wavelengths

COE Insider

Stay up to date with the latest news by joining Riverside Research on social media:

Like us of Facebook Connect with us on LinkedIn

Follow us on Twitter Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

February 2016 | Issue 2

COE Insider

Employee News

Honors & Awards

Family News

Celebrations

Information Technology

Security

Enterprise News

2

6

7

8

8

10

10

11

Click here to view the Wavelengths Archive

CelebrationsEnterprise News

“PHAROS will be very beneficial for radar engineers, data analysts, and system maintainers. It will allow them

to evaluate and quantify sensor performance and mission success, while also identifying and troubleshooting

system anomalies and data artifacts.”

—Jerry Do Vale, Director of Radar Assessment & Development

Plasma Vacuum Chamber, you can view the arrival video by clicking the icon on the left.

wavelengths | February 2016 | Riverside Research2 3

COE InsiderEM COE

New Plasma Vacuum Chamber Enhances the Open Innovation Center

Riverside Research installed a new plasma vacuum chamber in its new Open Innovation Center within the Dayton Research Center (DRC) on 12 January. The 17,000-pound chamber will support research in a multitude of areas, including ionospheric and space plasma environments, hypersonic plasma environments, space propulsion, plasma-magnetic field interactions, dusty plasmas, and material processing applications of plasma.

Riverside Research is pleased to offer these new capabilities as they will have an immediate impact on current development efforts and will foster future advancements and collaborations. Click here to view the full press release.

ISR COE

New Visualization Tool to Analyze Radar Coverage

The Boston-based Radar Assessment and Development (RAD) team developed the Performance, Health, and Analysis of Radar Operations Suite (PHAROS) to support operational data collection radars. PHAROS is a MATLAB-based analysis and visualization tool for depicting and analyzing radar coverage, object tracks, and threat trajectories.

PHAROS extracts recorded data from the various sensors supported by the RAD team and transforms the data into a common format usable by a robust set of generic analysis tools. Access to the tool suite and radar mission data is provided through an intuitive graphical user interface including Cesium— an industry leading 4-D WebGL globe and map for visualizing data. PHAROS is unique in that it provides a first-ever interface between MATLAB and Cesium.

In addition to radar mission analysis capabilities, PHAROS displays radar coverages and the ability to record mission playback data. The PHAROS MATLAB interface provides a framework to allow users to develop additional visualization and analysis tools.

Designed under the Independent Research and Development & Strategic Investment (IRAD & SI) program with CMMI level 3 compliance objectives, PHAROS is now employed by Riverside Research engineers and customers for addressing some of the most challenging technical issues facing operational sensors and will be easily extensible to future sensors.

“The installation of the new plasma vacuum chamber enables Riverside Research to perform research in

a wide range of plasma phenomenologies. The chamber provides our current customers with advanced

capabilities and paves the way for new business opportunities and outreach initiatives.”

—Dr. Jeffrey Pursel, Director, Open Innovation Center

Cyber COE

Riverside Research Provides CyberPatroit Program Orientation to Dayton Area Teachers

On 15 January, Riverside Research conducted an orientation for Fairborn City School teachers, introducing them to the recently launched Elementary School Cyber Education Initiative (ESCEI).

Cyber Security expert, John Moore (EMG), presented the tools and modules that teachers could incorporate in their classrooms. With plans to build partnerships with a collection of Ohio school systems that are interested in adopting ESCEI into their curriculum, Riverside Research is currently launching the program to local Dayton area schools. As the first group in the Dayton area to explore the course, Fairborn City School District teachers were provided general concepts of cyber security and guidelines for delivering the ESCEI curriculum.

“The teachers found the ESCEI program beneficial and agree that students need to be exposed to safe

online practices.”

—John Moore, Cyber Security Expert

The ESCEI program is intended for children kindergarten through sixth grade. Any school nation-wide with these grade-levels is eligible to request the program. Click here to read the full press release.

IBM and Riverside Research Co-host Cognitive Computing Workshop

On 10 December 2015, IBM and Riverside Research co-hosted a Cognitive Computing workshop at the Dayton Research Center (DRC) featuring IBM’s Watson technology platform. Watson uses machine learning and natural language processing to provide deep contextual learning from large amounts of unstructured data, revealing insights, patterns, and relationships across the data. It is estimated that 80% of all data in any given organization is unstructured and this number is growing at a steady rate.

Approximately 35 people attended the workshop, which included Riverside Research employees as well as representatives from the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), University of Dayton, and Wright State University. During the workshop, participants learned about the various technologies and techniques used by Watson to solve the challenges of analyzing mass amounts of unstructured data very quickly.

Dr. Steven Rogers, Senior Scientist for Automatic Target Recognition and Sensor Fusion, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), was the keynote speaker. Dr. Rogers discussed the vision of Air Force researchers. IBM Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) introduced a variety of real-world use cases, demonstrating how Watson can enable situational awareness and be an asset in real-time decision making. Participants gained an understanding of the applications enabled by this technology and how it can be implemented across a broad spectrum of domains, including defense, academia, industry, and healthcare. Participants also had the opportunity to discuss their particular use cases with the IBM SMEs.

Riverside Research’s goal is to hold quarterly workshops that will showcase emerging technologies that may benefit current and/or future projects. Workshops are open for all Riverside Research employees with the approval of their direct supervisor. For more information, contact Ted Josue (IDS) at 937-427-7093 or tjosue@riversideresearch.org.

Ted Josue

wavelengths | February 2016 | Riverside Research4 5

ISR S&T Review Board Established

On Thursday, 4 February, Rich Miller (IDS) presented to the ISR COE a recommendation for the formation of an ISR Science and Technology (S&T) Review Board within Riverside Research. This initiative is tied back to the Riverside Research 2014–2017 Strategic Plan’s call for the “integration and expansion of the labs and emphasis on research; improved IRAD processes and; deliberate business development (BD) processes.”

The ISR S&T Review Board Charter and Mission Statements define the Board as an assemblage that will serve, guide, and support our ISR COE, ISR-related IRAD investments, and our BD processes by mapping our niche research capabilities to formally approved critical Government S&T and research gaps and needs. The ISR S&T Review Board is comprised of the ISR COE Chair, members from Programs, Research and Development (R&D), and BD. Together, they will inject SME assessed government S&T gaps and needs into our IRAD & SI and BD processes in time to impact our decision cycles with strong linked justifications.

To achieve its mission, the Board will follow a five-step process as depicted in the figure below. After researching US government approved S&T and research & development gaps and needs documents, the Board will assess and filter the documents to uncover gaps and needs that can then be linked to our Riverside Research ISR COE capabilities and potential existing or future IRAD & SIs. Communicating and collaborating back with the appropriate SMEs and representatives for feedback, the Board will narrow down the S&T needs to niche areas where Riverside Research can realistically assist in developing solutions. Throughout this process, information will be archived and thought-processes documented so they can be utilized and revisited as new capabilities and IRADS are created.

With strong support from the ISR COE, Rich Miller and other members from this newly-established ISR S&T Review Board plan to move forward identifying and documenting roles, processes, meeting schedules, and beginning the first steps toward executing its Mission.

ISR COE Continued...

You can submit content for the newsletter to

wavelengths@riversideresearch.org

Joseph AudererGreenville, TXMember of the Professional StaffAIRStart Date: 01.01.2011

Joseph AudererGreenville, TXMember of the Professional StaffARSStart Date: 01.01.2011

Employee NewsJanuary New HiresARS

IDS

Employment Tenure Milestones

Matthew MillerDayton, OHSenior Systems Administrator

Chris AlbertDayton, OH IT Customer Support ITStart Date: 01.03.2011

Dana HallGreenville, TX Member of the Professional Staff AIRStart Date: 01.01.2011

Craig TillberyGreenville, TX Member of the Professional Staff AIRStart Date: 01.01.2011

Ida HernandezNew York, NY FSOSecurityStart Date: 01.17.2011

Barbara Furyk-OlsonDayton, OH Member of the Research StaffESSStart Date: 01.04.2006

Daniel GrossNew York, NY Member of the Research Staff Biomed Start Date: 01.03.2011

Roy ParkNew York, NYVice President of Administration Start Date: 01.24.2011

John WhiteheadGreenville, TXProduct AssuranceAIRStart Date: 01.01.2006

10 Years

5 Years

5 Years

James RegisterDayton, OHJr Systems Administrator

Bradley DenbyDayton, OHProject Support AFIT/ANT Center

James BridgersDayton, OHSpectral Science SME

Michelle SayreDayton, OHSignals Intelligence Systems Engineer

David HascherDayton, OHSenior Software Engineer/Data SME

Honors & AwardsPersonal Accomplishment

James Godby (EMG) successfully completed his master’s degree in Information Technology with a concentration in IT Project Management from American Public University.

Congratulations, Jim!

Riverside Research recently converted to a new Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) tool. What is the name of the tool?

Professional Achievement

Tiffany Aviles (HR) successfully completed the Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) exam. Tiffany spent months preparing for the SHRM-CP exam and is now a recognized, certified professional in the HR community. As a new standard for HR professionals, this certification covers behavioral competencies and functional knowledge areas within the themes of HR competencies, people, organization, workplace, and strategy.

Darrin (Yoshi) Koga (AIR) was recently recognized by the Air Force Materiel Command Standards and Evaluation Branch as an outstanding performer during the Aircrew Performance Evaluations inspection in Greenville, TX. This is the second time Darrin has been the recipient of this award.

James Godby

Tiffany Aviles Darrin Koga

6wavelengths | February 2016 | Riverside Research

7

Family NewsKassie Kipling (IDS) and husband Mark, welcomed their third child, an adorable daughter, Hayley Elizabeth Kipling on 18 January at 4:40 AM. Hayley weighed 8 lbs 6 oz and was 21 in long. Big brothers Ian and William are looking forward to loving on their sweet baby sister.

Mike Bartz (IT) and his wife Christine, are proud to announce the arrival of Angela Clare Bartz. Angela was born on 4 February 2016 weighing 7 lbs 10 oz and was 20.5 in long. Everyone is doing well and enjoying the newest member of the family.

Farhaan Razi (R&D) and his wife recently traveled to Lesvos, Greece, to assist with the refugee crisis. The couple traveled as part of the Salaam Cultural Museum non-governmental organization team providing medical and humanitarian needs to the refugees are arriving on the island. The refugees are fleeing war from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The refugees made a treacherous journey across the Aegean Sea on crowded rubber, dingy boats arriving in Lesvos, Greece, before making their way to Germany. There continues to be pressing needs for assistance. If you would like to learn more about helping the refugees, contact Farhaan Razi at frazi@riversideresearch.org.

Hayley Elizabeth Kipling Angela Clare Bartz

Refugee in Lesvos, Greece

NYO Celebration DRC Celebration

CelebrationsNYO Holiday Dinner

On Thursday, 10 December 2015, the New York Office (NYO) held their annual holiday dinner at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The evening began with a reception featuring a wine tasting event. After a welcome and introduction of the out-of-town visitors, employees and guests were treated to an assortment of dishes ranging from a carving station with steak and duck to Spanish Tapas, artisanal pastas, and a variety of Moroccan inspired dishes. Bite-sized desserts were available to finish out the wonderful feast.

NYO and DRC Celebrate Richard Annas’ Birthday

NYO hosted a birthday luncheon celebration for President Richard Annas on his birthday, 9 February. Employees enjoyed a wonderful meal and had an opportunity to personally wish Richard a happy birthday.

DRC employees had a chance to write birthday wishes on golf balls and hand deliver them to Richard during his birthday week. Over three dozen golf balls were presented to Richard; he should be set for golfing in retirement.

Happy birthday, Richard!

To cap off the evening, NYO held their second annual fundraiser as a way to give back during the holiday season. Last year, a silent auction was held. This year, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a raffle. Hot items such as an Apple Watch, a Broadway show gift certificate, Visa gift cards, a hand selected wine basket, and a STEM-styled Magformer set were raffled off. Executives, directors, and managers collectively sponsored all of the raffle items. Several NYO employees and their guests participated in the raffle making it possible to raise a total of $1,470. All proceeds were donated to Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.

A special kudos to Laura Williams (Finance) for organizing the special night.

wavelengths | February 2016 | Riverside Research8 9

DRC Employees Surprise Sandy’s Cleaning Staff with Baby Items

DRC employees showered Missy and Chantelle, Sandy’s Cleaning Staff, with over $700 worth of baby items. Diapers, wipes, Desitin, Johnson & Johnson bath gel and lotions, cute onsies and matching pants, receiving blankets, baby blankets, powder, baby q-tips, bath toys and towels, and baby hangers— these mommies-to-be are all set for their sons to arrive. Thanks for blessing Missy and Chantelle DRC employees!

NYO Holiday Dinner Continued...

Enterprise NewsRiverside Research STEM Scholars Recognized at the University of Dayton Arena

Six of the seven Riverside Research STEM scholarship recipients were recognized at the University of Dayton (UD) on 15 January. All recipients were invited to watch the Dayton Flyers take on George Washington University to celebrate their scholarship awards and sustained academic excellence. Scholars and their friends and family joined company representatives at the Flight Deck for a pre-game meal. They were then treated to an exciting basketball game, which they watched from the lower bowl of UD Arena.

During halftime, each student was recognized on center-court. UD’s announcer read their academic “stats,” including their respective college or university, area of study, anticipated graduation year, and GPA. Upon completion, the scholars played a friendly game of musical chairs on the court. Instead of traditionally walking around a circle of chairs, the students also had to dribble a basketball while doing so. Musical chair winner Michele Cabell, UD Chemical Engineering student, was awarded two tickets to the NCAA First Four game at UD Arena in March.

In 2015, Riverside Research provided nearly $50,000 in scholarships to Dayton-area colleges and universities to award academically excellent students pursuing degrees in STEM. These funds supplemented the academic pursuits of seven students from Clark State Community College, UD, and Wright State University.

The students were also recognized in an ad published by Riverside Research that will run in the game programs for the remainder of the season.

L to R: Michelle Cabell, Kaihmeelah Bonham, Deidre Cathey, Lauren Rura, Kaylee Eakins, Jessica Worsham, and Richard Annas Not pictured: Shaun Foor

10wavelengths | February 2016 | Riverside Research

11

ITMigration to FootPrints Service Core During the month of February, Riverside Research converted from a previous helpdesk tool to Footprints Service Core, an Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) tool from BMC. FootPrints Service Core includes service desk software which empowers all Riverside Research employees with the ability to create and track service requests via a single sign-on, secure portal. This will foster improved communication, better service prioritization, and trend analysis for leadership to forecast our needs as we continue to grow in a an environment where agility and accuracy are critical to success.

This tool was selected after careful review of a myriad of software packages and service providers and is being tailored to meet the unique needs of Riverside Research. Services offered are not restricted to IT; the tool accommodates a number of services to include procurement, security, and finance. The additional services are scheduled for launch in the coming months.

Phase one of the IT roll-out is intended to be transparent to end users. For the time being, help-desk ticket requests will continue to be submitted via email at helpdesk@riversidereserach.org. By mid-March, a full transition to the new tool— capable of tracking actions from initial entry through resolution, is anticipated. IT is extremely excited to offer these improved capabilities through FootPrints Service Core, a powerful and flexible tool, by providing process improvements and enhanced efficiencies. Be on the lookout for training opportunities and webinars coming in the near future.

Questions or comments can be submitted to IT management via fpfeedback@riversideresearch.org.

SecurityBRO Earns “Superior” Rating from DSS

The Boston Research Office (BRO) was recently recognized by the Defense Security Service (DSS) for improving their government security rating from “Commendable” to “Superior.” The rating, which ranks them in the top 8% of all industry contractors, was a result of a thorough two-day, five-agent, vulnerability assessment completed by DSS in early February. BRO’s rating also increased Riverside Research’s overall standing compared to other industry contractors— see graphic to the right. BRO joins the Centreville Research Office, Champaign Research Office, Dayton Research Center, and Washington Business Office as “Superior” rated facilities.

“I would like to personally thank Joanne Ward (Security), Bryan Coffey (R&D), and Mary Plummer (R&D) for

their contributions leading to the rating. Congratulations to each of them and the entire BRO staff for this

significant accomplishment.”

—Jim Whitten, Director of Security and Facilities

Dr. Jeff Clark (IDS) provided a one-hour “Artificial Intelligence 101” educational session on 7 January to impart the basics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to management, leaders, and staff that were interested. As applications of AI are beginning to grow across the ISR community, coupled with Riverside Research’s AI-related independent research and development & strategic initiative (IRAD & SI), Neuromorphic Computing for Energy Efficient Agile Air Force Platforms (TrueNorth/SyNAPSE)* —it is in fact a relevant topic to have a basic understanding. Neuromorphic computing systems seek to emulate neuro-biological systems by using analog, digital, and mixed-mode very-large-scale integration systems and software to implement models of brain-inspired neuronal systems for perception, motor control, or multi-sensory integration. Below is a Wavelengths interview with Dr. Clark.

What is Artificial Intelligence?AI is the ability for a computer system to perform tasks that usually require a human intellect to accomplish. AI refers to a wide range of computer-based algorithms such as machine learning, deep learning, and artificial neural networks.

What are Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs)?ANNs are biologically-inspired computing methods that model physical aspects of the brain. The methods show interactions between neurons, connectivity, and high parallelism of neural computations.

What was the purpose of holding this training session?Since Riverside Research is heavily investigating SyNAPSE, a third generation neural network architecture, understanding AI and the science that goes behind it will be helpful for those making business decisions regarding Riverside Research’s involvement in these technologies.

Why is AI significant to Riverside Research?The ISR Lab is currently conducting internal research and development using the latest technology in this field—IBM’s TrueNorth architecture that is based on Spiking Neural Networks. Spiking Neural Networks is a new paradigm that mimics the brain’s neural network. It is a deviation from the second generation neural networks, which rely on mathematical modeling of the human neural network, and therefore will theoretically outperform previous, strictly mathematical models. This education session focused on providing enough of an understanding of these machine learning, second generational neural networks to allow a basic, conceptual grasp of what Riverside Research’s ISR lab is working on with the new SyNAPSE technology. Ultimately, it will provide technical solutions that will help with national security problems.

To learn more, contact Dr. Jeff Clark at jclark@riversideresearch.org.

Teaching Artificial Intelligence

Dr. Jeff Clark

SyNAPSE Technology

L to R: Emily Kennebeck and Nate Zechar standing in front of the plasma chamber in the Riverside Research OIC’s Plasma Lab.

Enterprise News Continued...

Riverside Research Hosts High School Student for STEM Career Exploration

Emily Kennebeck, a student at Fairmont High School in Kettering, OH, was invited to participate in a job shadowing experience with Riverside Research on 5 February. As an assignment for Emily’s Career Exploration Program through Fairmont High School, she was required to shadow a scientist. Emily spent the day with Riverside Research’s Plasma Physicist, Nate Zechar (ESS).

Emily had the privilege of visiting both Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) and Riverside Research’s Dayton Research Center (DRC). For the first part of the day, Emily toured the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Sensor’s Directorate Plasma Lab at WPAFB. She had the opportunity to see the three plasma chambers housed in AFRL, learn about the various ongoing experiments, and gain an appreciation for the significance of the research conducted at AFRL. During the second half of the day, Emily spent her time in the Riverside Research Open Innovation Center (OIC) Plasma Lab at the DRC, learning about the ongoing research there. The recently acquired plasma vacuum chamber not only provides advanced research capabilities and new business opportunities, but also paves the way for outreach initiatives and educational experiences for STEM students like Emily.

Emily learned that while most of us are aware of three states of matter—solid, liquid, and gas - there is actually a fourth state, plasma. Plasma is less understood, but yet is the most abundant in the universe. Although plasma is technically electrically neutral, made of both positive and negative charged particles, these charged particles move, creating electrical currents with magnetic fields. The particles are ultimately affected by each other’s fields. So why is this important? Remember the movie Apollo 13? Towards the end of the movie, during re-entry, the spacecraft loses communication with Houston. This loss of communication was due to a plasma sheath wrapping around the craft which disabled antenna signals. Not only do we need to protect the communication signals, but also all of the radio frequency (RF) systems used for navigation, targeting, terminal guidance, and so forth. In order to complete missions effectively and keep our people safe, we are researching ways to address these issues with various ongoing research projects.

This opportunity was coordinated through Shawn Kalis (ARS) and Tiffany Flannery (ESS), working together with AFRL.

*The Neuromorphic Computing for Energy Efficient Agile Air Force

Platforms (TrueNorth/SyNAPSE) IRAD & SI is led by Ted Josue, with

accompanied support from Drs. Jeff Clark and Nicholas Scott,

Ben Ausdenmoore, and Mike Lovingshimer.

wavelengths | February 2016 | Riverside Research12 13

What’s New with MarketMaker

The February 2016 MarketMaker newsletter was recently published. This issue highlights:

• Agricultural Urbanism Effort Utilizes Market Research Feature• MarketMaker Updates• Farm to School Effort Strengthened• Upcoming Events• Business Spotlight: Shady Grove Greenhouse• Letter from the Founders

Click here to learn more about recent MarketMaker news.

The MarketMaker Year in Review is fresh off the press; it includes an overview of MarketMaker’s progress and achievements throughout 2015. Click the images below to view both the newsletter and Year in Review.

MarketMaker 2015 Year in Review

Enterprise News Continued...

MarketMaker February 2016 issue

wavelengths | February 2016 | Riverside Research14 15

Quiet Contest

All enterprise employees have the opportunity to win branded items or a restaurant gift card by searching for the hidden question within this issue. Send your answer to: wavelengths@riversideresearch.org

Congratulations, Joseph Kreitinger (R&D)! Joseph was the January Quiet Contest winner.

January Question: Name the Corporate Sponsorship Programs featured in this newsletter.

January Answer: The Corporate Sponsorship Programs featured in this newsletter are the Team Wright-Patt Quarterly and Annual Awards Program and the Hour of Code Program.

Guide to Common Enterprise Acronyms

AIR Airborne Reconnaissance Systems DirectorateARS Applied Research SolutionsBiomed Biomedical EngineeringBOT Board of TrusteesCOE Center of ExcellenceCyber Cyber ResearchEM ElectromagneticsEMG Emerging Programs & Support DirectorateESS Engineering & Support Solutions DirectorateIDS Intelligence & Defense Solutions DirectorateIRAD & SI Independent Research and Development & Strategic InitiativeISR Intelligence, Surveillance, and ReconnaissanceMAD Modeling & Application DevelopmentPGM ProgramsOTP Office of the PresidentRAD Radar Assessment & DevelopmentR&D Research & Development

Joseph Kreitinger

You can submit content for the newsletter to

wavelengths@riversideresearch.org

wavelengths

Stay up to date with the latest news by joining Riverside Research on social media:

Like us of Facebook Connect with us on LinkedIn

Follow us on Twitter Subscribe to our YouTube Channel