VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 9 • SEPTEMBER 2021

Leaders Share

Lessons

Page 5

 Inspiring Young 

Entrepreneurs

Page 6

Driving

Undistracted 

Page 7

Dedicating the 

Neil A. Armstrong 

Test Facility

Pages 2–3
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 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: Adam Schabel, ATS, 

 216–433–2888

Design: Rhys Sampson, ATS

Managing Editor: Kelly R. DiFrancesco

Circulation: Angela Williams, ATS, 

 216–433–8921

Safety and Health 

Awareness 

As you have heard me state many 

times before, your health and safety 

remains my top priority. On Sept. 21

and 22, we are hosting our annual 

Safety and Health Awareness Event. 

This year’s theme is “Be Safe Where 

You Are.” Whether on-site or off-site, 

we need to be mindful of our safety, 

our health, and those around us. I 

encourage you to attend the program 

featuring two distinguished guest 

speakers, virtual vendor booths, a mishap

panel, and a virtual Golden Shoe Health 

Walk. This year’s program promises 

again to be an informative and exciting

event! Please check out Today@Glenn 

for further information.

DIRECTOR’S

SAFETY CORNER NASA Officially

Renames Test Facility in

Honor of First Moonwalker

Neil Armstrong—the first human to walk on the Moon—accomplished what 

was thought to be impossible and made that dream into a reality. NASA Glenn 

honored his life and legacy during a dedication ceremony at the Neil A. Armstrong 

Test Facility (ATF) in Sandusky on Aug. 11.

NASA Administrator Sen. Bill Nelson led the ceremony. He was joined by NASA 

Deputy Administrator, Col. Pam Melroy, Center Director Dr. Marla Pérez-Davis, 

other senior NASA officials, Armstrong’s youngest son, and members of the Ohio 

federal and state delegation, who all commemorated the day with remarks. 

“Neil’s ‘one giant leap for mankind’ was taken by a giant of a person,” said Nelson. 

“It’s wonderful to be able to commemorate an exemplary person and incredible 

human being.”

Armstrong was born in Wapakoneta, Ohio, and spent his childhood in Upper 

Sandusky. He began his career in 1955 as a test pilot at the Lewis Flight 

Propulsion Laboratory (now NASA Glenn). He flew aircraft like the F–82 Twin 

Mustang and C–47 Skytrain before eventually transitioning to the agency’s HighSpeed Flight Station in California (now Armstrong Flight Research Center) and 

later becoming an astronaut.

Pérez-Davis welcomed guests and thanked officials for their continued support 

of the agency and the center. “We are proud to have his name as the Armstrong 

Test Facility because of what we accomplish here for the agency and our many 

commercial partners,” she said.

GRC-2021-C-02538 Photo by Bridget Caswell

The ceremony included the unveiling of a permanent stone marker. Pictured left to right: ATF 

Director Dave Stringer, Armstrong, Dr. Pérez-Davis, and Sen. Nelson.
3

SEPTEMBER 2021

Dr. Pérez-Davis, right, welcomes Sen. Nelson at the podium for comments.

A new entrance sign now bears the name of the Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility.

GRC-2021-C-02456

GRC-2021-C-02456

Photo by Marvin Smith

Photo by Marvin Smith

Left to right: Sen. Portman, U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, and Sen. 

Nelson answer questions from the media about the ATF.

GRC-2021-C-02539 Photo by Bridget Caswell

On the Cover: Neil 

Armstrong’s youngest 

son, Mark, spoke at the 

dedication ceremony.

GRC-2021-C-02457

Photo by Marvin Smith 

Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy recalled 

how Armstrong’s walk on the Moon motivated 

many people to pursue careers in STEM and 

exploration. “We are all so inspired by his technical 

achievements,” she said, “but to me, and I think to 

my fellow astronauts—his grace, his humility, and 

most of all, his humanity, stands as an inspiration to 

all of us.”

Rob Portman, U.S. senator from Ohio and friend 

of Armstrong, joined fellow Sen. Sherrod Brown in 

introducing the Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility Act 

to redesignate NASA’s Plum Brook Station as the 

ATF in November 2019. It was signed into law on 

December 30, 2020. 

During the ceremony, Portman said the Artemis 

program, with the associated work at ATF, is 

reinvigorating the entire space program. “Neil 

was a big advocate of the space program, and, 

in particular, getting Artemis off the ground and 

moving forward,” said Portman. 

Mark Armstrong shared his pride in the NASA 

facility bearing his father’s name. “It is our family’s 

hope that the Neil Armstrong Test Facility will continue to vault us 

forward for faster and safer aerospace transport, and that this new 

name will be a beacon for the best, the brightest, and perhaps, most 

importantly, the most determined,” he said.

The ceremony included the unveiling of a permanent stone marker 

outside of the Engineering Building at ATF. The marker will stand 

as a reminder of the bravery and dedication of Armstrong and his 

incredible contributions to humanity, our country, and Ohio.

In honoring Armstrong with this dedication ceremony, NASA renews 

its commitment to staying curious, to being pioneers, and to exploring 

further than any human has gone.

By Doreen B. Zudell
4

NASA ADMINISTRATOR TOURS GLENN

While in town for the Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility (ATF) dedication, NASA Administrator Sen. Bill Nelson, Deputy Administrator 

Pam Melroy, Associate Administrator Bob Cabana, and other Headquarters personnel, toured facilities at Lewis Field and ATF.

Sen. Nelson stops to greet employees in the Central Process 

Systems Building at Lewis Field.

ATF Director Dave Stringer, left, explains the test capabilities of the 

Space Environments Complex Mechanical Vibration Facility and the 

Reverberant Acoustic Test Facility. 

In the Hypersonic Tunnel Facility, Amy Jankovsky, left, briefs visitors about NASA’s work on sustainable 

aviation in the NASA Electric Aircraft Testbed at ATF.

GRC-2021-C-02454

Scott Wilson, left, and Sen. Nelson view the Fission Surface Power Model in the Dynamic 

Power Conversion Laboratory at Lewis Field.

GRC-2021-C-02450 Photos by Bridget Caswell

GRC-2021-C-02451 GRC-2021-C-02455
SEPTEMBER 2021

5

As part of NASA Glenn’s 80th Anniversary celebration, the 

center held a series of virtual discussions featuring three 

former center directors who have helped make our center 

what it is today. During the Lessons From Our Leaders 

series in July, these leaders shared their perspectives and 

valuable insights on leadership and how Glenn’s advancements in aeronautics and space exploration have benefited 

our center and the world around us. 

Megan Sorrelle, Center Operations, moderated all three 

events, and Abigail Rodriguez, Center Operations, served 

as the project manager for the series.

The speakers and interviewers included:

July 8

Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr.

Interviewed by Director of Aeronautics Timothy McCartney

July 22

Dr. Janet Kavandi

Interviewed by Center Director Dr. Marla Pérez-Davis 

July 29

Jim Free

Interviewed by Director of Research and Engineering 

Dr. Rickey J. Shyne

Dr. Whitlow Jr. Free

Dr. Kavandi
6

Program Helps Inspire Young Entrepreneurs

Interns Spin Washing Machine Designs

Who will be the future entrepreneurs to license NASA 

technology and create startup companies to develop 

commercial products? 

NASA Glenn is helping to inspire young entrepreneurs 

through its Technology Transfer University (T2U) 

program, which brings real-world, NASA-proven 

technologies into college and university classrooms. 

Students build case studies with NASA’s patent 

portfolio while they learn about licensing opportunities. 

T2U is an important asset to NASA’s new Technology 

Transfer Expansion (T2X) program.

“T2U connects universities with NASA-developed 

technology to enable students to work with federal 

government research and technology,” said Tom 

Doehne, T2X commercialization specialist in Glenn’s 

Technology Transfer Office. 

Last spring, Glenn introduced the program virtually to 

students attending Youngstown State University and 

Baldwin Wallace University. 

Youngstown State held two entrepreneurship classes 

in which 10 NASA technologies were selected for 

class group projects. Students created hypothetical 

companies and applied the entrepreneurial skills they 

learned in the courses to analyze the commercial 

There is no laundry in space...yet. Astronauts only 

bring two small suitcases’ worth of clothes aboard the 

International Space Station, sometimes wearing the 

same pair of underwear for up to a week. These used 

garments aren’t washed–they’re booted onto ships that 

burn up in the atmosphere.

NASA Glenn summer interns took a spin at possible 

ways to solve this stinky space technology problem. 

From June 25 to July 1, six mentor-led intern teams 

each designed conceptual components for a space 

washing machine. Their ideas could inform a gadget 

that could be tested on the space station for use on 

future, long-duration missions. Teams presented 

the concepts to NASA judges on the last day of the 

challenge.

Interns juggled cost, space, and resource concerns and 

even created their own acronyms. To see what they 

came up with, visit https://go.nasa.gov/3fbx3i9. 

potential of a product based on the NASA technologies. 

Students identified a market need, conducted customer 

discovery, and developed a prototype. They also 

performed market research and developed financial 

projections to test the viability and feasibility of 

launching the commercial product. 

Baldwin Wallace held a class where students conducted 

a technology development and market assessment on 

one of NASA’s technologies. The students concluded 

the semester with a presentation outlining their 

research and conclusions, while also finding multipleuse cases for different forms of the technology. 

“The initial collaboration with these universities 

produced very good work by the students, and we 

look forward to seeing what great things come as both 

schools will be working with us again this fall,” said 

Doehne.

By Lauren Simmers

Graphic by Ellen Bausback
SEPTEMBER 2021

7

Whether deliberately or by accident, most drivers have 

driven distracted at least once in their lifetime. During 

NASA Glenn’s Virtual Security Day, July 26, the dangers 

of distracted driving were made clear. Center Director Dr. 

Marla Pérez-Davis and Protective Services Office Chief 

Christi Tomaro stressed the importance of undistracted 

driving and how people can do their part in keeping 

themselves and others safe on the roadways.

Robyn Gordon, director of Center Operations, introduced 

the panel members before turning to Dr. Candice McDonald, 

Protective Services special agent, who moderated the event.

Joel Feldman, founder of EndDD.org, was the first panel 

member to speak. He admitted that he found himself driving 

distracted at times, and his life was changed drastically 

after his daughter died following an accident involving a 

distracted driver. That prompted him to change his own 

habits and spread the word about the dangers of distracted 

driving. He emphasized what people can do to be attentive 

drivers and to practice safe driving habits. Feldman also 

highlighted how dangerous texting and talking on the phone 

while driving can be.

James Smith, Glenn’s Mishap Investigation manager in 

the Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate, followed 

Feldman. He spoke about issues and concerns with 

distracted driving on-site at Glenn, as well as close calls 

and mishaps related to distracted driving and distracted 

walking. Smith added that accidents on-site are almost 

always caused by a human factor, including distracted 

drivers or distracted walkers. To keep people safe, he 

emphasized the importance of paying attention when driving 

or walking on-site.

Sgt. Bob Bemis, a retired Pennsylvania state trooper and 

founder of Forged in Scars.com, followed Smith with an 

emotional story. Bemis was struck by a driver who lost 

control of a vehicle while he was assisting a disabled 

motorist on the highway and nearly lost his life. Bemis 

stressed the importance of slowing down and moving over 

for first responders on the roadways. This keeps all of those 

responding to an accident safe in the process.

Paramedic James Garcia, founder of the Slow Down, Move 

Over Law, was the final panel member to speak. He shared 

a story in which he was struck by a driver while rendering 

first aid at the scene of an accident and wound up in the 

hospital with several injuries. Garcia was determined to be 

at fault and was issued a ticket by police because he was in 

the roadway. 

After spending years conducting research and contacting 

local government officials, Garcia’s Slow Down, Move Over 

Law was passed in South Carolina. This law helps protect 

emergency medical services (EMS) workers at the scene 

of an accident, as well as other first responders. Since the 

law was introduced, several other states across the country 

have adopted the law.

The event concluded with a question-and-answer session 

with panel members.

By Adam Schabel

Virtual Security Day Highlights

Dangers of Distracted Driving

McKenzie Tanner

During Glenn’s Virtual Security Day, the Protective 

Services Office recognized Aaron McKenzie (Peerless) 

and Michael Tanner (GSVC) for their commitment and 

excellence in supporting the Protective Services mission.

MCKENZIE AND TANNER RECOGNIZED
8

GRC-2021-C-01686

NASA Glenn’s Office of Diversity and Equal 

Opportunity and the Disability Awareness 

Advisory Group hosted a virtual presentation 

celebrating the anniversary of the passage of 

the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on 

July 27, 1990. Anil Lewis, director of Blindness 

Initiatives at the National Federation of the 

Blind, shared his life experience with blindness 

and how it intersects with the passage of 

the ADA and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 

The presentation included information about 

accessible technology, the positive impact of 

employing individuals with disabilities, and 

workforce accommodations. A question-andanswer session with employees followed. Lewis shares his personal prospectives during the virtual presentation.

GRC-2021-CN-00057 Photo by Ashley Cantor

Photo by Marvin Smith

NASA Glenn and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic 

Engineers sponsored the third biennial Cognitive 

Communications workshop held virtually from June 21 

to 22. This event helped advance Glenn’s position as 

cognitive communications leaders within NASA and the 

Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program. 

The workshop provided an international forum for about

100 scientists and engineers from across NASA, 

academia, industry, and other government agencies. 

Twenty-two speakers highlighted advances in 

machine learning, artificial intelligence, and cognitive 

technologies, and their applications to address NASA 

technical challenges. Badri Younes, NASA’s deputy 

associate administrator for SCaN, delivered the 

opening keynote remarks. 

Glenn’s Cognitive Communications

Workshop Gathers Top Researchers

NEWS AND EVENTS

Event Shows Positive Impact of

Employing People With Disabilities 
9

SEPTEMBE SEPTEMBER 2021 R 2021

Promotions

Clark Lane Lucero

Symposium Spotlights John Glenn’s

Contributions and Future Exploration

Eric B. Clark has been selected chief, Technology 

Innovation and Integration Division for the 

Technology Incubation and Innovation Directorate. 

He most recently served a 1-year detail as acting 

deputy director of the Office of Technology 

Incubation and Innovation. Prior to his detail, Clark 

served as chief, Photovoltaic and Electrochemical 

Systems Branch for the Research and Engineering 

Directorate. 

Janet Lane has been selected chief, Facilities 

Project Management Branch, Facilities Infrastructure 

Division for the Facilities, Test and Manufacturing 

Directorate. She previously completed a successful 

6-month competitive detail as chief of the Facilities Program Management Branch. Lane most recently served as the

team lead in the Facilities Project Management Branch. 

John Lucero has been selected chief, Acoustics Branch, Propulsion Division for the Research and Engineering Directorate. He 

most recently served as chief engineer for the Engine Research Building Flow Physics Laboratories and for the Aero-Acoustic 

Propulsion Laboratory. Lucero is a fellow of the Society for Machinery Failure Prevention and a past chair.

The American Astronautical Society, in conjunction with NASA Glenn and Case Western 

Reserve University, hosted the 3rd Annual John H. Glenn Memorial Symposium, July 13 

to 15. The virtual event brought together leaders in government, space and aeronautic 

industries, and academia. It addressed the theme “Convergence: Deep Space, Near Space, 

and Aeronautics Coming Together.” 

NASA leadership and several Glenn managers were among the session panelists on the 

agenda for the 3-day symposium. 

Center Director Dr. Marla Pérez-Davis provided welcoming remarks, where she acknowledged

John Glenn’s contributions and how the center continues to carry on his legacy. She shared a 

video of the center’s world-class facilities and the work supporting the themes and various 

topics of this year’s symposium. 

Jim Reuter, associate administrator, Space Technology Mission Directorate, presented a 

keynote address and announced NASA’s Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Reactor concepts 

awards. The reactor is a critical component of a nuclear thermal engine, which would utilize 

high-assay low-enriched uranium fuel.

NASA Administrator Sen. Bill Nelson opened the second day with a keynote address. He 

highlighted the 100th birthday of John Glenn and his contributions to the nation. Nelson 

outlined NASA’s exciting space and aeronautics activities on the horizon. He also stressed that 

NASA’s budget is less than 1% of the entire federal budget, yet the agency generates $64 

billion in total economic output, and all of NASA’s missions are for the benefit of humanity. 

Jeff Shesol, author of “Mercury Rising: John Glenn, John Kennedy, and the New Battleground 

of the Cold War,” gave a presentation on John Glenn’s life and historic accomplishments. 

Additionally, Anne Mills, Glenn’s records manager, shared highlights acknowledging the center’s 80th Anniversary. 

Pérez-Davis expressed her hope that attendees feel inspired by what they learned and energized by fellow attendees. “I am 

confident the senator [Glenn] would be proud to have an event aimed at collaboration and discovery named in his honor,” said 

Pérez-Davis. By Doreen B. Zudell
10

Queito P. Thomas, Wind Tunnel Test Branch, Testing Division, Facilities, Test and Manufacturing Directorate, 

retired Sept. 3, 2021, with 44 years of service.

Donald Gonzales, Facilities, Test and Manufacturing, was incorrectly identified as Jose Gonzalez in a photo for the “NASA Retires a 

Research Workforce” article on page 2 in the August AeroSpace Frontiers. 

Thomas

Retirement

More Than a Memory

Guthrie Rohlik

William (Bill) D. Guthrie, 86, a 1995 retiree with 33 years of service, died June 27. He 

served on various safety committees and advisory panels at the center. Guthrie was named 

head of a Mechanical Design Section in the Facilities Engineering Division in 1972. He 

was part of a 1991 Group Achievement Award for the fiscal year 1990 Construction Team. 

Guthrie retired as head of the Mechanical Engineering Branch. His wife, Mary Lou Guthrie, 

a 2007 retiree, died in May. His stepson, Tony Herrmann, works in the Rotating and Drive 

Systems Branch. 

Harold E. Rohlik, 94, a 1986 retiree, died July 8. Rohlik was an expert in the field of 

turbine research. His expertise was called upon during the center’s investigation of a 

space shuttle main engine turbine issue in the late 1970s. He received several awards for 

his service, including a Sustained Superior Performance Award (1969) and an Exceptional 

Service Medal (1980). His Exceptional Service Medal recognized his contributions to turbine research and technology and for providing key 

supportive aid in the design and evaluation of turbomachinery for advanced technology propulsion systems for aerospace vehicles.

Correction

Forkosh’s Engineering Expertise Contributed 

to Space Development

Forkosh

Marton Forkosh, 74, Glenn’s first Chief Knowledge Officer and a senior systems engineer whose early 

contributions helped establish NASA’s systems engineering policies and practices, died July 14.

During his 38 years at NASA, Forkosh participated in several agency and center programs, including serving 

as the Space Station Freedom Electrical Power System (WP4) systems engineer. He assisted the NASA Chief 

Engineer in negotiations with Russia to define the architecture of the International Space Station, which 

resulted in the current configuration. Forkosh led Glenn’s Space Mission Excellence Program, which served 

as a model for NASA’s Systems and Engineering Leadership Program. He received NASA Honor Awards in 

2008 and 2009.

“Marton was passionate about sharing knowledge and cared about people,” said Marton’s supervisor, 

Derrick Cheston, chief, Systems Engineering and Architecture Division. “He will be remembered by colleagues across the agency for his 

lasting contributions and for the relationships he forged with others.”
11

SEPTEMBER 2021

INFORMATION CAFÉ

On Wednesday, Sept. 15, from 11–

11:45 a.m., the Library will introduce 

you to their trial of Scopus! Scopus 

quickly finds relevant and authoritative 

research, identifies experts, and 

provides access to reliable data, 

metrics, and analytical tools. Join them 

for a demo of this new tool. Check 

Today@Glenn for the link. 

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 Sept. 15, noon. News and feature 

stories require additional time.

VIRTUAL FACILITY TOURS

Glenn is hosting a virtual public tour 

season, featuring seven world-class 

facilities, through October. To learn 

more about the featured facilities, visit 

https://www.nasa.gov/nasaglenntours. 

The next tour is Oct. 7, Electric 

Propulsion and Power Laboratory. 

Registration opens 1 month before the 

tour date. Space is limited. Tell your 

friends and family! 

POC: Debbie Lockhart, 3-8655

Emergency Management Office 

staff will conduct an audible siren 

test on the “severe thunderstorm” 

tone on Saturday, Oct. 2, at Lewis 

Field. A mass notification voice test 

will be conducted at building 39 on 

Wednesday, Oct. 6. 

POC: Allen Turner, 3–6826

OUTDOOR SIREN TESTING

Agencywide Lean Six Sigma (LSS) 

Virtual Black Belt Training will take 

place from Sept. 20–25 and Oct. 18–

22, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This course 

comprises mixed virtual classroom 

training and project workshops. Black 

Belt candidates should be prepared 

with a preselected project. Green 

Belt Certification is a prerequisite to 

this training. Both sessions must be 

completed. Register through SATERN 

at https://satern.nasa.gov.

POC: Peggy Raines, 3–2337

LSS VIRTUAL TRAINING

Upcoming Events

National Hispanic Heritage Month

Sept. 15 to Oct. 15

National Disability Employment

Awareness Month

October

Check Today@Glenn for details on upcoming 

observance events.

Virtual Safety and Health Event

“Be Safe Where You Are”

Sept. 21 and 22

The all-virtual event will feature two distinguished guest 

speakers, vendor booths, a mishap panel, and the Golden 

Shoe Health Walk. 

Check Today@Glenn for details.

POC: Steve Herron, steven.l.herron@nasa.gov
GRC-2014-C-04024 Photo by Marvin Smith

Center Director Jim Free, center, along with NASA senior leaders and construction 

managers, cut the ribbon for the official dedication of the Mission Integration Center in 2014.

Celebrating 80 Years

Looking Back Through the Decades

NASA Glenn was originally established in 1941 as the Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory (AERL), part of the 

National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). The laboratory became a national resource for innovations in 

aircraft engine technology that transformed commercial and military propulsion systems. 

Over the decades, NASA’s Cleveland-based scientists and engineers advanced technology in both aviation and 

space exploration, propelling the U.S. into a leading role in the aerospace industry.

The 21st Century: 2000s

The center makes key contributions to 

the Columbia Accident Investigation and 

Constellation Project. The campus also 

undergoes a transformation with the addition 

of the Mission Integration Center and the 

removal of several historic facilities. The 

on-site visitor center relocates to Great 

Lakes Science Center. 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration

John H. Glenn Research Center 

Lewis Field

21000 Brookpark Road 

Cleveland, Ohio 44135

Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility

3597 E. Scheid Road

Sandusky, Ohio 44870

www.nasa.gov

Read AeroSpace Frontiers online at https://www.nasa.gov/glenn/aerospacefrontiers.

Emergency and Inclement Weather Lines 

Lewis Field: 216–433–9328 (WEAT) 

Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility: 419–621–3333

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