The Rochester Engineer October 2022

www.roceng.org

November 2022 Alstom Audio Frequency Track Circuit Technology: Innovation in Urban Transit Train Control | 16

Also in this issue:

 Two RES Events in November - Nov. 3 (Happy Hour at Three Heads Brewing) - PDH Educational Courses Nov. 17 | 8 & 9    

|

11  6 

Call For RES Nominations EOY, YEOY, and EODs

| Position Openings | 28 Professional Firms Employee News | 26 Scholarship Application Details

RES Explorer Post Invitation

|

News from Professional Firms

 Campus News | 26  Engineers' Calendar | 30

10 | 27

Corporate Members of the Rochester Engineering Society

ENTERPRISE LEVEL

CHAMPION LEVEL

SUSTAINING LEVEL

IS YOUR COMPANY LISTED HERE? Call 585-254-2350 for information.

2 | The ROCHESTER ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2022

corporate members of the rochester engineering society

Volume 101, Number 5, NOVEMBER 2022

RES Scholarship Application RES Scholarship Application InformationInforrmation RES Scholarship Application Information

Back to to Table Back Tableof ofContents Contents Back to Table of Contents

Engineering Engineering

Scholarships STEP STEP 111 STEP

BEGIN by going to the BEGIN by going the to BEGIN by to going the RES Website Scholarship Page RES Website Scholarship Page Page RES Website Scholarship to the Check the Eligibility Requirements! to Check Eligibility Requirements! to Check the Eligibility Requirements! (Highlighted in Blue)

contents

Alstom Audio Frequency Track Circuit Technology: Innovation in Urban Transit Train Control | 16

RES NEWS

2STEP 2Corporate Members of the REQUEST an interview appointment STEP an interview appointment

by RES REQUEST an interview appointment STEP 22 REQUEST

4 RES Board of Directors 5 RES President's Message GATHER the required data and 6STEP 3Engineering Scholarship Application Information supporting materials GATHER the required data and STEP 3 GATHER the Corner required data and STEP 3 7 RES Technical  Official Transcript supporting materials supporting materials Resume  Official Transcript 8 RES Virtual PDH Continuing Education Course - "Space" - Nov. 17  Official Transcript  Applicant's Letter  Resume  Resume 9 RES Event Calendar Reference Letter #1Letter and #2- Save the Dates  Applicant's  Applicant's Letter  Interview Report  Reference Letter #1 and #2 10 RES Explorer Post  Reference LetterInvitation #1 and #2  Interview Report  Interview Report to submit all items is 11 Call ForDeadline Nominations - 2022 EOY, YEOY, and EODs December 12, 2022 Deadline to submit all items by Deadline to submit all items by 12 RES History -December February 1976 11, 2021 December 11, 2021 14 Dr. Walter Cooper Academy, Emerging from the Pandemic...

15 Get IT Done - IT Is Stopping You (and letting you go) 16 Cover Article - Alstom - Alstom Audio Frequency Track Circuit Technology: Innovation in Urban Transit Train Control 25 Professional Firms Employee News 26 Campus News 27 News from Professional Firms 28 Position Openings 30 Continuing Education Opportunities (PDHs) 31 Engineers’ Calendar 45 Directory of Professional Services 46 Directory of Business Services 47 Affiliated Societies of the RES by going to scholarship application going to application instructions byscholarship going to scholarship application instructions and fill out the Eligibility and fillinstructions out the Eligibility Form. and fill out the Eligibility Form.

Form.

2020 Susan L. Costa Memorial 2020 SusanGrace L. Costa Memorial Scholarship Niyo, Biomedical Scholarship Niyo, of Biomedical EngineeringGrace University Rochester Engineering University of Rochester

(details on website)

(details on website) (details on website)

2020 Adam W. Lawas Scholarship 2020 W. Lawas Scholarship (CHAAdam companies) Brandon Reiner, (CHA companies) Brandon Reiner, Mechanical Engineering University Mechanical Engineering University at Buffalo (SUNY) at Buffalo (SUNY)

6 8 || The The ROCHESTER ROCHESTER ENGINEER ENGINEER OCTOBER OCTOBER 2022 2021 8 | The ROCHESTER ENGINEER OCTOBER 2021

index

res news - application scholarship information application res - scholarship res - scholarship application information

news of the...

• ABCD Association for Bridge Design and Construction.................................. 41 • APWA American Public Works Association............... 40 • ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers.............. 34 • ASHRAE American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers....................... 42 • ASPE American Society of Plumbing Engineers...... 44 • EA Electrical Association......................................... 32 • GVLSA Genesee Valley Land Surveyors Association.39 • IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers......................................... 36 • IESs Illuminating Engineering Society...................... 38 • INCOSE International Council on Systems Engineering..................................... 33 • IS&T Imaging Science & Technology.......................... 35 • RES Rochester Engineering Society.................... 2-14 • TERRA TERRA Science & Engineering Fair................. 43

NOVEMBER 2022 The ROCHESTER ENGINEER | 3

The Rochester Engineer Published since 1922 by ROCHESTER ENGINEERING SOCIETY, INC.

Founded March 18, 1897

Board of Directors: OFFICERS: President MICHELLE SOMMERMAN, PE Bergmann Associates / msommerman@bergmannpc.com

First Vice President DENNIS ROOTE, PE CDE Engineering & Environment, PLLC / dennis.roote@cde-pllc.com

Second Vice President MIKE KURDZIEL, PhD Harris Corporation / mike.kurdziel@L3harris.com

Treasurer TBD - Dennis Roote is interim treasurer.

Immed. Past President GREG GDOWSKI, PhD University of Rochsester / Greg_Gdowski@urmc.rochester.edu

EIGHT DIRECTORS:

CORNELIUS (NEAL) ILLENBERG PE Rail Safety Consulting / nillenberg@aol.com

RICHARD E. RICE Erdman Anthony / rricesquash@gmail.com

BRETT ELIASZ, PE Bergmann Associates / beliasz@bergmannpc.com

KENTON G. HINES Merrill Lynch / Kenton.Hines@ml.com

MICHAEL DUFFY .

Bosch Security Systems, LLC / michael.duffy@us.bosch.com

STEVEN W. DAY, PhD Rochester Institute of Technology / swdeme@rit.edu

NOAH KELLY Leadership Excellence & Development Program (Engr.), Alstom noah.kelly@alstomgroup.com

LEANDRO AVEIRO Engineering Group Manager - Verification & Validation, Alstom leandro.aveiro@alstomgroup.com

Administrative Director LYNNE M. IRWIN Rochester Engineering Society / e-mail: res@frontiernet.net or therochesterengineer@gmail.com

4 | The ROCHESTER ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2022

Volume 101, Number 5, NOVEMBER 2022 (Electronic Copies Only) You can purchase individual printed copies directly from ISSUU. 2,500+ Monthly Circulation (11 issues electronically) ISSN 0035-7405

RES Mission Statement: The RES will become the lead organization for improving the image and influence of the engineering community in the greater Rochester area by: Demonstrating a comprehensive knowledge of the region’s engineering and technical capabilities; Providing the best clerical support and public relations assistance to our affiliates; Continually communicating the engineering and technical accomplishments to both the engineering and technical community and the public; Providing regular forums and networking opportunities for the exchange of ideas and discussion of issues; and, Providing programs that identify career opportunities to the region’s youth and develop the skills of the practicing engineer.

News items and articles are invited. Materials should be submitted to the administrative director at the society’s office, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, New York 14607; Phone number (585) 254-2350, e-mail: therochesterengineer@gmail.com.

The web site for the RES is: www.roceng.org.

The deadline is the 10th day of the month prior to the issue. Unless otherwise stated, opinions expressed in this publication are those of contributors, not of the Rochester Engineering Society, Inc. Advertising information may be obtained by contacting the office of the Rochester Engineering Society or going to the website at www.roceng.org.

Published every month but July. You can purchase individual copies directly from ISSUU. Go to www.roceng.org to join the Rochester Engineering Society. Click on the individual membership and you can submit your application on-line. res news - board of directors

i c a ( i A t T a A a

P B G C a i d

W

1 2

A i y c & S a m d

RES News - President's Message Dear Fellow Engineers, Many activities this month and another information filled issue. I would like to first thank everyone for their contributions to the Rochester Engineer! This is a fantastic resource for our community…not many (if any) have one. As I look through it, I am always impressed with what is happening around town.

And I feel this is just the tip of the iceberg! A special thanks to Lynne for pulling this together every month.

Two ways that RES recognizes local talent and accomplishments…Scholarships and Professional Awards. Applications are open for both! See page 6 and page 11 for details.

Please joins us this Thursday the 3rd at Three Heads Brewing for our first Thursday of the month Social Gathering. I am also very excited about the RES Continuing Education sessions on Thursday the 17th about Rochester’s contributions to Space. Will be inspirational. Check out page 8 of the magazine for details!

We welcome two new RES members this month!

1. Neville W. Sachs, PE, Consultant 2. Chris Felix, Mechanical Engineer.

A few highlights from this issue…Do you know a young person interested in a career in engineering? RES & the Exploring Division of the Seneca Waterways Council are hosting an Explorer Post meeting, see page 10 for details.

res news - president’s messages

In the Get IT Done column on page 15, something to think about while sitting at a red light. In Campus News at RIT, check out page 26 to learn how a professor (that is part of a cross-disciplinary team) is using AI and robotics to design assistive technologies that can impact mental health care.

The Cover article (starting on page 16)

by Alstom discusses a subsystem of transit signaling systems, Audio Frequency Track Circuit, which was pioneered in the late 1960s.

As always, check out the calendar (starting on page 30) followed by various Affiliates news. A few highlights for November…the ASHRAE meeting "How Do We Get to a Decarbonized World", ASPE "The Restroom of the Future: Design Connected, User Friendly, and Sustainable Commercial Restrooms", and, ASCE "Asphalt Performance & Specification".

I’m very happy to report there continues to be much activity within RES in reinvigorating various committees. All in support of YOU! As always, if you would like to be involved, please check out the committee list on the website at www.roceng.org and join one! We want to make sure your voice is heard!

Please contact us with any questions, comments, or suggestions.

Thank you!

Michelle Sommerman, PE Bergmann RES President June 1, 2022 - May 31, 2024 NOVEMBER 2022 The ROCHESTER ENGINEER | 5

RES Scholarship Application RES Scholarship Application InformationInforrmation

RES Scholarship Application Information

Back to to Table Back Tableof ofContents Contents Back to Table of Contents

Engineering Engineering

Scholarships STEP STEP 111 STEP

BEGIN by going to the BEGIN by going the to BEGIN by to going the

STEP STEP 222 STEP

REQUEST an interview appointment REQUEST an interview appointment by REQUEST an interview appointment

STEP 3 STEP 33 STEP

RES Website Scholarship Page RES Website Scholarship Page Page RES Website Scholarship to the Check the Eligibility Requirements! to Check Eligibility Requirements! to Check the Eligibility Requirements!

by going to scholarship application going to application instructions byscholarship going to scholarship application instructions and fill out the Eligibility and fillinstructions out the Eligibility and fillForm. out the Eligibility Form.

Form.

2020 Susan L. Costa Memorial 2020 SusanGrace L. Costa Memorial Scholarship Niyo, Biomedical Scholarship Niyo, of Biomedical EngineeringGrace University Rochester Engineering University of Rochester

GATHER the required data and supporting materials on website) GATHER the(details required data and GATHER the required data and  Official Transcript supporting materials (details on website) supporting materials (details on website)  Resume  Official Transcript  Official Transcript  Applicant's Letter  Resume  Resume  Reference Letter #1Letter and #2  Applicant's  Applicant's Letter  Interview Report Letter #1 and #2  Reference  Reference Letter #1 and #2  Interview Report  Interview Report

Deadline to submit all items is

December 2022all items by Deadline to 12, submit Deadline to submit all items by December 11, 2021 December 11, 2021

6 2022 8 || The The ROCHESTER ROCHESTER ENGINEER ENGINEER NOVEMBER OCTOBER 2021 8 | The ROCHESTER ENGINEER OCTOBER 2021

2020 Adam W. Lawas Scholarship 2020 W. Lawas Scholarship (CHAAdam companies) Brandon Reiner, (CHA companies) Brandon Reiner, Mechanical Engineering University Mechanical Engineering University at Buffalo (SUNY) at Buffalo (SUNY) res news - application scholarship information application res - scholarship res - scholarship application information

Back to Table of Contents

RES - Technical Corner

Technical Corner For the article this month lets hone in on Sunlight Resistant Cables.

Often, in solar installations, there are tracker motors that are required where there is an interest in tilting the solar panels to correspond with the sun. This aids in the amount of energy absorbed from the sun. The tracker motors can also allow the solar panels to conform to the terrain eliminating the need to level land, which reduces project cost and installation time.

So basically, there is a requirement for power cabling to be routed to the solar panels themselves and to the tracker motors.

This picture represents a scenario where there is a transition from underground cable to above ground cable supports which is quite common.

These cables will now be exposed to sunlight and the major take away from this article is that not all individual cables are sunlight resistant.

A suitable cable for the tracker motors being fed from a distribution panel board would be THHN/THWN-2 cable which is also commonly used within buildings. This cable is widely used as it is rated for dry, damp and wet conditions and covers most of the scenarios we run into except for the resistance to sunlight.

When running these cables within a conduit within a building, sunlight is not really ever an issue. However, when there is a transition as shown in the picture above, we need to be sure that we have cables that are labeled and listed as sunlight resistant.

Oddly enough it appears that only the larger cables of the THHN/THWN-2 type only carry the sunlight resistant listing. So, be mindful on some of the installations out there and let’s be sure to get the right cables installed in the environments they are listed for.

Hopefully this article finds you well and can be used as a reference for your project needs.

If anyone would like to contribute to the Rochester Engineer and add an article or would like to request information on a specific topic (not limited to Electrical) just email Brett Eliasz at beliasz@bergmannpc.com. As always, any comments are appreciated! Thank you for reading.

Brett Eliasz, P.E., LEED AP BD+C , RES Director res - technical corner

NOVEMBER 2022 The ROCHESTER ENGINEER | 7

RES VIRTUAL PDH CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES

Date: Time: Cost:

Theme:

Back to Table of Contents

Save the Date! 1 (or 2) PDHs Available Thursday, November 17, 2022 2:30 to 5:00 pm $10 per credit for RES Individual Members $15 per credit for Non-members Rochester's Contributions to Space

2:30-3:30pm

“Webb Telescope and Rochester Contributions” 1 PDH MAY BE AVAILABLE Mr. Keith Havey, PE KAH Consulting, Retired L3Harris 2020

This presentation, given at the October 20, 2022 IS&T meeting, will provide an overview of the design, testing, and integration of the telescope with the optical components.

Mr. Havey has 43 years aerospace experience, primarily based in Rochester working for our local aerospace optical payload company that started as Kodak, then migrated into ITT, Exelis, Harris, and most recently L3Harris. Over his career he has had both management and technical roles, many in support of NASA programs and studies. In 2022 Mr. Havey has supported the Roman Space Telescope team and Chandra program operations for L3Harris, and also supported the JWST commissioning activities. From 2011 to early 2018 he had a leadership role encompassing thermal and electrical hardware development and thermal test support for the JWST cryo-vacuum tests at Johnson Spaceflight Center (JSC). Additional details are on the website registration.

4:00-5:00pm

Chandra X-ray Observatory 1 PDH Mr Jon Kriegel Retired, Eastman Kodak

The Chandra X-ray Observatory is an x-ray telescope in a 64 hour earth orbit launched in July 1999. This presentation will discuss the design and construction of the telescope, and will include many spectacular images of celestial bodies made possible by Chandra.

Mr. Kregel is a retired engineer from Eastman Kodak who has presented extensively on this subject.

Future Education Courses Being Planned RES is offering these courses to support the engineering community.

Each Continuing Education Session will consist of two or three educational 1-hour webinars with one or two eligible for PDH's. Registration will be on our website soon: www.roceng.org

*Date, cost, and topics are subject to change* 8 | The ROCHESTER ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2022

res news a- virtual pdh continuing education courses

RES EVENT CALENDAR - SAVE THE DATES

RES is excited to announce our 2022-2023 program year is a mix of Continuing Education and Social Gatherings!

Updates will be posted on the website calendar as they become available.

Social Gatherings are the 1st Thursday of every month at 5:00 pm Continuing Education Courses are the 3rd Thursday of every month from 1:00 to 5:00 pm

Here is what is planned so far: EVENT DATE EVENT NAME Thursday, November 3, 2022 Social Gathering!

5:00 PM at Three Heads Brewing, 186 Atlantic

Avenue, Rochester 14607. All engineers and

friends are invited! This is a great opportunity to

meet engineers from various disciplines and

Affiliate Engineering Societies.

(Please register...just so we know who and how

many are attending.)

Thursday, November 17, 2022 Continuing Education - Space!

(See page 8) Registration will be available soon.

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Social Gathering!

Thursday, December 15, 2022

Continuing Education - Solar Technology

Thursday, January 5, 2023

Social Gathering!

Thursday, January 19, 2023

Continuing Education - Tour NuFlow Services -

Pipeline Rehabilitation

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Social Gathering!

Thursday, February 16, 2023

Continuing Education - TBD

Thursday, March 2, 2023 Social Gathering!

Thursday, March 16, 2023 Continuing Education - Electric Vehicles Thursday, April 6, 2023

Social Gathering!

Thursday, May 4, 2023 Social Gathering!

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Continuing Education - Tour - Rochester Subway

Tunnels

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Social Gathering! res news - rwa event calendar

NOVEMBER 2022 The ROCHESTER ENGINEER | 9

RES News - Explorer Post

Back to Table of Contents

Joining Event CAREERS IN ENGINEERING DO YOU DREAM OF A CAREER IN ENGINEERING?

If you do, in conjunc�on with the Exploring Division of the Seneca Waterways Council the Rochester Engineering Society is hos�ng an Exploring Post which is geared to exposing young people to as many different careers and experiences in engineering as possible throughout the school year.

Engaging, hands on experiences include:

WHO

YOUNG MEN/WOMEN AGE 14-20 *PREFERENCE GIVEN TO 10-12 GRADERS*

WHEN

Wednesday 11/9/2022 6pm

WHERE

Seneca Waterways Council

2320 Brighton Henrietta TL Rd Rochester, NY 14623

Engineering Careers • Chemical, Structural, Aeronautical, Software, Electrical, Optical, Nuclear and others Site Visits • Local engineering firms • Rochester Institute of Technology • University or Rochester Mentoring by Engineering professionals

DETAILS

Spots are limited To RSVP: Please email

Matthew.Thurston@scouting.org

We invite you and a parent or guardian to join us for the informa�onal mee�ng.

Cost to participate: $75 Covers registration and insurance. Please bring CC or Check to event.

See you there, Rich Repka Kodak Alaris Rochester Engineering Society

Matthew Thurston Exploring District Executive www.swcexploring.org

Public

10 | The ROCHESTER ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2022

res news - explorer post

RES News - Call For Nominations

Back to Table of Contents

Call for Nominations John W. Nieto 2021 Engineer of the Year Past Engineers of the Year 14 years...(first awarded 1963) John W. Nieto Richard Buckley Susan Houde-Walter, PhD Donald P. Nims, PE Martin E. Gordon, PE Diane M. Trentini Robert L. Clark, Jr., PhD Lalit Mestha, PhD Maureen S. Valentine, PE Sergio Esteban, PE Brian J. Thompson, PhD Gary W. Passero, PE Kevin J. Parker, PhD Satish G. Kandlikar, PhD

2022 Engineer of the Year Young Engineer of the Year and

Engineers of Distinction

Andrew White, PhD 2021 YoungEngineer of the Year Past Young Engineers of the Year -14 years... (first awarded 2007) Andrew D. White, PhD Daniel Rusnack, PE Nick Vamivakas, PhD Brett Eliasz, PE Emily M. Smith, PE Matthew T. Sidley Danielle Benoit, PhD John Papponetti, PE Courtney E. Reich, PE Clement Chung, PE Sherwin Damdar Michael J. Walker, EIT Nathan Gnanasambandam, PhD Venkatesh G. Rao, PhD

The RES Board of Directors introduced a streamlined nomination form. A simple initial form allows an individual or organization to nominate a candidate. The RES committee will then contact the nominator if the candidate progresses to the next phase. At that point, a final form will be used to gather essential details from the nominator and candidate which will be used to determine our award recipients.

The RES will select and recognize the 2022 Engineer of the Year, 2022 Young Engineer of the Year (and Finalists), and 2022 Engineers of Distinction Awards in a variety of public venues and media.

The Award recipients will be celebrated at an event in April 2023.

Visit our website at www.roceng.org and click on Engineering Awards, or call 585-254-2350 (res@frontiernet.net) to request a nomination form.

The following information is described:  Eligibility for Nomination  Awards Criteria

 Deadline for Preliminary Nominations - Thursday, December 8, 2022  Deadline for Final Nominations - Thursday, January 5, 2023 res news - call for nominations

NOVEMBER 2022 The ROCHESTER ENGINEER | 11

RES News - Rochester History

Back to Table of Contents

A Sampling from the Archives of the Rochester Engineering Society.

1897 - 1976

by Lee M. Loomis Continuing with the historical sampling of the earlier writings on behalf of the Rochester Engineering Society, the years following "The Great War", into and through the “Great Depression”, continued to be a time of reaching out for the maturing Society, both locally and nationally. The meeting minutes describe a series of technical discussions and presentations intended to broaden the technical horizons of the membership (especially the CE's, ME's and EE's).

The RES affiliated itself with a number of National technical societies, adopted local Affiliated Societies, frequently held joint meetings with them and continued taking action on a growing list of public matters. Certain issues of standardization, some crucial to public safety, became the responsibility of the RES and its affiliates. In the pervasive economic downturn of the “Great Depression”, the magazine offered classified advertising for unemployed engineers, technicians and draftsmen and took other steps to try to deal with the crisis. Still, it continued its effort to shape the function, focus and infrastructure of the City of Rochester, and beyond. World War, again affected the Society, taking away many of its leaders while providing opportunities for others to step forward to fill these vacancies. In an effort to provide even greater perspective on the happenings and concerns of the day, a synopsis, featuring selected items from "The Rochester Engineer" has become an integral part of this series. The Second World War, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War are now history. These experiences have changed the face of and will, no doubt, influence the future of the community. The Rochester municipal leadership and the industrial community have become immersed in the cold-war, growth economy.

12 | The ROCHESTER ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2022

“The Rochester Engineer” (January 1976)

Editor’s note: Recent editions of the RES magazine have presented a discussion/critique of the electric utility industry. Articles and responses have focused on energy conservation, affordable utility rates, equitable rate structures, responsive elected officials and regulatory agencies, safe and clean alternative energy sources, and community control of utility services. The manner in which these articles were presented in the magazine had been criticized as lacking in a “pro and con” format. Consequently, the February RES Board meeting would receive a report from the Executive Committee specifying and recommending new editorial guidelines for “The Rochester Engineer”.

February 18, 1976 (Board Meeting, Chamber of Commerce) The Board approved applications for seven Regular Members, two Associate Members and one Junior Member. RES President Jack Schickler read from the NY State and the City of Rochester proclamations for February 22-28 Engineers’ Week. Engineer’s Joint Dinner Chair, Lee Loomis announced that Deputy County Manager, Thomas Mooney, would be speaking on behalf of County Manager Lucien Morin, at this year’s event. Jack Schickler reported that he had attended a productive meeting with RES Member, Dr. Brian Thompson, Dean of the U of R College of Engineering and Applied Science, toward developing closer ties between engineering schools and industry to facilitate student training in the business world. Dick Rice, of the RES Civic Affairs Committee, reported res news - history

that three major projects were underway; BiCentennial Energy Self-Sufficiency Contest, Advice to the County of Monroe on Improvement of Salt Application & Snow Removal Protocols, and a Technical Appraisal of Monroe County’s Pure Waters Division. In his capacity as the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) representative and a member of the Civic Affairs Committee, Mr. Rice also reported that he had met with City Engineer, Lawrence Gassman and the City Council, to discuss the possibility of the City’s acquisition of Rochester’s street lighting system from RG&E. In conjunction with this, Jack Schickler reported that he had been asked by Rochester’s Mayor, Thomas Ryan, for an “official” RES position on the street lighting system acquisition. Since this, in his opinion, would be primarily an economic decision, and NOT a technical one, President Schickler had declined to offer an opinion by the Society. Jack Schickler also reported that the Executive Committee had met with the Publications Committee Chair and with Ed Stevens, RES Executive Director, and that new editorial guidelines for “The Rochester Engineer” had been drawn up and agreed upon.

“The Rochester Engineer” (February 1976) This issue of the magazine was given over to the subject of vinyl chloride (VC) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and their association with the occurrence of various cancers in workers who are regularly exposed to these chemicals. First developed and commercialized in the US in 1927, by 1938 acute animal toxicity was first reported from high doses of VC and PVC. In 1949 high incidence of liver damage was reported among workers in the Soviet Union, and in 1961 Dow Chemical Corporation began conducting experiments on animal subjects and then limited human exposure in all of its own plants to 100 ppm. Continued worldwide reporting in 1964, 1965 and 1970 led to the US Occupational Safety & Health Administration res news - history

(OSHA) setting a VC exposure limit of 500 ppm.

Further research, over the next several years, lead OSHA to further lower the standard in 1975, initially to 50 ppm and gradually to 1 ppm by the end of 1976. One by one, US corporations; General Tire and Rubber, Georgia-Pacific, B.F Goodrich and others announced their ability to comply with this standard. During this period (1949 – 1974) numerous efforts to down-play the severity of exposure to VC and PVC production chemicals were reported, many by industry leaders. Much controversy eventually developed over, “What the industry knew, and when it knew it”. Nevertheless, it was an industry doctor (from B.F Goodrich) who reported findings of a possible causal relationship between PVC workers and angiosarcoma to the National Institutes of Health (NIOSH) that led to a rapid (20 month) plant exposure reduction to minimal levels. Quoting Ralph L. Harding, President of the Society of the Plastics Industry, in 1975, “Never before in occupational health history has an industry labored so arduously, rapidly and successfully to eliminate a recognized hazard”.

Subsequent articles in this series will describe the RES' continuing outreach to other technical societies as it considered its role in this and the larger community, along with more of the activities of the RES as it moved to be of greater service to its membership, especially those suffering from current economic crises, and adopted a greater role in shaping the future of the City and its environs. Noted also, will be the contributions made by RES members in the struggle to meet the challenges coming out of World War II and the Korean Conflict, as well as a hoped-for period of post-war growth and prosperity. These articles will also feature an impressive array of RES activities in support of post-war re-emergence of Rochester area industry, and the continuing prosperity of the second-half of the 20th Century. We welcome your questions and comments on this series.

NOVEMBER 2022 The ROCHESTER ENGINEER | 13

Back to Table of Contents

RES News - Tutoring Team

Dr. Walter Cooper Academy; Emerging from the Pandemic…

The 2022-23 School Year opened successfully at Dr. Walter Cooper Academy, on Wednesday, September 7th with 333 eager students...

This Summer, Dr. Walter Cooper Academy was one of five sites chosen to offer “Summer School” sessions for our students, aimed at continuing the process of helping them with “catching up” on their studies.

NY State Department of Education – School Receivership Dr. Walter Cooper Academy is one of six elementary schools in the City School District that have been designated as “Receivership Schools”. This occurs when a school consistently performs at low levels in student test scores (ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies), falls behind in proficiency for ESOL (non-English speaking students), or has too many (>10%) chronically-absent students.

Such schools are required to form Community Engagement Teams (CET’s) and execute a Comprehensive Education Plan to improve outcomes for its students.

In response, our School (#10), has developed such a Team (Lee Loomis serves on this Team) and has implemented a Plan to extricate itself from “receivership”.

Recent reports show that our students’ “scores” are improving and that, our ESOL students are making significant progress in their English language proficiency, and that among the six Receivership Schools, our daily attendance has risen to 85.1%, second place among the Receivership Schools, eleventh place overall.

Community School Site Coordinator, Michele White, has begun helping us plan for the resumption of the in-person operation of the RES Tutoring Team in the Fall of 2022. Soon, we will be assembling a menu of teacher/student tutoring needs, developing a weekly tutoring needs schedule, and inviting our RES Tutors to volunteer for these tutoring assignments.

This is pretty much the process/protocol we were following from 2014-19, before it was interrupted, first by series of drastic 2018-19 RCSD budget cut-backs/layoffs, and then the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are looking forward to its resumption.

We have begun assembling our 2022-23 RES Tutoring Team…

Questions??? Reach out to RES Past President Lee Loomis and the RES Tutoring Team at…Rochester Engineering Society (585) 254-2350, via website: www.roceng.org, or via email: leeloomis46@gmail.com, (585) 738-3079 (mobile & text).

14 | The ROCHESTER ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2022

W l i s M i d W b

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W c m e l r m l fl I a

B r O o c S m h w u

W l o res news - tutoring team

Get IT Done

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IT Is Stopping You (and letting you go) We’ve all been there. We’re in a hurry and hit a red light [life is like that]. It is a long light and holds you immobile for a full minute. You wait. As the seconds slowly tick by, you feel yourself getting later and later.

Most frustrating is that you are the only car at the intersection. In fact, you are the only car visible in any direction! A simple timer controlled that traffic light.

While designed to provide equal access, timers often block progress unnecessarily.

yell “It’s RED!”, as they think you are pressing them to run the light. Once, when I was in that situation, I exited my vehicle to explain how the traffic sensor worked to a very elderly couple. I conveyed that they either needed to move forward or spend the rest of what remained of their short life at that very spot. While that couple was grateful for the information, I will not do it again. People are wary when being approached by strangers at intersections.

Most timer-based controls have been replaced with units that “sense” vehicles. We install pressure plates under the roadways where the weight of a vehicle over the plates triggers a circuit that changes the light.

Regrettably, if your vehicle does not weigh enough [E.G., a motorcycle or Smart Car] you may be waiting forever.

Back to traffic control. Knowing that a car is at the intersection is helpful but does not provide feedback on how long to keep the light green. Cameras and infrared sensors see what is at an intersection as well as what is approaching. Knowing what is approaching (again, using our old friend electromagnetic waves) the light can be kept green to maintain traffic flow.

While pressure plates provide more efficient traffic control than timers, they can be expensive to manufacture, install and maintain. Here is where electromagnetic waves come to the rescue! “Induction loop technology” buries a loop of wire in the road and runs an electric charge through it, thereby creating a magnetic field. The presence of metal objects over the loop induces fluctuations in that magnetic field. These fluctuations then generate a signal to the traffic device.

Induction loop technology is simpler to manufacture and install than pressure plates.

Having traffic devices that sense our presence and react accordingly is grand, but we may ask ourselves why we need traffic control devices at all? We need them because people do not behave in a reliable and predictable way. In the future, our vehicles will be autonomous devices bristling with more sensors than our most advanced traffic control systems. These vehicles will know where they are and where all other objects are to navigate the roadways without the need for traffic control devices. And that capability will be enabled by electromagnetic waves. IT will drive us into the future. Literally.

Both plates and loops are visible as squares, rectangles, or circles in the roadway at an intersection.

Of course, unwary travelers may pull too far forward or remain too far back to trigger the sensor. This has caused me grave consternation in the past. One Sunday afternoon, late and in a hurry [again], I found myself stopped behind a car at a red light. That car had stopped well short of the traffic light’s sensor. I wait, minute after minute, hoping that they would edge up a bit. Disappointingly, they remained immobile.

What is the socially acceptable thing to do? Flash your lights briefly? Give a short toot of your horn? It turns out that these actions tend to anger the driver who will get IT done

Think About IT!

Tony Keefe, COO, Entre Computer Services www.entrecs.com NOVEMBER 2022 The ROCHESTER ENGINEER | 15

Cover Article - Alstom

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Alstom Audio Frequency Track Circuit Technology: Innovation in Urban Transit Train Control

Authors: Leandro Aveiro, Brandon Gaskin, and Howard Goldberg

We’ve all done it – living or visiting a major metropolitan area and riding their subway or transit system to get from one place to another. We expect it to be safe, on-time and even enjoyable. The primary function of a transit signaling system is to safely move as many people as possible. Accomplishing this lofty goal requires trains to travel as close to each other as possible (called “headway”) while maintaining a safe and smooth ride. To do this, the signaling system must “know” where trains are at all times. The track circuit, or more specifically the Audio Frequency Track Circuit (AFTC), is a subsystem used for this purpose in urban transit applications.

What is a track circuit and why are they needed?

There are many different types of track circuits in use today. A track circuit utilizes the track rails as conductors in an electrical circuit between transmit and receive devices, which define the limits of the track circuit.

When the solid, electrically conductive wheels and axles of a train roll into a track circuit or if a rail is cracked or broken, the signal between the transmit and receive devices is interrupted and the system declares 16 | The ROCHESTER ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2022

the presence of a train in that track circuit. Depending on the application, track circuits can employ electrical signals that are simple DC (direct current), pulsed DC, low frequency AC (60Hz, 100Hz), or Audio Frequencies (1KHz to 10KHz).

A key feature of track circuits is their ability to detect rail defects and breaks. Although there are competing technology alternatives to track circuits that use radiobased communication and devices called axle-counters to detect train position, these technologies do not use the rails as a medium for signaling and therefore they cannot detect rail defects like track circuits can. Rails experience punishing stresses from trains, exposure to seasonal temperature extremes, and daily thermal cycling, which all contribute to cracking over time.

Detection of rail defects and breaks is key to safely operating trains and is a tangible benefit to transit operators in avoiding derailments. Newer track circuit technologies, like the Alstom AFTC Gen 5 discussed later, are capable of analyzing rail signals and reporting potential rail defects before they become hazardous while preventing trains from entering areas with suspected broken rails. cover article - Alstom

Figure 1. Examples of broken rails detected by Alstom AFTC technology.

Why Audio Frequency Track Circuits for Urban Transit?

Audio frequencies are optimal for urban transit system track circuits where the objective is short headway time, suitable for urban transit operations where trains are up to about 750 feet in length and stations are relatively close together. Although rail has a very low resistance per unit length due to its large cross-sectional area, its impedance at audio frequencies is surprisingly high in comparison. Due to this impedance, audio electrical signals can travel just far enough down the track to make track circuit lengths up to 1200 feet practical, compatible with the aforementioned short headway times and train length. The impedance is a result, in part, of the self-inductance of rail. The geometry of tracks where multiple long, parallel rails are separated by a short distance (such as the standard 56.6 inches between rails), make mutual inductance between rails and tracks significant. Engineering an AFTC system requires careful attention to frequency selection and coupling paths to ensure the system is both safe and reliable.

The tracks and rails themselves are an integral part of the AFTC system. cover article - Alstom

Alstom has developed models to characterize the track itself. It turns out that track behaves much like a classic transmission line and can be modelled with lumped transmission line parameters mathematically computed from empirical data measured in the field on various types of track, ties (including concrete, wood, composite, or steel “beams” that secure the rails to each other), conditions (including dry, wet, and frozen), and ballast material (including stone or concrete which is the “filling” between and under the ties to secure the rail structure) over the audio frequency range.

In comparison to AFTC, DC, 60Hz, and 100Hz signals can travel much farther in rail due to its lower impedance at these lower frequencies, resulting in much longer track circuits. Longer track circuits, up to about a mile, are suitable for applications like commuter transit where stations are much farther apart than in urban transit whereas track circuits can be several miles long for freight trains.

With that said, this article focuses on Audio Frequency Track Circuits.

Alstom AFTC Technology Evolution Alstom in Rochester, NY, formerly

General Railway Signal, pioneered the AFTC in the late 1960s and early 1970s in transit systems like WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority), MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority), CTA (Chicago Transit Authority), and MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) to name a few. The original AFTCs have demonstrated reliability and safety for over 40 years and are being upgraded with Alstom’s newest state-of-the-art generation, named AFTC Gen 5 (AFTC5).

The Alstom AFTC generations prior to AFTC5 have been mostly designed with failsafe analog discrete electrical components requiring installations to employ extensive manual wiring, expensive electromechanical relays and a large amount of physical space.

AFTC5 is designed to replace earlier generations, using up to 75% less space thanks to Alstom’s latest networked computer-based safety architecture. Compared to previous generations, AFTC5 provides enhanced flexibility in application configurations, maintenance monitoring, upgradability, diagnostics, and reduced life-cycle costs as would be expected in a modern embedded product.

Continued on page 18

NOVEMBER 2022 The ROCHESTER ENGINEER | 17

Cover Article - Alstom, continued

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Figure 2. Evolution from previous generation Alstom AFTC (left) requiring 4 discretely wired equipment racks each with three twotrack-circuit modules, to Alstom AFTC Gen 5 (right) requiring one networked equipment rack with four 6-trackcircuit modules for the same number of track circuits but with enhanced functionality.

Part of a Larger Train Control System

How does AFTC5 Work?

while the Wee-Z® Bonds are installed directly on the railroad ties between the rails.

The main components of an AFTC5based track circuit include: (1) the At the system level, once AFTC5 The AFTC5 modules perform the AFTC5 module; (2) a specially detects a train, it reports the processing, signal generation and tuned transformer called a Wee-Z® occupancy to another subsystem, amplification, safety algorithm, Bond; and (3) the rails.

The AFTC5 generically called an “interlocking and user interface functions. modules are installed in bungalows controller,” and specifically Alstom’s AFTC5 modules communicate or train control rooms, located (integrated Vital Processor safety-critical information with iVPI adjacent to the tracks, or in stations Interlocking - iVPI). iVPI is a subsystem also originally developed in Alstom’s Rochester location in the 1980s and has been evolving ever since. iVPI is a failsafe computer that uses inputs from AFTC5, track switches, the central office, and other iVPIs to automatically and safely set outputs such as routes, speeds, and color light signals for trains and their operators. iVPI contains the logic required to read inputs and set outputs for failsafe and efficient train control and Figure 3. AFTC5 is a portion of an overall urban train control system which includes iVPI, a control office, and works seamlessly with rail control appliances like switches and signals. AFTC5’s main role is to (1) detect track occupancy and report AFTC5. it to iVPI and (2) to generate and transmit the appropriate speed signal to the rails as commanded by iVPI.

18 | The ROCHESTER ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2022

cover article - Alstom

via an Alstom failsafe protocol over Ethernet.

The main safety-critical communication parameters include track occupancy state and speed signal to be transmitted. Other nonsafety information such as equipment status use a standard communication protocol.

The Wee-Z® Bond uses a specially tuned transformer to pass the modulated audio signals to and from the track. Since electrified urban transit systems use rails to return DC traction current from the rail cars to the substations, Wee-Z® Bonds also function as part of a balanced, low resistance return path for high levels of such DC current. This is why heavy cables are shown in Figure 4, typically 250500MCM (thousand circular mils) each, connecting the Wee-Z® Bond’s two-turn track winding to the rails.

The two-turn track winding serves as a low resistance path for DC as well as the means for coupling the audio signal to and from the rails.

AFTC5 has two main functions: (1) to detect track occupancy, including track defects and (2) to inject a speed signal into the rails for the train to receive, representing the maximum allowable speed for each train. To detect track occupancy, AFTC5 transmits a modulated audio carrier frequency into the track rails using a Wee-Z® Bond at one end of the track circuit. Another Wee-Z® Bond at the receive end couples the track cover article - Alstom

Figure 4. A typical Wee-Z® Bond by itself (top). Installation between the rails (bottom) with heavy rail cables bolted to the Wee-Z® Bond’s 1.25” diameter copper two-turn track winding.

signal back to the AFTC5 electronics. Each Wee-Z® Bond is the transmitter for one track circuit and a receiver for the adjacent track circuit, but is also able to transmit a speed signal simultaneously with the track occupancy signal. For example, in Figure 5 “TRACK CIRCUIT 1” and “TRACK CIRCUIT 2” share one Wee-Z® Bond tuned to f3 and f5 while “TRACK CIRCUIT 2” and “TRACK CIRCUIT 3” share one Wee-Z® Bond tuned to f3 and f7. Using advanced DSP and safety-critical algorithms to analyze both the transmitted and received signal, AFTC5 determines train presence or if a significant rail defect or other anomaly is present.

Track occupancy carrier frequencies and modulation rates of adjacent track circuits are different so that AFTC5 can discern track circuits. Track occupancy carrier frequencies and modulation rates in each system are applied to track circuits such that there is a frequency rotation to maximize the distance between track circuits utilizing the same track occupancy carrier frequency. Further, there is a set of specific audio frequencies and modulation rates engineered for each system, such that they are compatible with the electrical environment of the transit system where DC traction substations and various vehicular propulsion technologies exist and produce potentially interfering audio signals. For example, the DC in the “third rail” used for propulsion is produced from a 60Hz utility feed and rectifiers. Much like the output of a common full-wave bridge rectifier, DC substations place “ripple” on their output voltage, where the ripple frequency is based on the number of rectifier elements used, typically six (creating a six times 60Hz fundamental) or 12 (creating a 12 times 60Hz fundamental). AFTC5 audio carrier frequencies are therefore chosen to avoid harmonics from DC substations which are multiples of the 360Hz or 720Hz fundamental frequencies.

For speed signals, AFTC5 transmits a second modulated carrier frequency into the Continued on page 20 NOVEMBER 2022 The ROCHESTER ENGINEER | 19

Cover Article - Alstom, continued

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Figure 5. Three consecutive AFTC5 track circuits show a track occupancy carrier frequency rotation – f5, f3, and f7 for track circuits 1, 2 and 3, respectively. There is a 4th audio frequency not shown, f1. The pattern is then repeated down the track: f1, f5, f3, f7, f1, f5, f3, f7, f1…..

Modulation rates are assigned to each track occupancy carrier frequency and are not shown here.

rails along with the track occupancy signal using the same Wee-Z® Bonds as track occupancy signals. The speed signal is only transmitted once a given track circuit is occupied and the speed signal is always transmitted to the front of a train using the electrical circuit formed by the transmitting Wee-Z® Bond, rail, and front axle of the train.

The train then receives the speed signal current using magnetic pickup coils mounted to the train ahead of the front wheels above the rail. The speed signal carrier frequency is the same in every track circuit; however, the modulation rate sent to the train changes since it represents the maximum train speed. Maximum train speed changes depending on the proximity of other trains and on rail conditions, for example.

AFTC5 and its suite of tools have the unique ability to discern rail defects and maintenance needs based upon recognizing specific characteristics and trends in the signals received from the rails. Depending on the specific conditions, this gives AFTC5 the ability to notify maintenance personnel in advance of rail breaks, detached rail cables, or other issues that can potentially cause derailments or service interruptions.

Figure 6. Similar to previous figure, but showing the presence of a train that triggers the speed signal to turn ON from the Wee-Z® Bond ahead of the train in Track Circuit 2. Every track circuit has the ability to provide a speed signal to the train using carrier frequency f9, modulated at a rate representing the safe maximum speed for that track circuit.

20 | The ROCHESTER ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2022

cover article - Alstom

It’s Not as Easy as it Seems Theoretically, this all may seem straightforward. But in the real world, AFTC5 must be able to operate safety and reliably in the abusive transit system environment where weather, mechanical shock and vibration, rail and ballast conditions, wheel-to-rail interface variations, and EMI (electro-magnetic interference) can all influence the performance and safety of the system. AFTC5 will always assume an occupied safe-state if it does not receive the correct signal but AFTC5 must also be able to tolerate the aforementioned external influences to operate safely and reliably.

AFTC5 is live!

Twelve locations on the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line have upgraded signaling technology in the form of AFTC5 paired with iVPI. The Blue Line leads to the Chicago O’Hare Airport, making it one of the busiest lines for CTA, America’s second largest transportation system.

A thousand miles away, another ongoing project achieved revenue service in six of 27 locations for the MBTA’s (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) Red and Orange Lines, the busiest heavy rail subways in Boston.

These lines are being upgraded to AFTC5 and iVPI, as well as Model 5F switch machines and LED signals. q

Biographies: Leandro V. Aveiro Leandro has worked for Alstom for 17 years and has exercised multiple roles during this period, from software engineering to management of product development. Currently Leandro is responsible for the Verification and Validation of products developed by Alstom in North America and is a member of the board of directors of the Rochester Engineering Society since June 2022.

Brandon Gaskin As a project architect and train detection system subject matter expert, Brandon is responsible for the project integration and deployment of Alstom’s new AFTC5 audio frequency track circuit solution. He graduated from Florida Institute of Technology with a bachelor of science in Electrical Engineering.

Howard I. Goldberg, P.E. Howard has been with Alstom for 27 years and is currently an Engineer-of-Record as an Electrical Engineer and Senior Expert in Railway System Safety for urban transit signaling projects. He also promotes the Engineering Profession and mentors junior engineers at Alstom while actively participating in industry standards organizations such as AREMA (American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association) and APTA (American Public Transportation Association).

NOVEMBER 2022 The ROCHESTER ENGINEER | 21

RIT Student Feature

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Simple, Accurate and Power-Free Detection of Infectious Diseases

by Mengdi Bao, PhD Student In the past decade, an increasing number of human infectious diseases has been identified. As transportation networks become more accessible, the spread of infectious diseases accelerates, posing significant economic and social challenges. For example, the largest Ebola outbreak in 2014-2016 resulted in over 10,000 deaths and a $32 billion loss of gross domestic product. As of August 2022, the coronavirus 2019 pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has resulted in over 550 million confirmed cases, and 6 million deaths. To effectively control the spread of pathogens, one common way is to provide diagnosis, followed by isolation of infected patients. This emphasizes the significance of simple, rapid and accurate diagnostic methods for pathogen detection.

Since its discovery in 1983 by the American biochemist Kary Mullis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been the gold standard technology for pathogen detection. It can generate many copies of pathogen DNA from a very small amount. For amplification, the DNA sample is first mixed with special chemicals (primers, nucleotides, mix buffers, and Taq polymerases) in a test tube, and then incubated in a thermal cycler machine. The machine provides specific different temperatures required during the PCR process, including 95 ˚C for DNA strands separation (denaturing), 55 ˚C for primers binding (annealing), and 72 ˚C for new strand synthesis (extension). Today, PCR is renowned for its high accuracy in pathogen detection, but it typically requires well-trained personnel and electrical machines, thus limiting its applicability in settings with limited resources.

Another widely adapted diagnostic tool is developed on the basis of antibody-antigen interactions. The tool is either designed to detect the presence of viral proteins (antigen testing) or to identify the host antibodies produced in response to prior infections (antibody testing). Typically, antigen testing is more commonly used to diagnose because antibodies take 1-2 weeks to develop. In real-world diagnostics, antigen testing is commonly performed on a lateral flow strip as it is low-cost and simple enough for individuals without training. Compared with PCR diagnosis, antigen testing provides results more rapidly, but it yields less accurate results.

Figure 1. Principle of pathogen detection using CRISPR technology

22 | The ROCHESTER ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2022

rit student feature

In recent years, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated (Cas) proteins have emerged as a promising technology for pathogen detection. It was initially found in prokaryotic organisms, such as bacteria and archaea, which preserve the partial genome of a previously infected virus and identifies the virus when re-infected. Certain Cas proteins, specially Cas12a and Cas13, can randomly degrade single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) once they have identified the virus. Owing to this unique property, ssDNA probes are designed with a fluorophore and a quencher in a typical CRISPR-based diagnosis. Upon recognition of pathogen DNA, the activated Cas nucleases can degrade a substantial amount of fluorophore-quencher ssDNA, thereby resulting in remarkably high accurate pathogen detection (Figure 1). In comparison to PCR diagnosis, CRISPR-Cas detection does not require a thermal cycler machine, making it an excellent alternative for simple diagnosis. However, the majority of CRISPR detection is performed by manual pipetting, which is laborious, time-consuming and may contaminate to produce false positive results.

Therefore, our lab (Nanobiosensing, Nanomanufacturing, Nanomaterials Lab) at Rochester Institute of Technology designed a device that integrates the CRISPR for simple, power-free and pipette-free detection of pathogens. The device, depicted in Figure 2, consists of Figure 2. Working principle of the designed device for pathogens detection four reaction chambers that are physically separated from one another by carbon fiber rods. The top three chambers were utilized for target amplification, which increases the quantity of pathogen DNA, thereby enabling CRISPR to detect even trace amounts of pathogen DNA in a sample.

The bottom chamber was used for the CRISPR detection. Prior to the reaction, the special chemicals were preloaded into the specific chambers for amplification and detection. During the reaction, the rods were removed, and the device was manually rotated so that the chemicals could thoroughly mix. To facilitate pathogen detection without electrical power, the entire reaction was heated with a disposable hand warmer pouch. Following the CRISPR reaction, the generated signal can be seen with the naked eye when illuminated by an inexpensive flashlight. In contrast to the top three chambers, the bottom chamber has a pyramidal structure with a narrower base, making liquid collection easier. This can lead to more illumination and higher signals.

Figure 3. Scheme for the designed device fabrication process rit student feature

Another benefit of our device is its simple and inexpensive fabrication.

Continued on page 24...

NOVEMBER 2022 The ROCHESTER ENGINEER | 23

RIT Student Feature, Continued Figure 3 illustrates the fabrication procedure, which consists of four primary steps (printing, molding, dissolving and assembly). Initially, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), which can be dissolved in water, was used for printing the temporal core. Next, a PDMS replica was made by first placing the core inside a specialized aluminum mold, and then pouring the PDMS mixture into the mold. Following that, the PVA core was dissolved in water, and then the PDMS replica was cut into two separate pieces for amplification and detection, respectively. To control the flow and mixing of pre-loaded reagents, the pull-out carbon fiber rods were assembled into the device as gates. Our team used carbon fiber rods to separate each chamber due to the following benefits: excellent chemical resistance, low weight, low thermal expansion, high stiffness, and no fluorescence when illuminated under a flashlight. The 3D printer used in this study can be purchased for less than $1,000, making it accessible to many different types of experimental groups and new businesses.

In this work, the performance of the device was tested using partial SARS-CoV-2 genome.

When the pathogen DNA was higher than 10 fM (6 x 103 copies/µL), we noticed a distinct color with a flashlight illumination. The device was also evaluated using pathogen DNA with a similar genome to SARS-CoV-2. Only the sample containing SARSCoV-2 DNA exhibits Figure 4. Images of the reaction products with the input of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza, bright fluorescence MERS-CoV, Human RPP30 gene, and SARS-CoV color, indicating the high specificity of our device (Figure 4). In addition, we employed a machine learning algorithm to improve the reliability and precision of visible readouts. The created algorithm shows an accuracy of ~100% for distinguishing color differences between samples without and without pathogen DNA. We anticipate that our simple, power-free, pipette-free device will be useful in the future for the diagnosis of infectious diseases in both clinical settings and areas with limited access to healthcare resources.

Our work has been published on Lab on a Chip and selected as HOT Articles in 2022. q

Author Bio: Mengdi Bao is currently pursuing her Ph.D. degree in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY. Her previously received her Master in Bioengineering in 2017 and her BS in Biomedical Engineering in 2015. Her research interest includes diagnostic assay development, biosensor design and fabrication, and chemical bioconjugation.

24 | The ROCHESTER ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2022

rit student feature

Professional Firms Employee News

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SWBR News SWBR Adds Four New Team Members

SWBR welcomes project architect Shaun Baranyi, AIA, marketing coordinator Norah Coughlin, human resources coordinator Sarah LoPresti, SHRM-CP, aPHR, and landscape arthitect Eli Sands.

As part of the firm’s housing studio, project architect Baranyi is responsible for designing and drafting for affordable and senior living projects. He sees meaningful design as projects that “positively impact an individual’s day, a community’s year, and a Shaun Baranyi city’s lifetime.” He has a bachelor of science in architecture from the University at Buffalo and a master of architecture from the University of Cincinnati.

Marketing coordinator Coughlin is responsible for proposal creation in all market sectors and business development activities, including trade shows, event coordination, and market research. She credits growing up in the industry Norah Coughlin to drawing her to a career in marketing in the architecture industry. “I’ve always been captivated by architecture, design, and the history of how projects are built.” Coughlin is a graduate of Kent State University.

Human resources coordinator LoPresti is responsible for updating and maintaining the employee database, administering benefits, and onboarding new team

members. What excites her about the future of architecture is its focus on sustainability, that new buildings create less of an environmental impact.

LoPresti holds a Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) certification as a Certified Sarah LoPresti Professional (SHRM-CP) and an Associate Professional in Human Resources certification through the Human Resources Certification Institute.

Landscape architect Sands will provide design services and represent the firm’s landscape architecture team in the Capital District.

Sands’ detailing and design expertise and fluency in mapping technologies expands the firm’s Eli Sands landscape architecture capabilities to support their education, housing, and workplace projects. His clients trust him as a solutionoriented, communicative, and collaborative designer.

He received his bachelor of fine arts from the University of Miami and a naster of landscape architecture from The City College of New York.

Sands sees meaningful design as “a well-thought-out community or site investment that serves the needs of current and future users." q

Professional Firms Employee News continued on page 29

RES Scholarship Application Details Available NOW on the website!



Interviews scheduled between Sept. 5 to Dec. 2



Application Materials Due Dec. 12



Award Notification ~ Feb. 6

professional firms employee news

NOVEMBER 2022 The ROCHESTER ENGINEER | 25

Campus News

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RIT News

Faculty Researchers Develop Humanoid Robotic System to Teach Tai Chi

System helps keep older adults active and improve cognitive function Zhi Zheng’s robot is skilled at Tai Chi, and her research team hopes it will soon lead a class of older adults at a local community center.

Her robot is more than a cute companion. It can help improve cognitive function and provide insights about how people interact with robots in various settings.

Zheng, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering in RIT’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering, developed a sophisticated humanoid robot as part of her assistive technology research.

With expertise in developing robotics and virtual reality systems, Zheng’s work explores human-machine intelligence. She is part of a larger RIT cross-disciplinary team using artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to design assistive technologies that can impact mental health care.

“My major research direction is for individuals with developmental disorders. Many core technologies are transferable to other populations such as older adults with mild cognitive impairment,” said Zheng, who leads the Intelligent Interaction Research Lab. The lab is focused on several funded technology-mediated initiatives including healthcare for older adults with multiple chronic conditions and interventions for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The Tai Chi leader is an NAO Robot, and although only about 2 feet tall, it is a highly sophisticated system that can be programmed with specific functions and tasks.

“We don’t have to build our own robot hardware because there

Assistant Professor Zhi Zheng demonstrates some of the coordinated moves of her NAO Robot, programmed to teach tai chi to older adults. The work is part of a larger research project to assess how integrating technology can impact cognitive functions. Credit: Scott Hamilton/RIT

are good commercial platforms available. How it behaves solely depends on how we design the control programs. The central part of our research is how we control the robots to do the cognitive and physical instruction properly,” Zheng said. “The robot does not really know how to behave coming out of the box. We teach it how to function.”

brain, and for older adults, this has been shown to be beneficial to longevity, memory, and learning.

Teaching it Tai Chi was one of those functions.

Everything in the lab is controlled, and people can be nervous and cautious. That does not really reflect their natural reactions,” she said.

“Now the field is trying to understand and study what if we move the technology out of the engineering building to a community center, for example? People are relaxed, and their reactions will be more natural using new technology. Technology has to be easily controlled by a nonexpert—that relates to our interface

A popular mind-body exercise, Tai Chi consists of choreographed motions, meditation, and proper breathing. Different movements require the practitioner to rely on many cognitive functions such as working memory and visualspatial processing to memorize the patterned gestures. Movement stimulates blood flow through the

26 | The ROCHESTER ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2022

Using robots as facilitators is a growing research field, and Zheng has seen movement from lab-based work to community-based field studies.

“There is a big difference.

campus news

design. We want our robot to be operated by a leader or a social worker at the community center—because technology is designed to serve people. It has to fit in the community.”

Some onsite work was paused for a short time during the pandemic, but has since resumed with Zheng leading a research team that includes Victor Perotti, professor in Saunders College of Business; Yong Tai Wang, dean of the College of Health Sciences and Technology; Peter Bajorski, professor of statistics in the College of Science. (Under review is a Department of Health and Human Services grant proposal for the work that will also include colleagues from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.)

Wang brings more than 20 years of experience instructing and practicing Tai Chi, and Bajorski has worked previously with Zheng on a separate Department of Health and Human Services grant to measure aspects of ASD. Coupled with research in the area of the Theory of Mind—the study of human-robot interactions and the effectiveness of using robots as research facilitators—the team combines psychology and inter-personal communications with applications built on human-centered artificial intelligence, one of RIT’s key research areas.

“I think of myself as a user and builder of artificial intelligence because I design my own system frameworks, my own algorithms. Those are more elemental in the AI spectrum,” she said. “And I also look to other people’s work to add to my research. I’m standing on the shoulders of giants!”

For more information, contact Michelle Cometa at 585-475-4954, michelle.cometa@rit.edu or on Twitter: @MichelleCometa. q

News From Professional Firms CHA News CHA Acquires North Carolina-based Frazier Engineering Wastewater Conveyance Expert Strengthens CHA's Growing Water/Wastewater Team CHA Consulting, Inc. (CHA), an innovative engineering design, consulting and construction management firm, announced it has acquired Frazier Engineering, a leading civil engineering firm focused on sewer system assessment and rehabilitation. Frazier Engineering is based in the Charlotte, North Carolina area, with 45 employees. Frazier is known for highly specialized work on sewer system condition assessment, flow monitoring, rehabilitation design and construction management, and sewer system planning and design. The firm also has two offices in South Carolina and provides services in Virginia and Tennessee.

“Frazier Engineering is a great strategic addition to our growing water infrastructure team and brings talented technical staff and specialized capabilities that are in demand by many municipality clients,” said Jim Stephenson, CEO of CHA Holdings. “Water and sewer infrastructure is in a critical state for many municipalities, and Frazier will support our efforts to continue building a leading national firm assembling the skills necessary to address infrastructure challenges across the U.S.” Frazier Engineering President Aaron Frazier said, “CHA has a strong reputation for delivering quality solutions with exceptional client service. We share that commitment to quality and exceeding our clients’ expectations, and we’re excited to be part of a firm with diverse national capabilities and a large geographic footprint. This acquisition will open up new and exciting opportunities for our employees and expand the services we can provide to our clients.”

Frazier will be rebranded to CHA Consulting, Inc. effective immediately. q campus news | news from professional firms

NOVEMBER 2022 The ROCHESTER ENGINEER | 27

Position Openings...Pages 28 - 29

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A Look at the Past...in the RES Archives!

Don't Forget to check out the September issue of the Rochester Engineer

www.roceng.org

September 2022

What’s new and exciting at the old Marketplace Mall?

The new U of R Orthopaedics and Physical Performance Center…!

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16

RES Scholarship Application Details Available Now on the website!  Interviews scheduled between Sept. 5 to Dec. 2  Application Materials Due Dec. 12  Award Notification ~ Feb. 6

Architects Rendering of the New UR Medicine Orthopaedics & Physical Performance Center

Also in this issue: | 10

 Up & Coming Engineer: Meet Nishant Lehari

 RES Event: The Lock Experience on the Erie Canal - Sept. 27

| 6

 Student Feature: Engineering the Matrix - Soft Materials to Mimic Natural Tissue

 Position Openings

| 20

 Professional Firms Employee News  Engineers' Calendar

28 | The ROCHESTER ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2022

Nishant Lehari

| 26 | 28

| 23  Campus News

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position openings | a look at the past in the RES arcives

Now working together, committed to clients and community.

Professional Firms Employee News Beardsley Architects + Engineers News Beardsley Architects + Engineers recently expanded the firm’s team with five new hires. These new team members will help the firm continue their mission to design environments and systems of enduring social, environmental, and economic value.

Beardsley Architects + Engineers Expands Team with Five New Hires

Joining the civil engineering team in the Albany office is Chelsea E. Bush, P.E., who brings eight years of diverse experience in design and project management. She has worked collaboratively with a broad range of commercial, governmental, and educational clients. Ms. Bush will be working on municipal and parks and recreation projects.

As a recent graduate of Clarkson University with a bachelor of science in civil engineering, Jacob A. Perez Gangi, E.I.T., joined as a structural engineering team in the firm’s Auburn office. He had previously spent the summer of 2021 as structural engineering intern with the firm. Mr. Perez Gangi will be working on industrial, governmental, and higher education projects.

Beardsley expanded the firm’s architectural team with the position openings | professional firms employee news

addition of Felicia A. Fiacco and Brittany N. Varengo, R.A. Ms. Fiacco is a 2022 graduate of Alfred State with a bachelor of architecture. She has previously spent time as an architectural intern with the firm and joins the Auburn office. Ms. Varengo brings seven years of experience in the design of commercial and governmental projects and is joining the team in the Syracuse office. She excels at finding balance in design to produce functional and user-friendly environments. Both Ms. Fiacco and Ms. Varengo will be working on residential, governmental, and commercial projects.

Joining the accounting team is Michelle A. Thompson, who joined the firm as assistant controller in the Auburn office.

Ms. Thompson has over 11 years of experience overseeing financial and accounting teams in a range of industries, including for architectural and engineering firms. q NOVEMBER 2022 The ROCHESTER ENGINEER | 29

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Continuing Education Opportunities

F

Go to the RES Website for Updated Details On All Meetings - www.roceng.org Thursday, November 10 Association for Bridge Construction and Design (ABCD) 34th Annual Fall Bridge Conference Earn up to 6.5 PDH Credits

Wednesday, November 16 p 41

Place: RIT Inn & Conference Center, 5257 West Henrietta, Henrietta, NY (Note new location this year!)

Cost: $35 for Students, $150 for In-person member, $200 for In-person nonmember, $75 Virtual Member, $100 Virtual nonmember (includes breaks, lunch and PDH certificates).

Registration: Conference registration, advertising, and exhibitor booth registration began September 26th.

Visit and sign up at the ABCD WNY website, www.abcdwny.com.

Additional details contact Robert Fleming PE, Bergmann, rfleming@bergmannpc.com or 585-498-7817 or Tomas Andino PE, City of Rochester, tomas.andino@cityofrochester.gov or 585-705-4483.

Monday, November 14

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

Tentative: How Do We Get to a Decarbonized World 1 PDH Pending

p 42

Speaker: ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer Paul Torcellini Place: Strathallan, 550 East Avenue, Rochester NY Details will be on the website: www.rochesterashrae.org.

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

ASCE PDH Series: Asphalt Performance & Specification – 2 PDHs Approved

p 34

Speaker: Bruce Barkevich (NY Materials) & Chris McClurg (Dolomite Group) Place: Bausch & Lomb Library Building (park at Court Street Garage, 115 South Ave., Rochester) Times: Lunch hour – 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Cost: $30 for ASCE Members, $40 for Non-members; Students are free.

Reservations: Registration is open - click here.

The website is: https://sections.asce.org/rochester

Thursday, November 17

Rochester Engineering Society (RES)

Virtual PDH Continuing Education Courses – “Space!” - 2 PDHs Available

p8

EXCOM Meeting

Rochester Engineering Society (RES) p 36 RES Monthly Happy Hour – Looking for a

Place: Hybrid, via WebEx and in-person (see vtools for venue and WebEx login) Time: 11:50 am to 1:00 pm Registration links for our events are at: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/321549.

30 | The ROCHESTER ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2022

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The engineering societies are encouraged to submit their meeting notices for publication in this section. The deadline for submitting copy is the 10th of the month prior to the month of publication. Please email to: Therochesterengineer@gmail.com. The meetings offering PDHs are highlighted in blue. Details about the meeting and affiliate (if in this issue) are on the corresponding page listed next to the affiliate name.

Thursday, November 3

P T R T s

S S P R o t

Engineers’ Calendar

Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)

2 P

T U R

Place: Zoom Meeting Time: 1:00 to 5:00 pm.

Cost: $20 for RES Individual Members/$30 for Nonmembers Registration: Registration will be on the website calendar. Details still being finalized.

To post continuing education opportunities on this page please contact the Rochester Engineering Society, 585-254-2350, or email: therochesterengineer@gmail.com

Tuesday, November 1

I a

p9

co-sponsor!

Place: TBD Time: 5:00 pm Registration: Please register so we know how many people are attending! www.roceng.org and go to the calendar. continuing education calendar | engineers' calendar

I S

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S S I P T C R a s

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Friday, November 4

Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)

2022 Western New York Image and Signal Processing Workshop (WNYISPW)

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Thursday, November 17

Genesee Valley Land p 36 Surveyors Association (GVLSA)

Place: RIT Student Development Center Time: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm Registration: Early registration deadline is October 28th.

The link to register is: https://ewh.ieee.org/r1/rochester/ sp/WNYISPW2022.html.

Wednesday, November 9

Imaging Science & Technology (IS&T)

p 35

The Use of Photogrammetry for JWST Testing

Speaker: Dr. Sharon Lunt, California Institute of Technology Place: Virtually (by zoom).

Time: 6:00 pm Reservations: Email rochesterist@gmail.com to get the details to join this program.

Wednesday, November 16 American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE)

Board of Directors and General Membership Meeting

Place: 40 & 8 Club, 933 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607 Time: Board of Directors at 6:00 pm; General Membership Meeting at 7:00 pm Details: www.gvlsa.com

Thursday, December 1

Rochester Engineering Society (RES)

Place: TBD Time: 5:00 pm Registration: Please register so we know how many people are attending! www.roceng.org and go to the calendar.

Tuesday, December 6

User Friendly, and Sustainable Commercial Restrooms

Place: Hybrid, via WebEx and in-person (see vtools for venue and WebEx login) Time: 11:50 am to 1:00 pm Registration links for our events are at: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/321550.

ADDITIONAL MEETINGS WILL BE POSTED ON THE WEBSITE CALENDAR

Thursday, November 17 p 33

Speaker: Don S. Gelosh, PhD, ESEP, Director of Systems Engineering Programs, Worcester Polytechnic Institute Place: Virtual meeting.

Time: 6:00 to 7:30 pm (eastern).

Cost: No cost to attend.

Registration: Attendees need to pre-register by sending an email to: Teresa.Froncek@incose.net. A link will be sent out a few days before the meetings.

engineers' calendar

p 36

EXCOM Meeting

Speaker: Steve Callahan, Regional Sales Manager, Sloan Valves Place: TBD. Cost is $25.

Reservations: David Jereckos, djereckos@ibceng.com or 585-341-3168. Additional details will be available on the website at www.aspe.org/rochester.

INCOSE Institute for Technical Leadership

p9

RES Monthly Happy Hour – Looking for a cosponsor!

p 44 Institute of Electrical The Restroom of the Future: Design Connected, and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)

International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)

p 36

Support Your Affiliate Attend A Meeting The RES website (www.roceng.org) has a calendar of events for this month's meetings and meetings that are received or updated after print deadline. Please refer to the website for updated information. If you wish to be listed in the calendar please send details to res@frontiernet.net.

NOVEMBER 2022 The ROCHESTER ENGINEER | 31

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Thank you for making the 2022 Electri...FYI! Show a success!

HOSPITALITY HOSTS

SPONSORS

Electrical Association of Western New York 585-382-9545 ~ www.eawny.com ~ karen@eawny.com 32 | The ROCHESTER ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2022

ea news

s

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Finger Lakes Chapter of INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL ON SYSTEMS ENGINEERING Finger Lakes Chapter of INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL ON SYSTEMS ENGINEERING http://www.incose.org/ChaptersGroups/Chapters/ChapterSites/finger-lakes/chapter-home Finger Lakes Chapter of INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL ON SYSTEMS ENGINEERING http://www.incose.org/ChaptersGroups/Chapters/ChapterSites/finger-lakes/chapter-home

Upcoming March Chapter Meeting: March 17, 2022 September Chapter Meetings November Chapter Meeting

 “Introduction to Railway Signaling and Train Architecture Control for Rapid Transit”  Architecture Tutorial – Rolf Siegers, INCOSE Working .

By Stuart Landau, Senior Train Control Systems Co-chair  Group “INCOSE Institute for Technical Leadership” – DonEngineer S. Gelosh, Ph.D., We aresignaling offering Director an allows Architecture tutorial this September.

Planned dates are Monday, ESEP, of Systems Engineering Programs, Worcester Railway safe operations of multiple trains on the sameSeptember tracks and 19, and Polytechnic Thursday, September 22. Both sessions will be from 11 am to 1 pm (eastern). Rolf Institute

Siegers, capacity co-chair of of thethe Architecture be the presenter. willabevery a virtual meeting (zoom). to optimizes tracks. WG, Thiswill presentation willItbe brief introduction

Established for Technical Leadership (TLI) is a global network There will be no costinto2015, attendthe forInstitute Finger Lakes Chapter regular/senior/student members.

Costof its basic principles and Four how they can have been implemented overskills the last several will be $10 for allmembers others.

PDUs earned!

INCOSE committed to be improving technical leadership to better These two sessions will provide attendees with an overview of key elements of the architecture address the complex sociotechnical challenges of the twenty-first century. Following decades with various technologies, discipline.

Topics covered will include: from mechanical devices to microprocessorby an INCOSE leader, participants embark on a two-year learning • nomination Terminology/Definitions

based equipment.

Application ofsystem, the principles varies acrosstheir different types of • journey Synergies across to software, and enterprise architecture designed increase their self-awareness, improve understanding of •

Process: developing, documenting, assessing, and governing architectures

complexity, and provide experience in leading through influence in the and presence of railways;•here we will focus on rapid transit which includes subways metros, Architecture standards (e.g., 42010/20/30) and frameworks (DoDAF, TOGAF, UAF, etc.) ambiguity and uncertainty. Along the way, coaching and mentoring help them and will cover wayside signaling, cab signaling, and the latest Communications• Architecture professional organizations • •

Role and skills of the architect

maximize the benefits derived from their experiences. Upon completion of the Architecture credentials (certifications and certificates)

Based Train Control (CBTC). participants are inducted as full members of the TLI, after which they • program, Learning more about architecture continue their journey, learning from and with each other, and making their own  Annual Meeting – Program to be Announced contributions as members of a vibrant, diverse, and growing network for the benefit Our annual meeting will be on Thursday, September 15. It will be virtual and go from of their organizations, andtothe world at large.

6:00 – 7:30 pm (eastern).

ThereINCOSE is no cost attend.

Meetings begin at 6:00 pm (eastern) and run to approximately 7:30 pm (eastern)

Attendees to pre-register.

To register, send an application email to Teresa.Froncek@incose.net All meetings are beingwill held virtually until further notice.

This need presentation discuss TLI, including the process.

The link will be sent out a few days before the meeting.

We use zoomFor fornon-FLC our monthly meetings. members attending the tutorial, instructions on sending payment will be out after is received.

• There is no cost to attend forsent anyone, butregistration pre-registration is required.

This virtual meeting will be on Thursday, Nov 17, 6 – 7:30 pm (eastern).

© 2022 INCOSE Finger Lakes Chapter

Attendees needtotoTeresa.Froncek@incose.net pre-register. o To register, send an email

To register, send an email to Teresa.Froncek@incose.net Thelink linkwill will sent a few before the meeting Thezoom bebe sent outout a few daysdays before the meeting.

There is no cost to attend the meeting.

© 2022.INCOSE Finger Lakes Chapter

© 2022 INCOSE Finger Lakes Chapter © 2022 INCOSE Finger Lakes Chapter

incose news

NOVEMBER 2022 The ROCHESTER ENGINEER | 33

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Rochester Section

American Society of Civil Engineers www.asce.org

President: Andy Wojewodzic City of Rochester Manager of Construction From: Port Henry, NY Treasurer: Matt Putnam City of Rochester Construction Project Manager From: Chaumont, NY

Vice President: Tyler Burke, P.E. City of Rochester Senior Engineer From: Rochester, NY

Director: Matt Czora, P.E. Arcadis Senior Water Engineer From: Rochester, NY

Secretary: Mike Yaeger, P.E. Erdman Anthony Structural Design Engineer From: Lockport, NY

Director: Lisa Reyes City of Rochester Street Design Project Manager From: New Paltz, NY

Director: Rick Papaj, P.E. Ravi Engineering Transportation Group Manager From: Buffalo, NY

Career Guidance Chair: Walter Kaniecki, P.E. LaBella Associates Structural Engineer From: Rochester, NY

Younger Member Chair: Sam Giovino City of Rochester Construction Project Manager From: Rochester, NY

Upcoming PDH Event: Asphalt Performance & Specifications Nov. 16, 2022: 11:00AM - 1:00PM Bausch & Lomb Library Building

Register via Constant Contact or email ascerochester@gmail.com 34 | The ROCHESTER ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2022

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Rochester Chapter

Society for Imaging Science and Technology Website: http://roceng.org/ISandT

Our meetings are held by zoom.

Please email rochesterist@gmail.com to get the details to join this program.

Wednesday, November 9, 2022 Time: 6:00 pm The Use of Photogrammetry for JWST Testing

by Dr. Sharon Lunt, California Institute of Technology

Abstract: The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) cryogenic testing required measurement systems that both obtain a very high degree of accuracy and can function in that environment. Close-range photogrammetry was identified as meeting those criteria. Extensive modeling prior to installation verified that the design would meet the desired accuracy goals. Extensive validation work was done to ensure that the actual as-built system met accuracy and repeatability requirements. The simulated image data predicted the uncertainty in measurement to be within specification and this prediction was borne out experimentally.

Uncertainty at all levels of a measurement volume that comprised 8 X 8 m was verified experimentally to be <0.1 mm with a repeatability of <0.03 mm at the Primary Mirror (PM) level, achieving measurement accuracies on par with a laser tracker or radar system.

During a 3-month Optical Telescope Element and ISIM (OTIS) thermal vacuum (T/V) test performed in Chamber A at Johnson Space Center (JSC) the photogrammetric system provided key data to allow for verification of actuator ranges needed for on-orbit alignment of JWST, alignment of the Primary and Secondary Mirrors, and positional information needed for thermal model verification.

is&t news

Biography: Dr. Sharon Lunt has PhD in Physical Chemistry from California Institute of Technology. In 2004 she joined L3Harris Technologies where she works in the area of image processing, quality characterization, data analysis and metric development for remote sensing systems. She led the L3Harris photogrammetry team that supported the JWST chamber testing.

NOVEMBER 2022 The ROCHESTER ENGINEER | 35

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November 2022 Newsletter Section Officers Chair Eric Brown Vice Chair Kelly Robinson Treasurer Howard Bussey Secretary (Vacant)

Chapters & Groups AES & COMSOC Cristiano Tapparello CS & CIS Bo Yuan EDS & CSS Sean Rommel EMBS Cristian Linte GRSS Emmett Ientilucci LIFE Mark Schrader APS & MTTS Danielle Walters Photonics Bruce Smith Parsian K. Mohseni PES & IAS Jean Kendrick Kelly Robinson SPS Alex Byrley Eric Zeise TEMS Paul Lee Young Professionals Eric Brown

Student Groups Univ. of Rochester Ming-Lun Lee RIT Jamison Heard

Committees Awards Jean Kendrick Communications Christine Frayda Howard Bussey Newsletter Mark Schrader PACE Bruce Rubin

Message from the Chair Dear Colleagues, The Rochester Section is happy to announce that Dr. Santosh Kurinec, an IEEE Fellow and RIT Professor of Electrical and Microelectronic Engineering, received the 2022 IEEE Region 1 William Terry Distinguished Service Award. This is one of the highest awards given by IEEE Region 1 and recognizes Dr. Kurinec’s years of service to IEEE, outstanding research, and teaching of semiconductor technology, and promoting semiconductor workforce generation. Congratulations, Dr. Kurinec, on this well-deserved honor!

The annual MIT Undergraduate Research Technology Conference (URTC) was held as a hybrid conference from September 30-October 2. Dr. Sreeram (Ram) Dhurjaty, an IEEE Distinguished Speaker and Rochester Section Senior Member, provided the keynote address titled “Inventions and innovations that matter to Humanity” to the crowd of over 300 students at the conference!

The next Rochester Section ExCom meeting will be on Tuesday, December 6, from noon to 1 pm (vTools #321550). Please pre-register on vTools.

Stay healthy, and best regards,

George Eastman Museum – Technology Curator Private Tour Todd Gustavson, Curator of the George Eastman Museum’s Technology Collection was an expert guide of the vault containing 18,000 photographic technology artifacts, each with its own historical significance - creating a context for what came next.

Whether photos or movies, on land, water, air, or outer space, Todd is caretaker of technological beginnings, milestones, and missteps. He is the expert purveyor of each item’s story because he knows that the development of technology is always social.

Liaisons RES Greg Gdowski RCSS William Brewer

36 | The ROCHESTER ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2022

ieee news

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Let’s us know if you would like to see this event repeated; because needless to say, there are more artifacts to see and more stories to be told. -Mark (m.schrader@ieee.org)

Joint IEEE Rochester Section and Santa Clara Valley Section: Technical Engineering Management Society (TEMS Meeting Willy Shih, Professor of Management Practice at the School, candidly shared his insider’s perspective on digital photography, based on his experience as at Eastman Kodak Company from 1997 to 2005, president of Digital & Applied Imaging and head of Intellectual Property Strategy.

Harvard Business Kodak’s journey in senior vice president where he was Corporate

There were 48 participants in the virtual meeting. The attendees reviewed excerpts of a video interview: “The Kodak Moment: Why it Didn’t Last” featuring Willy Shih and Allen Webb (recorded at the Road to Reinvention: Leadership in the Digital Age conference on March 23, 2017). Professor Shih then responded to both pre-submitted as well as by live questions from the attendees. This was a popular topic to both the Silicon Valley and Rochester audiences.

2022 Western New York Image and Signal Processing Workshop (WNYISPW) REMINDER - The 2022 Western New York Image and Signal Processing Workshop is a venue for promoting image and signal processing research and for facilitating interaction between academic researchers, industry professionals, and students. The workshop comprises both oral and poster presentations. Topics include Machine Learning, Image Compression and Segmentation, Radar, Medical Imaging, Remote Sensing, Color Science, Speech & Audio Enhancement and Recognition, Waveform Detection, & Parameter Estimation.

November 4th - at the RIT Student Development Center (8:00 AM - 5:30 PM) Registration Link: https://ewh.ieee.org/r1/rochester/sp/WNYISPW2022.html Keynote presentations: Dr. Diane Dalecki, Chair, Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester The Kevin J. Parker Distinguished Professor in Biomedical Engineering Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Director, Rochester Center for Biomedical Ultrasound Preliminary Topic: Ultrasound: Biological Effects and Technology for Tissue Engineering.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dr. James R. Fienup, Robert E. Hopkins Professor of Optics Distinguished Scientist in the Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor in the Center for Visual Science Topic: Sensing and Correcting Aberrations of Hubble Space Telescope and James Webb Space Telescopes by Solving an Inverse Problem.

ieee news

NOVEMBER 2022 The ROCHESTER ENGINEER | 37

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Rochester, NY Section P.O. Box 23795 Rochester, NY 14692 www.iesrochester.org

INTRODUCTION TO LIGHTING AN ONLINE COURSE OFFERED BY THE ILLUMINATING ENGINEERING SOCIETY

Introduction to Lighting was developed by Dan Blitzer, Principal of The Practical Lighting Workshop, and the Illuminating Engineering Society education team to provide a fast-paced and practical understanding of lighting vocabulary, equipment, regulations, and practices.

No prior lighting experience is required.

Scan this QR code to visit the IES website and learn more about this course.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL IES ROCHESTER, NY SECTION BY USING THE DISCOUNT CODE IES239 WHEN REGISTERING TO SAVE $50

Please visit our website www.iesrochester.org

38 | The ROCHESTER ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2022

ies news

Genesee Valley Land Surveyors Association Website: www.gvlsa.com

Facebook: facebook.com/GVLSA

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/groups/8212223

Year 2022 Officers

Board of Directors

President Justin M. Roloson, LS Vice President Matthew R. Palmer, LS Secretary Martin J. Gotwalt, LS Treasurer Michael A. Venturo, LS

2019-2022 Gregory T. Pauly, LS Jeffrey A. Tiede, LS 2019-2022 Christopher T. Locke, LS David L. Standinger, LS 2020-2023 Robert J. Avery, LS Nathan M. Dunn, LS Jared R. Ransom, LS

November 2022

Jared R. Ransom, LS, Ex-officio

Keith Burley, LSIT 2022 - Associates Representative David Zuber, LSIT - Website Administrator

Upcoming Events 2022 November 17, 2022 Board of Directors & General Membership Meeting Board Meeting - 6:00 PM Membership Meeting - 7:00 PM 40 & 8 Club 933 University Avenue Rochester, NY 14607

Board of Directors Time: 6:00 PM and

General Membership Meeting Time: 7:00 PM

Professional Affiliations

Thursday, November 17, 2022

 New York State Association of Professional Land Surveyors, Inc.  National Society of Professional Surveyors  Rochester Engineering Society

40 & 8 Club 933 University Avenue Rochester, NY 14607

gvlsa news

NOVEMBER 2022 The ROCHESTER ENGINEER | 39

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Representing Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans and Wayne County

Genesee Valley APWA 2022 Awards Call for Nomination The Genesee Valley Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) is pleased to announce that nominations are now being received for the 2022 Awards.

Recognition of the dedicated public works professionals throughout our industry and successful public projects that improve the lives of those around the communities should be made. It is up to you to think about deserving public works personnel and public works projects that are worthy of recognition. Take the time to review the categories and submit your nominations.

A complete list of the categories being considered for both employees, individuals and projects can be found at the APWA New York website at http://newyork.apwa.net.

At this point we are planning on an IN-PERSON Awards Banquet scheduled for Thursday January 26, 2023 at the RIT Inn and Conference Center.

Nominations will be received in electronic form ONLY with NO paper submissions by Friday December 9, 2022 at 5 pm. The nomination forms and supporting information should be provided as a PDF with photographs provided in a JPEG format.

Nominations shall be provided to: Paul Chatfield, P.E., Awards Committee Chairman MRB Group 145 Culver Road, Suite 160 Rochester, New York 14620 Telephone: 585-381-9250 (Office) or 585-506-6059 (Cell) Email: paul.chatfield@mrbgroup.com Please consider submitting an application as we look to recognize the best of public works in our area.

40 | The ROCHESTER ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2022

apwa news

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Friday, March 31, 2023

SAVE THE DATE! EARN PDH CREDITS!

The 2023 Spring Seminar will be held at Batavia Downs and offered virtually ABCD’s Spring Conference will be held in-person and virtually on March 31, 2023. This has proven to be a very popular event, where attendance has grown to over 100 professionals, from inspectors to engineers to contractors. We are interested in all aspects of bridge construction and design, from lessons learned to the latest research, codes and design parameters, constructability and construction techniques.

If you have an interesting topic that would benefit the Bridge Community, consider submitting a presentation for our Spring Seminar.

For additional information contact: Jonathan Herman, P.E. Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. (GPI) (716) 982-8658 jherman@gpinet.com

Tomas Andino, P.E. City of Rochester (585) 428-6535 Tomas.Andino@CityofRochester.Gov

Association for Bridge Construction and Design Western New York Chapter www.abcdwny.com

abcd news

NOVEMBER 2022 The ROCHESTER ENGINEER | 41

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Rochester Chapter

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers Rochester ASHRAE website: www.rochesterashrae.org

President's Message The Rochester ASHRAE Chapter has seen a great increase in participation this year. Our YEA (Young Engineers in ASHRAE) group held their kickoff meeting September 16th with 19 in attendance. Our first chapter presentation of the year was on Humidification 101, presented by David Bennett on October 17th. Both of these events had significant increase in attendance compared to 2021-2022. We are very excited about this as we push towards our goals of pre-COVID participation. This also supports the decision made by the Chapter to move our monthly meetings to the Strathallan. Thank you to our membership for supporting us. If there are any topics you would like to learn about do not hesitate to reach out.

On September 23rd Jim Parks, our Grassroots Government Advocacy Chair, attended a breakfast in Albany where the New York State ASHRAE Chapters had a chance to meet with New York City and State leadership. We are very proud of the relationship ASHRAE has grown with the state leadership who are driving the advancements towards a decarbonized world. The buildings that we heat, cool, and ventilate are responsible for a majority of the carbon generated in the state. ASHRAE is working closely with NYS to create codes and fund programs that will allow them to reach their decarbonization goals.

For more information on the NY Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act visit climate.ny.gov. ASHRAE has

NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

ASHRAE 2022-2023 Meeting Schedule Date Monday, 9/12/2022

Monday, 10/17/2022

Event

Monday, 12/12/2022

Monday, 1/9/2023

Friday, 2/?/2023

DEI

Presented by: David Bennett - DriSteem

PDH Approved

Strathallan

History Review Strathallan / Hyatt

Presented by: ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer Paul Torcellini

PDH Pending

Topic PDH Pending

Strathallan / Hyatt

PDH Pending

Strathallan / Hyatt

6?th Annual ASHRAE Valentines Dinner Dance-

---

Strathallan 9th Floor

Presented by: TBD Topic Presented by: TBD

Topic

Membership Promotion

Presented by: TBD

(PDH Pending)

Friday, February TBD

Joe Harding Memorial Ski Day (week of recess)

---

Monday, 3/13/2023

Women and STEM: Enhancing Innovation and Sustainability through Diversity Presented by: ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer Dr. Theresa Weston

Resource Promotion

Monday, 2/13/2023

Monday, 4/10/2023

Monday, May TBD

Location White House Lodge

Humidification 101

Tentative: How Do We Get to a Decarbonized World?"

Monday, 11/14/2022

Theme

Fall Social at The White House Lodge

Strathallan / Hyatt

Hunt Hollow 9am-4pm

Strathallan / Hyatt

(PDH Pending)

Refrigeration Tour TBD

Refrigeration Night

Presented by: TBD

(PDH Pending)

Annual ASHRAE Golf Outing and Picnic (Ravenwood Golf Course)

---

TBD

9:30 AM Golf 4:30 - 8:00 Picnic

published their position documents on Building Decarbonization and Climate Change at ASHRAE.org/about/position-documents.

Updated 10/10/2022

I would like the thank every one of our members for supporting ASHRAE. For anyone considering joining ASHRAE or getting involved at a higher level within the chapter don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

42 | The ROCHESTER ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2022

Matthew Kremers ASHRAE Rochester Chapter President 2022-2023

ashrae news

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Harold Clark, Director Rochester Finger Lakes Fair trfsef@terraed.org

The Terra Rochester Finger Lakes Science & Engineering Fair gives thanks for all the members of the Rochester Engineering Society and the on-going, generous support that you give to the Fair!

May you enjoy a very happy Thanksgiving with family & friends.

Save the Date!

Tell Teachers and Students!

Terra Rochester Finger Lakes Science and Engineering Fair

March 18, 2023 In-person at the RMSC Open to all students in grades 6 to 12 Visit our website at https://ny-trfsef.zfairs.com

For more information: TRFSEF@terraed.org

terra newss

NOVEMBER 2022 The ROCHESTER ENGINEER | 43

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President's Message President/Education Chair: DAVID MYERS LaBella Associates, PC 300 State Street Suite 201 Rochester, NY 14614 585-454-6110 Vice President Technical: DAVE JERECKOS IBC Engineering, PC 3445 Winton Place Suite 219 Rochester, NY 14623 585-292-1590 Vice President Legislative: ALAN SMITH, P.E. IBC Engineering, PC 3445 Winton Place Suite 219 Rochester, NY 14623 585-292-1590 Vice President Membership/AYP: TRAVIS JESSICK Dave Gooding Inc 173 Spark Street Brockton MA 02302 585-794-8845 Treasurer: JENNIFER WENGENDER, P.E., CPD CPL 205 St Paul Blvd Rochester, NY 14604 585-454-7600 Administrative Secretary: ADAM KRAMER Bergmann 280 E. Broad Street Suite 200 Rochester, NY 14604 585-498-7802 Newsletter Editor: CHRIS WOLAK Victaulic Fairport, NY 14450 484-350-1954 Affiliate Liaison: REBECCA KOLSTAD Kolstad Associates

We have now had a couple of in-person meetings that have gone well. The Board met on October 3rd and agreed to raise the cost of meeting to $25 so we can break even. The September meeting was at Three Heads Brewing.

I would like any comments or suggestions with reference to format and location.

The Green Plumbing Design (GPD) certification program is available as an online course and certification test for GPD credentials. Cost for ASPE Members is $500 – Non-Members $600. Additional information is on the ASPE website.

Membership is growing.

I would like to welcome our newest member to the Rochester Chapter of A.S.P.E: Trevor Sax, IBC Engineering.

Please feel free to contact myself or any Board Member with questions or concern.

Rochester Chapter at www.aspe.org/rochester.

Dave Myers, Chapter President

Meeting Notice – Save the Date Topic:

The Restroom of the Future: Design Connected, User Friendly, and Sustainable Commercial Restrooms.

Speaker:

Steve Callahan, Regional Sales Manager Sloan Valves, Presented by WMS Sales.

Date:

November 16, 2022

RSVP:

David Jereckos: djereckos@ibceng.com (585) 341-3168

(Chapters are not authorized to speak for the Society)

44 | The ROCHESTER ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2022

aspe news

Directory of Professional Services

Back to Table of Contents

800.724.1168 BERGMANNPC.COM

Advertising Rates and Membership Application is Available at www.roceng.org

Service. Solutions. Results. www.passero.com

Engineering Architecture Survey Planning Construction Observation

Advertising Rates and Membership Application is Available at www.roceng.org

Advertising Rates and Membership Application is Available at www.roceng.org directory of professional services

NOVEMBER 2022 The ROCHESTER ENGINEER | 45

Back to Table of Contents

Directory of Professional Services

Full-Service Engineering, Architecture + Code Compliance 255 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14604

Solving soils problems for over 40 years.

46A Sager Drive, Rochester, NY 14607 Tel: 585-458-0824 • Fax: 585-458-3323 www.foundationdesignpc.com

(585) 512-2000 ww.tylin.com

www.roceng.org

September 2022

What’s new and exciting at the old Marketplace Mall?

The new U of R Orthopaedics and Physical Performance Center…!

|

16

RES Scholarship Application Details Available Now on the website!  Interviews scheduled between Sept. 5 to Dec. 2  Application Materials Due Dec. 12  Award Notification ~ Feb. 6

Architects Rendering of the New UR Medicine Orthopaedics & Physical Performance Center

Also in this issue: | 10

 Up & Coming Engineer: Meet Nishant Lehari

 RES Event: The Lock Experience on the Erie Canal - Sept. 27

| 6

 Student Feature: Engineering the Matrix - Soft Materials to Mimic Natural Tissue

 Position Openings

| 20

Nishant Lehari

| 26

 Professional Firms Employee News  Engineers' Calendar

| 28

| 23  Campus News

| 24

Advertising Rates and Membership Application is Available at www.roceng.org

Directory of Business Services Advisors

Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors, a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

Philip J. Welch

Senior Vice President - Investments

Wells Fargo Advisors

400 Meridian Centre, Suite 210 Rochester, NY 14618 Direct: 585-241-7546 Fax: 585-241-3986 philip.J.welch@wellsfargoadvisors.com

46 | The ROCHESTER ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2022

directory of professional services | director of business services

s

Back to Table of Contents

Affiliated Societies of the Rochester Engineering Society American Consulting Engineering, Companies of New York

Electrical Association

Executive Director, Karen Lynch

President, Alex Strasenburgh

American Public Works Association Monroe County/Genesee Valley Branch

Monroe Professional Engineers Society

Genesee Valley Land Surveyors Association

Chairman, Peter Vars, PE,

President, Jared R. Ransom, LS

President, Mike Ritchie, PE

New York State Association of Transportation Engineers, Section 4 President, Christopher Reed

Rochester, NY Section

American Society of Civil Engineers, Rochester Section President, Andrew Wojewodzic

P.O. Box 23795 Rochester, NY 14692 www.iesrochester.org

Illuminating SocietyMEETINGS of North IESEngineering ROCHESTER America Inc., Rochester Section

ARE BACK !!!

President, Jennifer Abraham

SEPTEMBER 29,2021 - 7:00 PM

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Rochester Chapter President, Matt Kremers

FREE Event Rochester Plant Engineers

COME TOUR THE WINNER OF OUR IES ROCHESTER President, Brian Laurer EXTERIOR LIGHTING AWARD - ROC CITY SKATE PARK MEMBERS FROM THE DESIGN TEAM FROM STANTEC AND FROM THE CITY OF ROCHESTER WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE PLEASE REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.IESROCHESTER.ORG

Imaging Science & Technology, Rochester Chapter President, Bruce Pillman

Sheet Metal & Air-Conditioning Contractor’s National Association Rochester, Inc. Executive Director, Don Fella

Wednesday October 13 - 12:00 Noon

American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Rochester Section

Institute ofBasics Electrical and Electronics of Modern Theatre Lighting System Design Engineers, Rochester Section Chairman, Eric Brown- Power Distribution & Control

Chairman, Berto Perez

- DMX & Networking - LED Theatrical Luminaires

Society of Plastics Engineers, Rochester Section

Location & Details TBD - Save The Date !

American Society of Plumbing Engineers, Rochester NY Chapter

Please Visit Our Website For More Details www.iesrochester.org

Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers, Rochester Chapter

President, David Myers

President, Tim Gallman

Association for Bridge Construction and Design President, Ashley Freeman PE

International Council on Systems Engineering, Finger Lakes Chapter

affiliated societies of the rochester engineering society

President, Teresa Fronk

President, Brett Blaisdell

Terra Rochester Finger Lakes Science & Engineering Fair

Director, Harold R. Clark, PhD

NOVEMBER 2022 The ROCHESTER ENGINEER | 47

PUBLISHED BY ROCHESTER ENGINEERING SOCIETY 657 EAST AVENUE ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14607 Back to Table of Contents

Celebrating 30 Years!

RES Scholarship Application Details Available NOW on the website!  Interviews scheduled between Sept. 5 to Dec. 2  Application Materials Due Dec. 12

Rochester | Buffalo | Syracuse | Capital District www.meengineering.com

www.roceng.org

October 2022

L3Harris Technologies – Digital Transformation & Advanced Manufacturing | 14

L3Harris' operations center on Jefferson Road in Rochester features approximately 573,000 square feet of manufacturing space

Also in this issue:

 Two RES Events in October - Oct. 6 (Happy Hour at Rohrbach's) & Co-sponsored with EAWNY PDH Educational Course Oct. 20

|8&9

 Scholarship Application Details | 6  Position Openings

|

24

 Professional Firms Employee News

 News from Professional Firms  Campus News

| 19

| 20

 Engineers' Calendar

| 26

| 18

 Award Notification ~ Feb. 6