Aerospace - Defense

The combined organization consists of local chapters of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the IEEE Computer Society, and the IEEE Women in Engineering Affinity Group. They recognized South Jersey's top engineers, scientists and technical leaders last week at a dinner and awards presentation at the Mays Landing Golf and Country Club.

A senior systems engineer from Hi-Tec Systems, Dr. Srinivas Mandalapu, received a plaque for "Outstanding Aviation Research." Mandalapu was honored for developing probability models that determine the relative risk of human and mechanical failures in aircraft. He supports the FAA's Risk Analysis Branch.

"This award gives a boost to my research, and inspires me to explore some new and exciting applications," said Dr. Mandalapu. "I am thankful to Hi-Tec for giving all the support I need for my work."

Other Hi-Tec employees were nominated in that same category for aviation research. Renee Frierson is a test engineer concentrating on airport lighting and pavement markings in support of the FAA Visual Guidance Section. The research by Nicholas M. Subbotin may help the FAA Airport Safety Technology Branch determine U.S. firefighting guidelines when new two-tiered aircraft such as the Airbus A380 begin flying to this country.

Harish Suri of Hi-Tec was a finalist for the title of "Engineer of the Year." Supporting the Technical Center, the environmental engineer developed one of FAA's first environmental management systems to identify and reduce risks, and to encourage conservation and recycling. Hi-Tec's Michael R. Wodell was a nominee in the "Technical Leadership" category. Wodell helps seek out emerging technologies for the Checkpoint Screening Program of the Transportation Security Administration Laboratory at the Technical Center.

ABOUT HI-TEC SYSTEMS: The company provides technical support to the U.S. Departments of Transportation, Homeland Security, Defense, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Social Security Administration. From its headquarters in Egg Harbor Township, NJ, and an office in the Washington, DC, area, the SBA-certified small business has made the 2005 Inc. 500 list. In March, Hi-Tec began a yearlong celebration of its tenth anniversary.