In 2010, Maj. Hart (second from left) won an award for his work with aerospace cadets.
discussed engineers sleeping in the lab, working for days on end, just to get that computer system up and running.At the time, Dr. Gidley, Professor of Engineering and Chair of Geneva’s Engineering Department, explained that it was not uncommon for that to happen. I was somewhat surprised and in disbelief at the concept, but now I understand it. Ownership is a tough thing. Now that I’ve spent so many hours on this satellite, I feel a sense of responsibility to it and my team. I want to succeed and I’m now willing to sleep in my office for it if necessary.” Steven also learned these lessons growing up in Wampum, Pennsylvania, not far from Geneva’s campus. His grandfather, Pete Agostinelli, was a talented welder and mason who could build anything using wood, brick or even specialty alloy. He taught his grandson the value of hard work and perseverance.“His perfectionism and creativity is evident in every house he ever built, from the design to the brickwork—his care was obvious,” Steven says. Steven’s grandfather also planted the seed that would influence his future decision to work with students. “I struggled a bit with high school math, specifically my second year of algebra,” Steven says. His parents took him to his grand-
father’s house, and he helped the boy along until the concepts finally clicked.“Once I got it, it became fun. So much so, that as I went on through high school, I remember tutoring a friend’s brother with his college algebra class. I also worked briefly as a math tutor at Geneva.Whether teaching was a goal or a skill, I’m not sure. But I like helping others, and anything I can do to support that end is certainly a good thing.” Steven is grateful for the opportunity to teach his students with the same passion and commitment that his grandfather and Geneva professors showed him. Under his guidance, the cadets involved in the FalconSAT-5 have learned every aspect of satellite engineering, from data handling to orbit control. But most importantly, the project has equipped them to become officers, engineers and leaders of excellence. “If the cadets have learned only one thing in this class, it’s that satellite development is not easy,” Steven says.“Tackling any large challenge requires skills that make for great officers: creativity, flexibility, perseverance, and teamwork. I’m hopeful that the cadets have learned a little of each of those traits from me, because I learn it from them regularly.” G
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