cost-effective, the 21st century advancements in technology, coupled with a desire to equip the Warfighter with a single-source for everything needed, makes the use of iPad applications increasingly necessary. ECBC’s Advanced Design and Manufacturing Division (ADM) Conceptual Modeling and Animation Branch, Technology and Systems Integration Branch, and the Electronic Drawing Development Branch partnered together to create two iPad applications. One application simulates the Husky Mounted Detection System Surrogate (HMDSS), and the other recreates the Mobile Counter Improvised Explosives Device Training (MCIT). Both iPad applications were handed over directly to the Joint Improvise Explosives Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO). The MCIT and HMDSS are Continental United States (CONUS) devices intended to be used by soldiers directly.  The HMDSS iPad app will be delivered by JIEDDO to support locations where HMDSS vehicles are being used for training.  The MCIT was being used both as a “marketing” tool for the system by JIEDDO, as well as a direct informative device to be used by soldiers on various bases.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Engineering Test Division Acquires New Testing Facilites Unveiled at Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Edgewood Chemical Biological Center's Engineering Test Division (ETD) and the Permeation and Analytical Solutions Branch (PASB) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on 1 February to mark the unveiling of a new 26-cell Aerosol Vapor Liquid Assessment Group (AVLAG) permeation test system and a newly designed 282-flood cell test system.
The design, fabrication and modifications of the test fixtures were created through partnerships between ETD branches and ECBC’s Advanced Design and Manufacturing Division, in support of the Joint Equipment Assessment Program (JEAP). 
The 26-cell AVLAG test fixture design includes modifications to increase test capacity through efficiency, improved data quality and enhanced customer interaction by using web-based tools such as SharePoint®, which fostered a collaborative effort by PASB, Test, Reliability and Evaluation Branch (TREB), Protective Equipment Test Branch (PET), all ETD branches.  The test fixture is designed to support the JEAP surveillance of IPE as a function of the Defense, Reutilization, Accountability and Disposal Project, the evaluation of the military’s stockpile of chemical protective clothing. Pine Bluff Arsenal will participate in JEAP testing with an identical 26-cell AVLAG test system to be installed by PASB personnel.
Alvin D. Thornton, Director of ECBC's Engineering Directorate, shared opening remarks followed by presentations showcasing ETD’s test capabilities and the partnership between the ETD branches.  After the informational meeting, the attendees were invited to see demonstrations of the new test AVLAG systems in E3510.
PASB welcomed Kent Schmitz and Keith Moses from the sponsoring organization Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) as well as representatives from JEAP, Pine Bluff Arsenal, Joint Program Executive Office and Joint Project Manager-Individual Protection.  Terry Hardin, PBA and Scott Sprouse, JEAP LNO were also in attendance.
The following individuals presented information regarding the new test systems: Brian MacIver, Branch Chief, PASB; Mary McNally, Branch Chief, Protective Equipment Test Branch; Do Nguyen, Branch Chief, Test, Reliability, and Evaluation Branch; Mike Sheely, PASB; Chris Cantler, Joint Research and Development (JRAD) in support of PASB; Tom Lynn, (JRAD) in support of PASB; Chris Steinbach, (JRAD) in support of PASB; Traci Graham (PASB); and Mark Williams, Science Applications International Corporation in support of PASB.