Glenn Wins 

NASA Invention 

of the Year

Page 3

Summer Interns 

Explore NASA 

Careers

Pages 6–7

Safety Practices 

Prevent Injuries

Page 8

Nurturing Girls’ 

Interest in STEM

Page 2

VOLUME 20 • ISSUE 8 • AUGUST 2018
2

AeroSpace Frontiers

is an official publication of Glenn Research 

Center, National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration. It is published the second 

Friday of each month by the Office of 

Communications & External Relations 

in the interest of the Glenn workforce, 

retirees, government officials, business 

leaders and the general public. 

Submit short articles and calendar items 

to the editor at doreen.b.zudell@nasa.gov. 

Editor: Doreen B. Zudell, ATS, 

 216–433–5317

Assistant Editor: S. Jenise Veris, ATS

Design: Jami Drost, ATS

Managing Editor: Kelly R. DiFrancesco

Circulation: Angela Williams, ATS, 

 216–433–8921

Successful Testing for 

Commercial Crew Vehicle 

at Plum Brook Station

SpaceX’s Crew Dragon arrived at 

Plum Brook Station on June 20, and in 

less than 3 weeks, it underwent thermal vacuum testing in the In-Space 

Propulsion Facility and modal and 

reverberant acoustic testing in the 

Space Environments Complex. The 

successful testing verified vehicle 

performance in extreme space conditions. Glenn team members worked 

cohesively while attending to safety 

practices in facility preparation, test 

operation and Crew Dragon transport. I am proud of our team for a job 

well done, and for demonstrating the 

capabilities of our unique assets to 

our industry partners.

Mission success relies on preparation, 

testing and execution—with Safety 

in mind. 

On the Cover: 

Glenn’s Calvin Robinson demonstrates 

to Girls in STEM participants how 

Augmented Reality can be used to 

visualize 2D fluid dynamics in real time. 

GRC-2018-C-04434

Photo by Rami Daud

Event Introduces 

Girls to STEM Careers

NASA Glenn hosted its fourth annual Girls in STEM event at Lewis Field on 

July 12. The event offered 170 students who participate in scouts, summer 

camps and out-of-school-time programs in grades 6 through 8 insight into 

science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers. Students 

met NASA’s scientists and engineers, who encouraged the girls to think about 

STEM professions. 

Activities included a panel discussion about careers in STEM, followed by 

an engineering design challenge, make-it-take-it activities and several tours. 

Students created energy storing bead bracelets that harnessed the Sun’s 

power; made a liquid cooling and ventilation garment that keeps astronauts 

at a comfortable temperature; constructed a handheld rocket and built 

a robotic arm effector.

Glenn’s Office of Education coordinated the event with assistance from 

employees across the center. 

Photos by Bridget Caswell

GRC-2018-C-04378

GRC-2018-C-04302
NASA’s Inventions and Contributions Board has selected Glenn’s PS/PM400, 

a new high-temperature solid lubricant coating for high-temperature wear applications, 

as the 2018 Government and Commercial Invention of the Year winner. 

“NASA Glenn is a world leader in developing advanced materials for 

extreme environments. Over the past several years we have worked 

very hard to get our technologies out to industry to boost American 

economic competitiveness,” said Dr. John Sankovic, director, Office 

of Technology Incubation and Innovation. “Being recognized to win both 

the NASA Government and NASA Commercial Invention of the Year is 

a tremendous recognition of our efforts.”

Senior Technologist Dr. Christopher DellaCorte, and recent retiree Brian 

J. Edmonds, are the inventors of PS/PM400, a novel, self-lubricating 

alloy material developed specifically for coating superalloys, applicable 

in many NASA technologies. PS400 is the coating version of the lubricant composite applied via plasma spray (PS) techniques, while PM400 

is the free-standing solid version of the lubricant composite made via 

powder metallurgy (PM) processes. 

The versatile alloy performs in temperatures from cryogenic levels, 

approximately –150 C, to greater than 900 C. It has been formulated to 

provide high density, smooth surface finish, and excellent dimensional 

stability with low complexity and expense in fabrication. This alloy is a 

significant upgrade over not only traditional lubricants such as oil and 

grease, but also solid lubricants like graphite or other carbon-based 

composite materials. 

This innovation offers immediate benefits for numerous applications 

already operating in high-temperature environments, such as rocket 

engines, aircraft turbines and steam generation. It is widely used in foil 

air bearings for aircraft, as well as in other types of bearings, bushings 

and valves supporting state-of-the-art NASA engine design. Glenn’s 

licensees ADMA Products Inc. and Hohman Plating are actively promoting and developing this technology for the automotive industry in 

applications such as exhaust-system parts and gas recirculation valves. 

Our licensees are also working with unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturers, large equipment manufacturers and companies needing a high 

performing material.

By S. Jenise Veris

Glenn Earns Agency’s Prestigious

Invention of the Year Awards

Dr. DellaCorte Edmonds

AUGUST 2018

3

Photo by Quentin Schwinn

GRC-2003-C-01424

The coating process for PS400.

More information about PS/PM400 is available at

https://technology.grc.nasa.gov/featurestory/ps-pm400.

Shaft (enlarged to show detail) coated with NASA PS400 solid lubricants. 

The five banded sections shown represent the coating process steps.

Photo by Rami Daud

GRC-2018-C-04455
4

NEWS AND EVENTS

NASA Glenn’s Office of Education (OE) teamed 

with the Cleveland Aviation Career Education (ACE) 

Academy to host 19 middle and high school students, 

June 26, for a field trip devoted to creating an 

aviation experience. Darlene Walker, OE deputy chief, 

welcomed the students to the Briefing Center, where 

they were engaged in a discussion on aviation career 

opportunities presented by a diverse panel of Glenn 

engineers. The afternoon also included tours of the 

Graphics and Visualization Lab and the Simulated 

Lunar Operations Lab. Jerry Voltz moderated the 

panel discussion, which featured Lance Foster, Dionne 

Hernandez-Lugo, Jarred Wilhite and Diana Chan.

ACE Summer Campers 

Tour Glenn

GRC-2018-CN-00031

Photo by David Clinkscale

Conversations Change Misconceptions

In recognition of LGBT Pride Month, Glenn’s Rainbow Alliance Advisory Group and the Office of Diversity and Equal 

Opportunity hosted a discussion on “The Power of Conversation,” June 20. Candace Gingrich of the Human Rights Campaign 

talked about the importance of engaging in respectful conversation in advancing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender 

and Questioning (LGBTQ) equality in the workplace. Drawing from her personal and professional experiences, Gingrich 

explained how the power of everyday conversations change misconceptions. Center Director Dr. Janet Kavandi, and Office 

of Technology Incubation and Innovation Director Dr. John Sankovic, provided opening remarks of support. Rainbow Alliance 

members and supporters pictured, left to right, Christine Paulsen, Kelly Gilkey, Gingrich, Dr. Kavandi and Dr. Sankovic.

GRC-2018-C-03544

Photo by Bridget Caswell
AUGUST 2018

5

NASA brought space down to earth during the city of Medina’s Bicentennial Homecoming, July 4 to 7. Former 

astronaut Mike Foreman made a special appearance, NASA’s Journey to Tomorrow (JTT) traveling exhibit offered 

a hands-on learning experience and the Mobile Orion Vehicle Explorer (MOVE) took part in the annual July 4th 

Parade. Medina county native Foreman shared career highlights with the public, answered questions and signed 

autographs at the Medina Library. He later joined Glenn employees at the JTT exhibit at the celebration on the 

square. In recognition of NASA’s 60th anniversary this summer, staff distributed “Golden Astronaut” tickets to 

tour Lewis Field on Sept. 29.

NASA Joins Medina’s Bicentennial Homecoming

Foreman interacts with the 

public in the JTT trailer.

GRC-2018-C-04034

Photo by Quentin Schwinn

MOVE in the parade.

GRC-2018-C-04035

Photo by Rami Daud
Zach Zoloty

Mechanisms and Tribology Branch

The Ohio State University, Aerospace Engineering, fourth year

Mentor: Margaret Proctor

As a long-time admirer of space travel and exploration, Zach Zoloty is excited to 

support NASA’s missions in every way possible. In his fourth summer interning 

at NASA centers, Zoloty is confident that Glenn will offer an abundance of new 

experiences. With the volume of experiments and projects underway here, 

Zoloty knows there are opportunities to get involved and to learn from respected 

professionals.

Jeffrey Severino

Acoustics Branch

University of Hartford, Mechanical Engineering in Acoustics, fourth year

Mentor: Danielle Koch

After serving as a research assistant to a NASA Glenn Faculty Fellow, Jeffrey Severino 

applied for Glenn’s summer internship. Severino feels the most valuable lesson he 

is taking away during his time at the center is patience and persistence. This allows 

consistent learning and progress. Engaging with other interns and full-time employees 

is helping Severino understand how his work benefits the Acoustics Branch and 

Glenn’s core competencies.

Molly Kearns

Space Communications and Spectrum Management Office

The University of Alabama, Digital Marketing & Social Media, master’s degree student

Mentors: Carrie Clapper and Ruth Scina

As a returning Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) intern, Molly Kearns 

builds on her past work. This summer, that entails interviewing and documenting the 

contributions of her peers through photography and videography. Kearns is grateful to 

have the opportunity to work on a project that enables her to learn how other Glenn 

interns are contributing to NASA’s mission.

Khoranhlai Anjuli Jones

Multiscale and Multiphysics Modeling Branch

Xavier University of Louisiana, Computer Science and Computer Engineering, third year

Mentor: Trenton Ricks

Khoranhlai Anjuli Jones is stepping out of her comfort zone as an intern in NASA’s work 

environment. With previous academic research experience, Jones believes that working 

at NASA is the best way to apply what she has learned in computer science to industry. 

She realizes that being trusted and empowered to design and implement algorithms to 

solve complex problems is an amazing opportunity. 

Summer Interns 

Explore NASA Careers

Zoloty studies soil mechanics.

Jones automates software for validation.

Severino researches test engine noise reduction.

Kearns photographs students for the 

SCaN intern project.

GRC-2018-C-04099 

Photos by Marvin Smith

GRC-2018-C-04097

GRC-2018-C-04105

GRC-2018-C-04102

6
colleges and 

universities 

represented across 

the nation

Bill M. Beverly

Power Management and Distribution

Purdue University Northwest, Electrial Engineering Technology, third year

Mentor: Raymond Beach

Bill M. Beverly said one of the best decisions he has made is returning to school. 

With an abundance of work-life experience to contribute, Beverly feels learning is an 

everyday occurrence at NASA Glenn. Splitting his workday between his desk and the 

lab, Beverly is excited to build and repair equipment to be used in spaceflight. The 

chance to work in an eviornment that is like a close-knit family that is always ready to 

help, is making his summer unforgettable. 

Victoria Segovia

Office of Communications and External Relations

Florida International University, Public Relations and Social Media and E-marketing, 

Graduate 

Mentors: Frank Jennings and Jan Wittry

Interning at Glenn allows Victoria Segovia to combine her communications skills with 

her passion for science and discovery. Every day offers a different growth experience 

for Segovia. Immediately embraced by the staff, she writes and publishes content and 

coordinates activities in the areas of media relations, digital media and community 

outreach. One of her most exciting projects is sharing the stories of her fellow interns 

through this article for AeroSpace Frontiers. Segovia feels respected and treated as a peer.

Johnny Enrique López Calero

Office of Education

University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, Material Science and Engineering, 

master’s degree student

Mentor: Dr. Mark Kankam

NASA has offered Johnny Enrique López Calero a variety of challenges in the past. 

This year, he is stepping beyond his research-based experiences to manage student 

programs, work with different personalities and strive to keep every intern engaged. 

Calero enjoys meeting interns from different cultural backgrounds. He feels right at 

home at Glenn because of the Hispanic community presence.

This summer, NASA Glenn welcomed over 200 interns and fellows to its workforce. 

Glenn’s internship program provides hands-on practical experience to expand students’ 

education beyond the classroom. Students pursuing degrees in STEM and institutional areas 

have the opportunity to work side by side with career professionals and contribute to 

NASA’s missions. Below are just a few from technical and professional disciplines.

Beverly works on a feasibility testbed.

Calero assists with Girls in STEM 2018 event.

Segovia, right, works with Jeannette Owens on 

a video project for NASA’s 60th anniversary.

GRC-2018-C-04092

Photo by Marvin Smith

GRC-2018-C-03228

Photo by Bridget Caswell

GRC-2018-C-04305

Photo by Bridget Caswell

By Victoria Segovia

7

AUGUST 2018

216

high school and 

college interns 

and faculty 

fellows

107 30

states where 

students live

115

mentors
8

Employees at Plum Brook, pictured, 

and Lewis Field, joined in the Health Walk.

Walheim highlights similarities of 

safety practices in space and on the 

ground while at Lewis Field.

Various information booths at Lewis Field, pictured, 

and Plum Brook displayed safety- and health-related items.

Photo by Rami Daud

GRC-2018-C-03573

Panelists, left to right, Dave Beaman, Steve Lilley and 

Jeffrey Nichols, address mishap case studies after 

presentations at Lewis Field. 

GRC-2018-C-03585

Photo by Rami Daud

GRC-2018-C-03553

Photo by Rami Daud

While at Plum Brook, 

Allen shares lessons learned 

from his tragic accident.

Photo by Marvin Smith

GRC-2018-C-03824

NASA Glenn celebrated its annual Safety and Health Awareness 

Event in June with a variety of activities centering on the theme 

“No 1 Gets Hurt.” Deputy Center Director Dr. Marla Pérez-Davis 

and Safety and Mission Assurance (SMA) Director Anita Liang 

opened the event by stressing that safety is an integral part of 

our daily activities.

“The work we do is risky, so it’s important that we foster a culture of safety and speaking up,” Pérez-Davis said. 

Rex Walheim, former astronaut and the SMA Deputy Director 

at NASA Johnson; and Pete Allen, the SMA Deputy Director 

at NASA Marshall, served as keynote speakers at Lewis Field 

on June 26, and at Plum Brook Station on June 27. Walheim 

discussed the safety practices conducted in space to ensure 

astronaut safety, and highlighted the similarities to our safety 

practices on the ground. Allen shared lessons learned from a 

traumatic brain injury he suffered while at work, including how 

his accident affected co-workers and family.

After the presentations, NASA safety experts held a mishap case 

study panel. They addressed technical issues behind a faulty 

automotive ignition switch, a tooling mishap involving the Space 

Launch System liquid oxygen fuel tank at the Michoud Assembly 

Facility, and a deluge mishap that occurred at NASA Armstrong. 

Employees also visited information booths and interacted with 

safety and health experts who were on-site before and after the 

programs.

The awareness event concluded with the annual Golden Shoe 

Health Walk at Plum Brook, June 27, and at Lewis Field, June 28. 

Prior to the Lewis Field walk, a health presentation was given on 

“Stress Management for High Burnout Professionals.”

By Doreen B. Zudell

Safety and Health Awareness 2018

Safety Practices Key to 

Preventing Injuries

Photo by Marvin Smith

GRC-2018-C-03839
AUGUST 2018

9

CFCLI Class of 2018 Graduation

Employees Partner With Other Federal Agencies

The 2018 Cleveland Federal Community Leadership Institute (CFCLI), sponsored by the Cleveland Federal Executive Board, awarded graduate certificates to four Glenn employees, June 26. They completed the 9-month 

program designed to develop leaders from a broad cross-section of federal 

employees committed to advancing cooperation among federal agencies in 

the Greater Cleveland area, while strengthening community partnerships. 

Each of the graduates participated in a community service project in one 

of five targeted areas. The graduates and their project include:

Eliot Aretskin-Hariton and James Webb served on the STEM team that 

developed and taught a STEM lesson on how to design, manufacture and 

build a space rock launcher (catapult). They collaborated with the Mound 

Boys and Girls Club, which provided student participants; the Mound STEM 

school, which provided computers; and the Cleveland Public Library, which 

provided on-site manufacturing services via their mobile makerspace.

Flor Carrera served on the team that collaborated with the Benjamin Rose 

Institute on Aging to pilot a project, the Senior Buddy Program. This uses 

telephone outreach to establish supportive relationships to at-risk senior 

citizens in need of services via Rose’s meal program. 

Chas Hoff served on a team focused on connecting Cleveland-area 

veterans to fitness opportunities for increased physical activity and 

improved morale. They provided support to the Veterans Administration 

(VA) MOVE! Program through three combined initiatives. They created 

a comprehensive resource booklet for VA MOVE! participants; developed 

and advertised walking routes in and around the Cleveland VA Medical 

Center; and organized a Veterans Walking Challenge for all veterans and 

their supporters. By S. Jenise Veris

Glenn’s 2018 CFLCI graduates and Associate Director Janet 

Watkins, who provided management support, at the ceremony, 

are pictured front, left to right: Carrera (BRI), Watkins, Hoff; 

and back, Aretskin-Hariton and Webb.

GRC-2018-CN-00030 Photo by ShaLonda Chisholm (DFAS)

Print, Electronic Media Teams Win Top Awards

Two of NASA Glenn’s Office of Communications and External Relations 

teams recently received awards of excellence for print and electronic 

media products.

The AeroSpace Frontiers Team and Digital Communications Team were 

recognized with Gold Awards of Excellence in the 2018 Communicator 

Awards contest. The newsletter team won in the category of Corporate 

Communications for Employee Publication. The Digital Communications 

Team won in the category of Science Website for the “Reinventing the 

Wheel” multimedia web feature. Additionally, the Digital Communications 

Team, with Dennis Brown, Rami Daud, William Fletcher and Joey Haas of 

the Imaging Technology Center (ITC), received a Grand Award from APEX 

Awards for Publication Excellence in the category of Electronic Media for 

the multimedia web feature. 

In receiving these awards, both teams acknowledge the efforts of Glenn’s 

ITC staff. The imaging and digital services were crucial to producing these 

award-winning products.

AeroSpace Frontiers staff, left to right, Jami Drost, Doreen 

Zudell, Kelly DiFrancesco and S. Jenise Veris; with Digital 

Communications Team staff Nikki Welch and Nancy Kilkenny. 

GRC-2018-CN-00033 Photo by Victoria Segovia
MORE THAN A MEMORY

Stephanie J. Black, 62, a 2018 retiree with 44 

years of NASA service, died July 15. Black retired 

as the executive support assistant for the Office 

of Technology Incubation and Innovation. She is 

remembered for the “calm, effective and efficient 

manner” of performing her duties. Black earned 

numerous Special Act/Service Awards during her 

tenure, which she served primarily within the Space 

Flight Systems Directorate. She also earned a 2014 

NASA Exceptional Administrative Achievement medal 

for improving the management support of the Space 

Operations Project Office.

Black

James M. Budinger, Architectures, Networks and System Integration Branch, 

Communications and Intelligent Systems Division, retired May 31, 2018, with 

42 years of service. 

Laura Henry, Office of Chief Counsel, retired July 31, 2018, with 34 1⁄2 years 

of service.

Joe Switala, Wind Tunnel Test Branch, Facilities Division, retired May 26, 

2018, with 27 1⁄2 years of service. 

Linda C. Elonen-Wright, Testing Division, Facilities, Test & Manufacturing 

Directorate, retired May 1, 2018, with 35 years of service.

Budinger Henry Switala

RETIREMENTS

PROMOTIONS

Luz Y. Jeziorowski has been selected deputy chief 

of the Safety and Health Division, Safety and Mission 

Assurance Directorate. She previously served as chief 

of the Occupational Health Branch within the division, 

while also leading the agency’s Indoor Environmental 

Quality Group, a task she continues in addition to her 

new position.

Jeziorowski

The Cleveland Chapter of the National Technical 

Association (NTA) recognized Dr. Robert Okojie

as the 2018 Nsoroma Science honoree during 

its 16th annual Nsoroma Awards banquet, 

Ohio Aerospace Institute, June 8. Okojie, a 

senior research scientist, Smart Sensing and 

Electronics Systems Branch, primarily develops 

high-temperature microsensors enabling metal 

contact and packaging technologies. He currently 

holds 16 patents relating to high-temperature 

devices.

Dr. George Schmidt, Glenn’s Propulsion 

Division chief, received the International Space 

Propulsion Award at the 2018 Space Propulsion 

Conference, May 21 to 25, in Seville, Spain. 

The award recognizes his high-quality contributions to the international space propulsion 

community over the last decade. Schmidt 

formerly served as Glenn’s chief technologist 

and deputy director of the center’s Research 

and Technology Directorate.

Dr. Schmidt

Schmidt Honored 

at Space Propulsion 

Conference

NTA Honors Okojie

Dr. Okojie, center, receives a Nsoroma Award 

presented by NTA vice president and Glenn 

scientist Dr. Bilal Bomani, left, and NTA 

president Dr. Lateef Saffore.

GRC-2018-CN-00032

Photo by Cleveland Chapter, NTA

10
AUGUST 2018

11 NASA Glenn Employees: For more calendar information, visit https://wing.grc.nasa.gov/event-calendar/.

Upcoming Center Events

Deadline for next calendar section 

is Aug. 22, noon. News and feature 

stories require additional time.

FARMERS MARKET

Mark your calendar for the next Glenn 

Farmers Market on Tuesday, Aug. 14, 

10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Lewis Field 

Picnic Grounds. Purchase fresh 

produce, homemade goods and more! 

Food trucks will be available. Some 

vendors only accept cash.

POC: Heather Mueller, 3–6313

IFPTE LOCAL 28, LESA MEETING

LESA will hold its next membership 

meeting, Wednesday, Sept. 12, noon, 

in the Glenn Employee Center’s Small 

Dining Room.

The Emergency Management Office 

staff will conduct an audible siren test 

on the “tornado” tone on Saturday, 

Sept. 1, at Lewis Field. An outdoor 

mass notification “voice” test at 

building 15 will take place on Sept. 5. 

POC: Allen Turner, 3–6826 

OUTDOOR SIREN TESTING

GSEL MOBILE LIBRARIAN

The Glenn Science and Engineering 

Library (GSEL) Mobile Librarian will be 

visiting building 6 from Aug. 14 to 23. 

A Glenn reference librarian will be 

ready to assist employees with subject 

searches, finding specific books and 

articles and other information needs 

on the spot. 

POC: Robin Pertz, 3–5776

Thursday, Aug. 23

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Lewis Field Picnic Grounds

Rain Date: Friday, Aug. 24

(same time and location)

2018 Center Picnic

Registration for lunch ticket closes 

Monday, Aug. 13

Employees:

Check Today@Glenn for more details on

this year’s activities and Car Show!

POC: Betsy Lavelle, 216–433–3198

Retirees:

Registration ends Monday, Aug. 13. 

Checks must be received by Wednesday, Aug. 15. 

POC: Barbara Madej, 216–433–2305 

Plum Brook Station 

Columbus Avenue Security Gate

New Hours of Operation 

Monday through Friday, 2 to 6 p.m.

Main Gate (Scheid Road)

Open 24 hours 

All nonbadged visitors must use Main Gate.

ANNOUNCEMENT
National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration

John H. Glenn Research Center 

Lewis Field

21000 Brookpark Road 

Cleveland, Ohio 44135

Plum Brook Station

3597 E. Scheid Road

Sandusky, Ohio 44870

www.nasa.gov

Read AeroSpace Frontiers online at http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/news/AF/index.html.

Emergency and Inclement Weather Lines 

Lewis Field: 216–433–9328 (WEAT) 

Plum Brook Station: 419–621–3333

Connect With Glenn

Local Students Talk to Astronaut in Space

NASA hosted a live Earth-to-space 

call between local students and the 

International Space Station at Glenn on 

July 10. The 20-minute question-andanswer session at Lewis Field is part of 

NASA’s Year of Education on Station. 

During the call, several of the 35 

eighth-graders from the Cleveland 

Metropolitan School District True2U 

program talked to astronaut Serena 

Auñón-Chancellor about living and 

working in space.

The event also included a design 

challenge using straws to build a long, 

strong structural truss; a career panel 

discussion; tours of the Simulated 

Lunar Operations (SLOPE) Laboratory 

to explore locomotion on planets; and 

demonstrations of augmented and 

virtual reality for space and aeronautics 

applications in the Graphics and 

Visualization Laboratory.

At top left: Students take turns 

asking Auñón-Chancellor about 

living on the space station.

GRC-2018-C-04543

Photo by Marvin Smith

At left: Students examine the mesh 

covering for a tire in the SLOPE 

Laboratory.

GRC-2018-C-04494

Photo by Bridget Caswell