Evaluating Future 

Aircraft Noise 

Page 3

Focus on 

Sustainability

Page 4

Sally Ride 

Stamp Dedication 

Page 8

VOLUME 20 • ISSUE 7 • JULY 2018

Expanding Icing 

Research Capabilities

Page 2
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

Safety—One of Glenn’s 

Seven Expected Behaviors

We are hosting over 200 students 

and interns this summer season, and 

it is wonderful to see so many new 

faces at the center. Keeping in mind 

the safety of everyone around us, it is 

important for all to drive attentively, 

put away our mobile devices in 

transit while driving and walking, 

observe all signage—especially in 

the test laboratories, and follow 

safety practices when operating 

equipment. Demonstrating a vigilant 

commitment to a safe environment 

through good situational awareness 

and communication helps assure 

a safe workplace. 

Embracing safety is one of our seven 

expected behaviors at Glenn Research 

Center. Have a safe summer!

Glenn’s Technology Transfer Office has signed an evaluation 

license with Willingboro, New Jersey-based Katsujinken 

Foundation. The foundation will investigate hydrogen 

production using solar water splitting. This process will 

use solar power and a direct electrical current to drive 

a chemical reaction that will produce hydrogen, resulting in 

high solar-to-hydrogen efficiency. Glenn’s Selenium Interlayer 

for High-Efficiency Multijunction Solar Cells will be used to 

accelerate research, development and prototyping in the 

energy sector and environmental monitoring. 

For more information on NASA Glenn’s technologies available 

for licensing, visit: http://technology.grc.nasa.gov.

Trending With Tech Transfer

Multijunction Solar Cells

On the Cover

GRC-2018-C-03268

Photo by Jordan Salkin

Expanding Icing Research Capabilities

Electronics Technician Ken Trsek, Wind Tunnel Branch, wires a heater on 

an instrumentation strut while preparing for an icing test in NASA Glenn’s 

Propulsion Systems Laboratory (PSL). The strut is part of a new Multi-Probe 

Traversing System (MPTS). The MPTS is expanding PSL’s icing research 

capabilities by allowing both a test article and various probes to be inserted 

in and out of the flow during a single testing session. During this test, 

researchers are investigating the fundamental physical mechanisms of 

ice-crystal icing by simulating conditions that occur in jet engines when 

ingesting ice crystals.

Ken Trsek prepares instruments for an icing test in the PSL. 
JULY 2018

3

Evaluating the Noise of Future Aircraft

To address the expected noise levels of future aircraft, NASA’s Commercial Supersonic Technology project is 

already developing technologies focused on reducing the noise produced by an aircraft’s engine exhaust.

Acoustics experts at Glenn recently used the center’s Aero-Acoustic Propulsion Laboratory (AAPL) to complete 

an evaluation on a small-scale model of a Learjet engine exhaust, or nozzle, system.

The blue, curved array at the top of the AAPL dome held microphones for making the noise measurements and 

simulating a flyover. The large door to the right was opened to exhaust the air from the jet during tests.

“This recent test succeeded in creating a simulated environment which closely matched flight tests,” said 

Dennis Huff, Acoustics Branch. “The results provide us with a unique opportunity to investigate how well noise 

levels produced in the lab can be compared with flight test noise data.” 

By Nancy Smith Kilkenny

As air traffic continues to surge in the United States, neighbors who live near 

airports are complaining about the escalating noise. All the while, the demand for 

faster aircraft that travel at supersonic speeds is accelerating.

GRC-2018-C-01414

Photo by Rami Daud

Glenn’s AAPL offers an environment to conduct tests aimed at reducing noise produced by an aircraft’s engine exhaust. 
At top left: Sustainability Officer Tom Hartline officially kicked off the celebration, 

April 19. Cleveland Indians’ Senior Director of Ballpark Operations Jerry Crabb 

shared Progressive Field’s sustainability practices. 

Above: Garlic mustard pulls at Lewis Field and Plum Brook Station help prevent 

the invasion of this non-native species, April 26, May 31 and June 6.

At top right: Rain Barrel Workshop, May 17, shows employees how to construct 

a rain barrel to conserve water and combat storm water pollution.

At right: Cub Scout Pack 72 of Lakewood scatter milkweed seeds along 

the Lewis Field fitness trail to help increase pollinator habitat for monarch 

butterflies, June 8.

Focus on Sustainability

Greening Glenn One Event at a Time

Earth Day, a global event, celebrated 48 years on April 22. To do 

our part, NASA Glenn conducted several events over the last 3 

months to show employees ways to reduce pollution and embrace 

environmental best practices. Here are a few sustainability events 

conducted through Glenn’s Sustainability Program.

4

GRC-2018-CN-00023

Photo by Christine Staschiak

GRC-2018-C-02423

GRC-2018-CN-00024 Photo by Rami Daud

GRC-2018-CN-00026

GRC-2018-CN-00025 Photos by Christine Staschiak
Mission Support Leaders Visit, 

Discuss Future Architecture Program

On tour across NASA centers, the Mission Support 

Directorate (MSD) Roadshow stopped at Lewis Field, 

June 5. MSD leaders from Headquarters updated employees and answered questions on the Mission Support 

Future Architecture Program (MAP). 

MAP is NASA’s next major optimization initiative following 

the Business Services Assessment (BSA). MAP will transform Mission Support services from their current state to 

an enterprise operating model.

After meeting with Glenn’s executive office and senior 

management staff, the MSD visitors hosted Town Hall 

meetings with Glenn’s Office of Chief Financial Officer and 

Office of Human Capital Management. These two Mission 

Support service areas are progressing in the first phase of 

projects under MAP. 

During an All Hands Meeting with center employees, MSD 

Associate Administrator Dan Tenney outlined current and 

future challenges the agency faces in meeting its mission. 

He showed how MAP will enable the agency to maintain 

its mission focus while improving efficiency, ensuring local 

authority and valuing the workforce.

“Mission Support provides the services, support and 

capabilities needed to enable our mission,” Tenney 

affirmed. “MAP optimizes mission support services by 

moving toward a more interdependent model and freeing 

up resources to re-invest in facilities, IT and other capabilities necessary for achieving NASA’s missions.”

Following Tenney’s presentation, MSD Deputy Associate 

Administrator Ron Brade and Assistant Associate Administrator for Resources and Performance Management Lisa 

Ziehmann joined him in a panel discussion. They answered 

questions from employees in the audience and via the 

Conferences i/o Audience Response System. 

MSD leaders wrapped up their visit by sharing lunch and 

conversation with Glenn’s Early Career personnel.

By Doreen B. Zudell

Left to right, Tenney, Brade and Ziehmann answer employees’ questions regarding MAP and how it will benefit the agency.

Sustainability Fair and Farmers Market, May 22, showcases local sustainability organizations and vendors.

JULY 2018

5

GRC-2018-C-02975 GRC-2018-C-03004 

Photos by Bridget Caswell

GRC-2018-C-03041

Photo by Rami Daud
6

NEWS AND EVENTS

Glenn Hosts Metrology, Calibration Experts

Jack Weigand, right, addresses National Conference of Standards Laboratories International (NCSLI) members during a tour of 

the Flow Lab, May 18. NASA Glenn’s Metrology Services staff hosted the NCSLI Spring Section Meeting, which gathered metrology and calibration professionals from around the region to discuss relevant topics affecting their businesses. Participants 

also toured the new Calibration Laboratory to learn about its capabilities and management systems. The meeting featured 

Dr. Craig Shakarji, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and Helga Alexander, International Accreditation Service.

In celebration of NASA’s 60th anniversary, Glenn held its first 

60th x Six Lunch, June 6. Ashley Cantor (at podium), Glenn Equal 

Employment Opportunity Office; and Raquel Eatmon (looking on), 

founder of Woman of Power Conference and Project Heard, spoke on 

the word “courage.” After their presentations, attendees broke into 

small groups and shared their personal thoughts of courage. The series 

is designed to bring employees together—to learn with each other,

about each other and from each other. Upcoming luncheons focus on 

Aug. 8, vision; Aug. 29, diversity; and Sept. 12, legacy. Stay tuned to

Today@Glenn for details and registration. 

60th Anniversary Series 

Brings Co-workers Together

GRC-2018-C-03137

Photo by Bridget Caswell

GRC-2018-C-02647 Photo by Bridget Caswell
JULY 2018

7

The Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity, along 

with the Asian/Pacific Islanders Advisory Group (APIAG) 

hosted Glenn’s Asian American and Pacific Islander 

Heritage Observance, May 15. The event featured 

Dr. Denise Su, director of Partnerships & Programs 

and curator and head of Paleobotany & Paleoecology 

at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. She 

discussed her research, her experiences at field-dig 

sites and fielded questions focused particularly on how 

paleoecology incorporates many scientific disciplines 

to reconstruct ancient ecosystems.

On May 19 and 20, APIAG members and a diverse 

group of center employees supported the annual 

Cleveland Asian Festival that attracted nearly 40,000 

attendees. They staffed two technology booths, the 

Picture Yourself in Space photo booth and EVA, the 

inflatable astronaut, to promote STEM careers and 

Glenn’s diverse workforce.

By S. Jenise Veris

Asian Heritage 

Celebrated at 

Glenn and in 

the Community

Glenn employees assembled at the flag pole outside of the Administration Building, 

May 24, to participate in the annual Memorial Day Observance conducted by the 

Veterans Awareness Committee. Plum Brook Station Director David Stringer delivered 

a quote from President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address given at the dedication 

of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery honoring those who died in the Civil War. He 

called on us to remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice and 

our responsibility as civilians to do our part in the fight to preserve and protect our 

Union—the United States of America. 

Glenn Remembers the Fallen

Dr. Su describes the effort of setting up camp on a dig.

NASA technology booths draw a steady crowd 

at the Asian Festival.

GRC-2018-CN-00028

Photo by Wayne Wong

GRC-2018-C002587

Stringer, far left, joins Dr. John Betterson, Supply Management Specialist and 

Tom Hartline, Glenn’s Facilities, Test & Manufacturing director, in a salute to the 

fallen after placing a wreath at the flag pole. 

Photo by Marvin Smith

GRC-2018-C-02358

Photo by Marvin Smith
8

Dr. Kavandi, right, and Bresnik join Young, far left, on stage to unveil the Sally Ride commemorative stamp.

Bresnik explains how he and fellow

astronauts adapted to an extreme 

weather training exercise. 

Event Features Stamp Dedication, 

Post-Mission Briefing 

Center Director Dr. Janet Kavandi kicked off the event 

with personal reflections of Sally Ride, America’s first 

woman astronaut, and highlights of Ride’s career as 

a pioneering astronaut, brilliant physicist and dedicated 

educator. Following a biographical video of Ride’s contributions, Northern Ohio U.S. Postal Service District Manager 

Sharon Young provided remarks and unveiled the Sally Ride 

“Forever” commemorative stamp. The stamp features a 

colorful portrait of Ride in her light-blue space suit with 

a dramatic depiction of a space shuttle lifting off in 

the background. 

Bresnik followed with an in-depth video presentation of 

Expedition 52/53—from training to mission completion—

that was both informative and entertaining. His presentation 

allowed the audience to share his admiration for crew collaboration and ground communications. These areas are critical 

to life and work aboard station, and enabled Bresnik to view 

his newborn daughter 254 miles below on Earth.

By S. Jenise Veris

NASA Glenn employees gathered in the MIC auditorium, May 29, for a special event 

commemorating the spirit of space exploration: a Sally Ride Stamp Dedication ceremony 

and post-flight mission briefing by NASA astronaut Randy “Komrade” Bresnik.

GRC-2018-C-02801

Photos by Rami Daud

GRC-2018-C-02804
JULY 2018

9

AIAA/INPSI Best Paper

Six members of NASA Glenn’s Propulsion Division 

received an American Institute of Aeronautics 

and Astronautics (AIAA) Best Paper Award 

presented at the 2018 AIAA Aerospace Sciences 

Meeting, AIAA SciTech Forum. The AIAA Inlets, 

Nozzles, and Propulsion Systems Integration 

Technical Committee selected the team’s paper: 

“Performance Calculations for a Boundary-LayerIngesting Fan Stage from Sparse Measurements.” 

The co-authors include Stefanie Hirt, John Wolter, 

David Arend and Tristan Hearn, with contractors 

Larry Hardin (UTRC) and John Gazzaniga (ZINT). 

Best paper honorees, left to right, are Arend, Hearn, 

Gazzaniga, Hirt, Wolter and (inset) Hardin.

GRC-2018-C-02589

Photo by Rami Daud

Outstanding 

Individual Leadership 

Civilian Award 

Manan Vyas, Inlets and Nozzles Branch, received 

the Federal Asian Pacific American Council 

(FAPAC) Outstanding Individual Leadership Civilian 

Award on May 17. The award recognizes Vyas as 

an exemplary individual who has demonstrated 

sound leadership and a highly effective means 

of promoting equal employment opportunity, 

affirmative action and diversity. 

Guest speaker U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, 

with honoree Vyas, and FAPAC President Olivia Adrian.

Photo by FAPAC

GRC-2018-CN-00027

NASA Glenn welcomed 218 summer interns and faculty during Higher Education 

2018 Summer Internship orientation sessions, June 4 and 11. Glenn’s Office of 

Education hosted the sessions that provided information on such topics as personal 

protective equipment, counterintelligence/counterterrorism and diversity and equal 

opportunity. Deputy Center Director Dr. Marla Pérez-Davis gave a center overview 

and encouraged students to “learn, but also make a contribution” during their time 

here. Pictured: Logistics Operations Manager (NASA Academy) Johnny Lopez, right, 

along with previous interns and current employees Diana Chan, left, and Christine 

Staschiak, served on a Tips for Success panel. 

Orientation Sessions 

Welcome Summer Staff

GRC-2018-CN-00029 Photo by Doreen B. Zudell
Learn leadership and public 

speaking in a professional, friendly 

and encouraging atmosphere. 

Areospace Toastmasters meets 

every Thursday from 12:05 to 

12:50 p.m. in building 54, room 

101. Summer interns and staff 

welcome. See you there! 

POC: Dale Force, 3–3520

Aerospace Toastmasters Club

Are you here at Glenn for the 

summer? Are you looking to connect 

with the Glenn community and have 

some fellowship? 

There are a number of prayer groups 

and Bible studies and they are all 

open to new members. Visit our 

website and check out the list of 

ongoing Christian activities. 

www.grc.nasa.gov/prayergroup/

All are welcome!

Prayer Group

Mark your calendar for the next 

Glenn Farmers Market on Tuesday, 

July 17, 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: Gabrielle Albrigo, 3–6313

Farmers Market

John R. “Jack” Herman, 90, a 1994 retiree with 31 

years of NASA service, died May 25. Herman joined the 

NASA workforce as a program analyst and key contributor 

to the success of two major spaceflight programs. He 

managed various aspects of Centaur, the upper stage 

rocket and workhorse of the Launch Vehicles Program 

(1963 through early 1980). He later transferred to the 

Resources Analysis and Management Office, where he 

supported the Advanced Communications Technology 

Satellite (ACTS) Project, one of the most revolutionary 

breakthroughs in space communications history.

Herman

Dr. Dongming Zhu, 55, a senior materials research 

engineer in Glenn’s Environmental Effects and Coatings 

Branch, died suddenly, May 30. During Zhu’s 24-plus 

years of federal service, including 16 years as a U.S. 

Army civil servant, he made significant contributions. 

Zhu was internationally recognized in the area of turbine 

engine coating technology. Some of his accomplishments include a laboratory simulated turbine engine 

high-heat-flux environment testing and developing capability; turbine coating processing including establishing 

advanced Plasma Spray-Physical Vapor Deposition; and high heat flux thermomechanical fatigue-environment testing and modeling, to name a few. 

Well-respected in the field of materials, Zhu earned the rank of fellow in both the 

American Ceramic Society and ASM International. He held five patents on thermal and environmental coatings. He earned an R&D 100 Award, Asian American 

Engineer of the Year and NASA’s Exceptional Space Act Award and Exceptional 

Technology Achievement Medal.

Zhu was not only revered for his intellect, but also for his humble personality. “He 

set very ambitious goals for himself and worked tirelessly to achieve them,” said 

Joyce Dever, deputy chief, Materials & Structures Division. “His innovativeness, 

determination and dedication will be missed.”

Dr. Zhu Leaves an Illustrious Legacy 

Dr. Zhu

Hinshaw

Michael A. Heryak, Systems Management and 

Operations Branch, Facilities Infrastructure Division, 

retired June 1, 2018, with 27 years of service.

Thomas J. Hinshaw, Systems Management and 

Operations Branch, Facilities Infrastructure Division, 

retired June 30, 2018, with 31 1⁄2 years of service. 

Doris Tirone, Office of Human Capital Management, 

Capital Management and Consulting Division, retired 

May 31, 2018, with 25 years of federal service, including 

7 1⁄2 years with NASA.

RETIREMENTS

MORE THAN A MEMORY

10
JULY 2018

11

Upcoming Center Events

Come enjoy lively music, picnic fare and 

fun activities with your co-workers. 

Registration begins Wednesday, July 18!

Retirees:

You are cordially invited to attend, so spread the word. 

For more details and to register, retirees may call 

Barbara Madej at 216–433–2305. 

Employees:

Check Today@Glenn for registration details.

POC: Betsy Lavelle, 216–433–3198

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

ACTS BANQUET

Reservations and full payment 

(cash/check) for the Sept. 14, ACTS 

25th Anniversary Banquet are due on 

Wednesday, Aug. 8. The event will be 

held at the West Side Irish-American 

Club, Olmsted Township, 5 to 10 p.m.

For more information, and to get 

on the email list, contact Alan Hewston 

at Alan.W.Hewston@nasa.gov, 

216–433–3556, or Kathleen Kelley 

at Kathleen.A.Kelley@nasa.gov, 

216–433–5180.

The Emergency Management Office 

staff will conduct an outdoor mass 

notification “voice” test at building 6 on 

Wednesday, Aug. 1 at Lewis Field. An 

audible siren test on the “lock-down” 

tone will be conducted on Saturday, 

Aug. 4. 

POC: Allen Turner, 3–6826

AUGUST OUTDOOR SIREN TESTING

IFPTE LOCAL 28, LESA MEETING

LESA will hold its next membership 

meeting, Wednesday, Aug. 8, noon, 

in the Glenn Employee Center’s Small 

Dining Room.

GSEL MOBILE LIBRARIAN

The Glenn Science and Engineering 

Library (GSEL) Mobile Librarian will 

be visiting OAI through July 19, and 

building 5 from July 31 to Aug. 9. 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

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

Deadline for next calendar section is July 18, noon. News and feature stories require additional time.

POC: Dovie Lacy, 216–433–5163

Current employees (civil servants and contractors) and 

their guests are invited to a fun-filled day of facility tours 

and activities! Ten amazing facilities will be open, 

including the hangar, Zero-G drop tower and 

Aero Acoustic Propulsion Lab (AAPL).

See Today@Glenn for details and staffing opportunities.

Register by this Wednesday, July 18!

Saturday, Aug. 25

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lewis Field

Family Day
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

National Lab Day 

Promotes STEM Careers

At top left: Students from Horizon Science Academy, Lorain, participate in a Space 

Communications Challenge at Plum Brook Station.

At left: Eighth graders from Vermilion Local Schools discover that their egg payload survived 

after being launched to over 1,000 feet in a rocket at Plum Brook Station.

GRC-2018-CN-00022

Photo by Doreen B. Zudell

GRC-2018-CN-00021

Photo by Doreen B. Zudell

Students from Cuyahoga, Erie and Lorain counties participated in 

NASA Glenn’s 2018 National Lab Day, geared to inspire grades 6 to 8 

students to become interested in the science, technology, engineering 

and mathematics (STEM) fields. 

On May 16, Plum Brook Station welcomed 90 students for a day of 

hands-on activities, facility tours and a rocket launch carrying studentdesigned payloads. Two days later, Glenn’s Office of Education (OE) 

hosted 192 students at Lewis Field to participate in facility tours, 

a design challenge and career exploration stations. Special thanks to 

employees from both campuses who organized and staffed these events!

At bottom left: OE facilitators Roger Storm, second from left, and Tara Strang, far right, help 

students test their straw truss structure during the engineering design challenge at Lewis Field.

Below: James Mullins shares highlights of the Altitude Combustion Stand at Lewis Field.

GRC-2018-C-02526

Photo by Rami Daud

GRC-2018-C-02565

Photo by Rami Daud