Ten Naval Air Systems Command senior scientists and engineers were recently inducted as NAVAIR Research & Engineering Esteemed Fellows, the highest level of the NAVAIR Fellows program. Among those inducted was Senior Scientist in the Human Systems Department, Barry S. Shender, of Great Mills, Md.

Shender, who received his BA in biology from Temple University, did his graduate work (MS and PhD in Biomedical Engineering) at Drexel University. Shender is a fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association, a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and is on the adjunct faculty at the University of Maryland University College. He has worked at NAVAIR for 19 years.

“Working for NAWC/NAVAIR has afforded me a unique opportunity to study the effects of human response to environmental stresses,” Shender said. “We have been able to assemble teams of talented individuals to study physiological response to stress and find solutions to the hard problems in life that support engineering, using facilities that simulate the extreme environments our warfighters are exposed to every day.”

Shender has investigated a wide variety of topics during his years at NAVAIR, including: developing new non-invasive monitoring tools; determining the strength and flying capabilities of small stature females; developing integrated ensembles that use physiologic monitoring and closed loop control to individually tailor acceleration protection; defining the ‘Almost Loss of Consciousness’ syndrome (a state that occurs when individuals are exposed to acceleration forces not quite great enough to cause G-induced loss of consciousness); developing new devices to measure neck strength and endurance; and developing a spinal injury prediction model.

“Where else (besides NAVAIR),” continued Shender, “could anyone be able to have that breadth of experience, develop useful tools that enhance safety and have fun doing it?”

Instituted in 2000, the NAVAIR Research and Engineering Fellows Program is a peer-oriented technical recognition program for the command’s most experienced and talented scientists and engineers who have made major contributions to naval aviation.

In a congratulatory letter to each of the Esteemed Fellows, Vice Admiral Wally Massenburg, NAVAIR Commander said, “Your selection was based on your superior knowledge and skills, continued significant contributions to Naval Aviation, and active participation in the Naval Air Systems Command Research and Engineering Fellows Program.”

According to Karen Jensen, NAVAIR Research and Engineering Fellows Program Coordinator, only the top 0.25 percent of the NAVAIR science and engineering workforce earns the Esteemed Fellow designation, which equates to about 16 out of 6,500 scientists and engineers NAVAIR-wide.

NAVAIR Associate Fellow is the first tier of technical recognition, the second tier is NAVAIR Fellow, and the third and highest tier is NAVAIR Esteemed Fellow.

The ceremony was held on August 30th at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.

Photo Caption: Vice Admiral Wally Massenburg, NAVAIR Commander (left) recognizes Barry Shender as an Esteemed Fellow during a ceremony at NAVAIR headquarters on Aug. 30. Also present is Capt. Stephen Eastburg, NAVAIR Assistant Commander for Research and Engineering.