Feature Stories

ECBC Senior Leaders Help Customer Break Ground On New Facility

As a part of the ongoing effort to serve and contribute to the surrounding community, leaders and employees of the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) participated in the Edgewood Business Showcase and Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Edgewood Technical Center on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

The tech center, constructed at the site of the former Ames department store on Pulaski Highway, will initially offer about 50,000 square-feet of space to be enjoyed by the more than 28,000 of Edgewood’s residents. The project was developed by the Morris Weinman Company with help from Architectural Design Works (ADW) and will be managed by RKS Commercial Realty when it is complete.  

“What we have in front of us today epitomizes the words ‘smart growth’,” said ADW president Paul Thompson.

Hosted by Harford County Executive David Craig and James Richardson, director of the Harford County Office of Economic Development, the event attracted more than 30 Edgewood businesses as well as state and local officials such as Sen. Nancy Jacobs (R-Md.), COL Andrew Nelson, deputy garrison commander for transformation at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Del. Mary Dulaney-James (D-Cecil & Harford counties), Del. B. Daniel Riley (D-Cecil & Harford counties,) Harford County Sheriff Jesse Bane, Harford County Councilman Dion Guthrie and Harford County Government Public Affairs Officer Bob Thomas.  

“It is simply great that we are seeing improvements across the U.S. Route 40 corridor. It’s nice that we can recycle an old shopping center into new offices and retail stores,” said Harford County Chamber of Commerce president Bill Seccurro.

The day’s conversations revolved around the relationship between the opportunities brought to the area by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission and Harford County’s plans for redevelopment and revitalization of the Edgewood area.

“At APG, we are pleased to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Edgewood and Harford County,” Nelson said..

The Business Showcase gave participants the opportunity to display their work, sample some cuisine and network with other Edgewood community members and business owners.

ECBC hosted a booth at the event and introduced the participants to the Center’s vast array of capabilities and resources. ECBC Military Deputy to the Technical Director LTC Victor Nakano and the Center’s program manager for community and educational outreach Mary Doak both greeted and spoke with guests while Engineering Directorate Advanced Design and Manufacturing division’s Mark Colgan spotlighted some of ECBC’s most cutting-edge technologies, such as a robotic detection system and multiple examples of high end rapid prototyping and plastic injection molding.

“The Edgewood Business Showcase and Groundbreaking was excellent ― an opportunity to learn and to share,” said ECBC Director of Program Integration Joe Wienand. “Both participants and attendees walked away with a better understanding of their community, the businesses that function within them and the opportunity to publicize their own capabilities.”

(November 4, 2009)

ECBC Senior Leaders Help Customer Break Ground On New Facility

U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) Technical Director Rick Decker, at far right, participates in the Oct. 28 groundbreaking ceremony for the new Non-Medical Chemical and Biological Defense Facility to be built on the Edgewood area campus. ECBC's Director of Program Integration Joseph Wienand and Director of Engineering Alvin "AJay" Thornton were also in attendance. Once complete, the building located on the corner of Magnolia and Skully roads, will become the headquarters for the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense.

Shovels in hand, Decker was joined in the ceremonial groundbreaking by, from right to left, COL Orlando W. Ortiz, APG Commander; LTC John J. Osborn, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore Deputy District Engineer; COL Michael O'Keefe, Deputy Director, Chemical and Biological Technologies Directorate, DTRA; BG Jess A. Scarbrough, Joint Program Executive Officer for Chemical and Biological Defense; LT. COL Ronald Jobo, U.S. Air Force Commander of the 649th Aeronautical Systems Squadron. 

(October 30, 2009)

Next-Generation Sensor Technology Now

by Col. Humberto E. Galarraga, USA • Peter F. Annunziato Shawn M. Funk • Doretha E. Green

U.S. warfighters must train to conduct military and peacekeeping operations in every possible environment, including those involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) contamination. The Joint Requirements Office for CBRN Defense has recognized the limitations of the current chemical agent surface liquid detection capability and identified the need for an enhanced capability to detect the threat of chemical agent surface contamination. While the United States has introduced unmanned ground vehicles with mission-specific payload packages, no specific packages have yet been incorporated to perform surface or point CBRN reconnaissance or detection in limited access areas, restricted terrain, or military operations in urbanized terrain.

The evolution of the CBRN Unmanned Ground Reconnaissance Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) exploits next-generation sensor technology to demonstrate enhanced capabilities for existing mounted reconnaissance platforms and the military utility of unmanned ground reconnaissance systems for CBRN applications. Unlike an acquisition program, an ACTD program provides an expedited method of evaluating mature technology in an operational scenario to determine if it meets operational needs. ACTDs of a deployable capability rely on warfighter involvement during a residual phase that eventually affects the development of supporting concepts of operations and tactics, techniques, and procedures. The Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Advanced Systems and Concepts and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) provided overarching program management for the CBRN ACTD.

Read the full article

(October 26, 2009)

Screening Tools for Suspicious Powders: DO THEY WORK?

Written by Carrie Poore and Peter A. Emanuel

EIGHT YEARS after letters laced with Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) spores killed seven people across the nation, first responders continue to handle thousands of suspicious powder incidents each year. These incidents disrupt the community, raise anxiety within the population, and cost the taxpayers thousands of dollars.

What today’s first responders desperately need is a rapid and reliable method to rule out hoax-powder incidents in order to ease safety concerns and quickly restore commerce. Toward this end, a panel of experts proposed an economical five-step pre-screening kit to rule out suspected biological threats in a powdered form that could be put together with commercially available components and would cost less than two dollars per test. The proposed method relied on measuring specific properties of a suspicious powder—including apparent particle size, solubility in water, acidity, and protein content—to determine whether that powder had the potential to be of biological origin.

Unfortunately, when the method was tested in our labs, we found that although the five-step method could be useful in discriminating hoax powders from true threats, the risk of false negatives using the method was a concern and the method was not recommended to responders.

Recently, several commercial systems have been introduced that seek to fill the gap by providing cost-effective biological screening tools that can nonspecifically determine the presence of a biological material in a suspicious powder. The labs at the Department of Defense’s Edgewood Chemical Biological Center in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland evaluated three such systems to determine if they were effective for use by first responders.

Read the full paper

(October 20, 2009)

Quantitation of Chemical Warfare Agents Using the Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART) Technique

Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA

September 20, 2009

by J. Michael Nilles, Theresa R. Connell and H. Dupont Durst

“Direct analysis in real time (DART) is an ion source that permits rapid mass spectrometric detection of gases, liquids, and solids in open air under ambient conditions. It is a unique technology in the field of chemical weapons detectors in that it does not require a vapor pressure, does not require sample preparation, and is nondestructive to the original sample.”

“While the DART technique has had success as a first line instrument of detection, there have been lingering doubts over the technique's quantitative reliability and reproducibility. Here, we demonstrate its capability to produce linear calibration curves (R-2 = 0.99 or better) for the nerve agents GA, GB, and VX as well as the blister agent HID. Independently prepared check standards measured against these curves typically have recovery errors less than 3%. We show the DART instrument response to be linear over roughly 3 orders of magnitude.”

"Furthermore, this study shows that averaging as few as three measurements for each data point is sufficient to produce high quality calibration curves, thus reducing data collection time and providing quicker results.."

Full article “Quantitation of Chemical Warfare Agents Using the Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART) Technique”

Full article in PDF

(September 20, 2009)

Students Receive a Lesson in History and Life

Retelling the story of his life — rising from meek beginnings to play a key role in NASA’s race to save the astronauts on board Apollo 13 in 1970 — is nothing new for Sy Liebergot.

Having to tell that story to nearly 3,000 middle and high school students over the course of four days is what made the former flight controller’s time in Harford County so unique.

In May, Liebergot met with students during a speaking tour of eight schools in the Harford County Public Schools system including Edgewood Middle School and Fallston, C. Milton Wright, North Harford, Edgewood, Aberdeen, Havre de Grace and Joppatowne high schools. The visits were part of an educational outreach initiative sponsored by the U.S. Army Research, Development, Engineering Command and led by one of its subordinate agencies, the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC).

For each group of students, Liebergot detailed his experiences working for NASA in the early years of the nation’s space program. While his job as the electrical, environmental, communications flight controller was rewarding, one of the most exciting moments of his career came at the end of an eight-hour shift inside Mission Control in Houston while the crewmembers of Apollo 13 — James A. Lovell Jr., Fred W. Haise Jr. and John L. Swigert Jr. — performed routine “housekeeping” chores.

But nothing about Apollo 13, scheduled to become third mission to land on the moon, would prove to be routine.

According to Lierbergot, one of the everyday jobs performed on the shuttle involved stirring the four cryogenic tanks to prevent a false reading when measuring the system’s capacity. On the night of April 13, 1970, just 56 hours after liftoff, he asked the astronauts to perform an extra tank stir before going to sleep because the quantity instrumentation of oxygen tank 2 had failed an earlier test and he wanted a more current reading.

Two seconds after Swigert, the command module pilot, flipped the switches to turn on fans that would stir the tanks, an undetected electrical short ignited a fire that caused the tank to explode. Shortly after Swigert muttered his infamous words, “Houston we’ve had a problem here,” Liebergot realized that diagnosing the command module’s domino effect of system failures and handling the situation was almost exclusively his responsibility.

Students sat in awe listening to Liebergot explain how he and other quick-thinking experts helped to bring the astronauts home safely, how he felt being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his efforts and even how he felt seeing himself depicted in “Apollo 13,” the 1995 film directed by Ron Howard.

“It’s incredible what a massive situation Mission Control had to deal with yet it ended with such a positive outcome,” said Michell Tracey, a student at North Harford High School.

But the students weren’t the only ones Liebergot impressed during his programs.

“I felt that it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for students to hear from someone who impacted U.S. history,” said Marlene Molter, C. Milton’s Wright’s principal. “He graciously revealed and shared personal details of his childhood and life to inspire students to achieve their goals.”

While his main objective was to help stimulate an interest in science, technology, engineering and math course work among Harford County’s students, Liebergot’s tales also provided motivation for students to set lofty goals regardless of what adversity they may face.

While sharing some memories of a childhood filled with the hunger, poverty, abuse and a lack of parental guidance — his father was a gambler and an alcoholic while his mother suffered from mental illness — Liebergot credits his success in life to his ability to set and achieve goals, particularly in his pursuit for a good education.

“Never give up even when all hopes seem to fade,” said Liebergot, who was accompanied to each school by Dr. Harry Salem, ECBC’s chief scientist for life sciences, and, Mary Doak, the Center’s program manager for community and educational outreach. “Setbacks are just bumps along life’s journey and there are ways to get around them.”

Before using the U.S. Army as a springboard to a career with North American Aviation, Liebergot earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from California State University in 1963. Less than a year later, he transferred to Houston to serve as a member of the Flight Operations Group in support of NASA Mission Operations.

“It was a rare and unique opportunity for us to listen, first hand, to the story of someone involved in such a historical event,” said North Harford High School Assistant Principal Gerard Mentz. “He offered some great advice based on his experience for our students.”

Despite his humble beginnings, Liebergot enjoyed a successful career as a NASA flight controller, receiving numerous awards in the process. Though he retired from government service in 1986, Liebergot continues to bring motivational presentations to students and adult audiences throughout the country.

Though his four-day tour through Harford County is over, Liebergot seems to have left a lasting impression on many of those who listened to him speak about his life.

“My favorite part about his presentation was that he used the Army for a pathway to a career at NASA’s Flight Control Center and that he always trusted in himself,” said Kyle Edwards, a student at C. Milton Wright. “He used goal setting, which is an important strategy for becoming successful, especially when faced with multiple challenges.”

(June 11, 2009)

ECBC Helps Ignite Interest in STEM at 2009 Technology Needs Teens Event

Giancarlos Diviacchi, from the ECBC Pyrotechnics Team within the Engineering Directorate, uses a blow torch during one of nearly 25 smoke/pyrotechnics demonstrations conducted as part of the second annual Technology Needs Teens (TNT) event held Wednesday, May 27 at Harford Community College.

ECBC employees Elaina Taylor and Grace Vaillant assist Fallston Middle School students (from left to right) Marc Badger, Nick Buckler and Jeremy Scranton with a series of chemical reaction experiments during their “Chemical Sleuth” presentation.

Hoping to help spark an interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with demonstrations reminiscent of fireworks on Independence Day, members of the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center’s (ECBC) Pyrotechnics Team joined representatives from nine other federal, academic and corporate entities at the second annual Technology Needs Teens (TNT) event held Wednesday, May 27.

Sponsored by Harford Community College (HCC) and Harford County Public Schools (HCPS), TNT is an annual event aimed at promoting awareness and fostering an interest in a STEM education among the 200 HCPS middle school students in attendance.

“Everyone learns differently so it’s a lot different to actually see things being done,” said Giancarlo Diviacchi, a chemical engineer on ECBC’s Pyrotechnics Team. “By being able to see someone do work like this, a kid can say to themselves, ‘if he can do that, I can do it too.’”

Diviacchi conducted nearly 25 smoke/pyrotechnics demonstrations while Joseph Domanico, chief of the Pyrotechnics Team, presented “What Color is Exothermicity?” to groups of wide-eyed students and educators.

“The colors are amazing,” said Mikala Petty, a student from North Harford Middle School. “Just by taking the chemicals and adding them to the powder it gives you different colors. This is really cool science.”

But the lessons weren’t meant solely for the students, leaving the nearly dozen faculty members in attendance — representing all nine middle schools in the HCPS system and the Restoration Alternative Academy Charter School in Aberdeen — impressed with how the presentations showed students that lessons learned inside their classrooms could lead to a future career.

“Students were able to see what they learned in their flame lab and how the technology can be used in a real life profession,” said Dawn Cromauer, a physical science teacher from North Harford Middle School.

Representing the American Chemical Society’s ECBC’s Kids & Chemistry program, Sue Procell and Elaina Taylor, both from the Directorate of Program Integration, and Grace Vaillant, a chemist on the Forensic Analytical Team, conducted a series of seven hands-on chemical reaction experiments through a presentation called “Chemical Sleuth.”

Throughout the program, participants were escorted to presentations by members of Senior Science Society, a group of local retired scientists and engineers formed by the Northeastern Maryland Technology Council. Retired ECBC employees Susan Luckan, Roy Albert and Dr. Ray Mackay were among the senior scientist escorts.

Recognizing the importance of STEM coursework to county students, members of the TNT Planning Committee said the success of the event was the ultimate reward after months of preparation.

“I want to thank all the committee members, presenters and volunteers for their contributions towards making this a successful, unique learning experience for the future STEM students of Harford County," said Dana Casey, committee chairperson.

In addition to those from ECBC, this year’s TNT event also included programs from the U.S. Army Communications and Electronics Research and Development Center, U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine, U.S. Army Research Laboratory, Battelle Corporation, Science Applications International Corporation, SURVICE Engineering, Towson University and the Aberdeen Science and Math Academy’s First Robotics Club.

(June 8, 2009)

3 ECBC Employees Recognized By Baltimore FEB

Peter F. Annunziato

Dr. Vipin K. Rastogi

Lalena Wallace

The Baltimore Federal Executive Board (FEB) recognized three employees from the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) during its 2009 Excellence in Federal Career Awards program, held Friday, May 1 at Martin's West in Baltimore. The annual event recognizes federal employees for excellence in job performance during the previous year.

Peter F. Annunziato of ECBC’s Engineering Directorate, received a Gold Award in the “Outstanding Supervisor Grades 13 and Above” category. While serving as supervisor of the Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) Team, Annunziato used his unique combination of 21 years of program management experience and technical skill sets to assemble and manage a highly-productive team responsible for conducting the Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Unmanned Ground Reconnaissance (CUGR) Advanced Concept Technology Demonstrations (ACTD). The resulting ACTD put state-of-the-art chemical biological detection and protection technology into the hands of the warfighter at an accelerated pace allowing defensive capabilities to counter the rapidly evolving conditions on the battlefield.

Dr. Vipin K. Rastogi, a senior research biologist in the Biodefense Branch of the Research and Technology Directorate’s (R&T) Biosciences group, is a Silver Award recipient in the "Outstanding Professional (Technical, Scientific & Program Support)" category. The two patents Rastogi authored in the past year – “One Step Purification Process for Purification Organophosphorus Hydrolase Enzyme (#6,448,016)” and “Non-corrosive, Non-caustic, Non-flammable, Catalyst-based Decontaminant Formulation (#7,229,819)” – were licensed to Genencor International for large-scale production of enzymes targeted to decontaminate chemical warfare nerve agents. Commercialization of this technology has provided the government with an influx of research money in the form of license fees, but more importantly, the commercial production of these enzymes will enable the availability of the private sector, first responders and national laboratories engaged in providing “green solutions” against chemical biological warfare incidents.

Lalena Wallace received a Silver Award in the "Outstanding Para-Professional (Technical, Scientific & Program Support)" category for her work as a research biologist within R&T’s Biodefense Branch, Biosciences group. Wallace is attributed with an invaluable technical contribution to the development of a novel cell-based assay for detecting active holo-ricin. Development of this novel bioassay supported a joint program between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Homeland Security Research Center and ECBC. In addition to providing superior technical support to the program, Wallace also made equally remarkable contributions to two other joint programs, one with the EPA’s Office Pesticides Programs and the other funded by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

This year’s ceremony, which recognized 238 outstanding federal employees, serves as the culmination of agency and installation activities held in conjunction with Public Service Recognition Week each May. With 28 branches across the country, FEB members actively promote public service, engage in local civic activities, raise money for various charities and participate in local disaster response training, among other things. The FEB councils are made up of senior federal career executives in cities with a large federal presence. Founded in 1969, the Baltimore-based charter currently covers a geographic region comprised of more than 73,000 civilian, military and postal workers.

(May 6, 2009)

ECBC Provides Career Exploration for Young Warriors

Think of them as job interviews with a twist.

Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) was among 60 local agencies to participate in a novel career exploration event held at St. Patrick’s Church Hall on April 1. Havre de Grace High School’s career day provided 400 sophomores and juniors an opportunity to interview professionals to gauge student interest in various occupations.

The participating organizations were divided into 10 career categories – environmental, agricultural and natural resources; transportation technologies; information technology; manufacturing, engineering and technology; construction and development; business management and finance; consumer services, hospitality and tourism; human resource services; arts, media and communications; and health and biosciences. Each grouping was color-coded and divided throughout the hall to make it easy for students to choose career paths to explore.

Having a robot along for the event probably didn’t hurt Mark Colgan’s chances of attracting students to him. Once they got there, the ECBC electronics engineer was able to explain the many opportunities available in the engineering field. But, Colgan saw the day as an opportunity for the Center as well.

“It’s always a great opportunity when we get to share what we do at ECBC with the community,” he explained. “There are a lot of talented students at our local schools, and it is rewarding to seen their excitement as they ask questions about science and technology.”

Students provided questions in advance and were given 30 minutes to conduct three interviews with participating professionals.

In another corner of the hall, ECBC Biologist Amanda Chambers told students about some of the biofuel research projects on which she has worked.

“I believe I have struck a gold mine,” said Kathy Kunda, coordinator of the Business and Education Partnership Advisory Council, Cecil County Public Schools, after hearing of the projects that are underway at ECBC.”

Part of Kunda’s job is to arrange outreach events for students, and she clearly saw the value in having the Center as a participant in them. By all accounts, the students will be glad to hear more about ECBC.

“I was very surprised to find out how eager the students were to hear about what we do in the ‘real world,’” said Chris Gaughan, an electronics engineer at ECBC. He was on hand to explain to students how he uses computer modeling and simulation to conduct analysis of chemical and biological contamination.

“I’ve attended a lot of college career fairs but I’ve not attended any for high school students” Gaughan said. “It was great to see how sharp and bright the students were.”

In addition to the three presenters at the career fair, ECBC’s Community and Educational Outreach Program Manager Mary Doak was on hand to answer students’ questions about internship programs and other outreach efforts.

“I am extremely grateful for the number of career professionals provided by ECBC,” said event coordinator Kathryn Connolly said. “[ECBC’s] interest in helping us to inspire these young career explorers, along with the support from many of our local businesses, is truly admirable.”

(April 7, 2009)

Commitment key to success of quarterly Edgewood blood drive

BY DON KENNEDY
ECBC Public Affairs

Terry Gustafson seemed unphased by Yolanda Velazquez’s frustration. The phlebotomist poked and prodded Gustafson’s left arm, methodically seeking out a vein under the hardened scar tissue that lay just beneath the skin. It was the first time she’d ever seen her, but it was obvious to Velazquez that this wasn’t anything new to the woman sitting in her chair.

Gustafson will tell you when you have given blood long as she has – 24 years to be exact – you tend to build up a little scar tissue. Gustafson has been a regular at the American Red Cross collection station in Emmorton, not far from the gate of the Aberdeen Proving Ground’s Edgewood campus where she works at the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC).

But on April 1 Gustafson decided to try a new venue, the headquarters building of ECBC, where once ever few months the cafeteria is converted into an eight-chair blood collection site.

“I told myself that when I hit the 100 donation mark at the Red Cross, I’d start donating at the drive at ECBC,” she explained. “I did my hundredth donation a few months ago, so here I am.”

The ECBC blood drive is conducted quarterly by the Armed Services Blood Bank Center (ASBBC), an organization with exclusive rites to conduct collections at the area’s Department of Defense facilities. And while an Edgewood event means one of the longest commutes for the 15-members of the ASBBC National Capital Region team, it is one of their favorites.

“This is a great drive,” explained Dan Vince Cruz, the deputy director of the ASBBC’s National Capital Region.

“We always get consistent numbers when we come here. We know we are going to leave here with 50 units of blood every time we come to Edgewood.”

During the five blood drives Edgewood has hosted since February 2008, donors from ECBC; Research and Development Command; the Center for Health Promotion and Preventative Medicine; and the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense have contributed 233 units of blood. During the April 1 drive, 86 donors contributed 58 units. Vince Cruz estimates that it takes about 80 people to get 50 units of blood on average.

“The key to a good drive,” Vince Cruz continued, “is successfully marketing the drive. We have 59 collection sites throughout our region. Some will have about as many employees as there are here, and get 10 or 15 people to come out. Some will send out a single e-mail to the workforce and be done with it. The turnout usually reflects the effort that was put into the drive. It is clear hear at Edgewood, that a lot of effort goes out. Posters, flyers, word of mouth, announcements, whatever it is, they are doing it right.”

Ask anyone associated with the drive and they are likely to mention Mary Doak as the secret to ECBC’s success.

She is not only in charge of the marketing for the drive, she also adds her own personal touches, usually in the form of holiday themes. Her latest effort involved plastic Easter eggs stuffed with candy for participants to draw from a large basket. In about half of those eggs were numbers that corresponded to a wrapped door prize. Creative? Sure, but what is most impressive is that Doak purchased all the door prizes, eggs, candy, gift bags out of her own pocket, and also spent her own time wrapping the gifts.

“You have to say ‘thank you’ to people,” said Doak, the Center’s educational and community outreach coordinator. “It’s the right thing to do. They are taking time out of their busy schedules to contribute to this important effort, and we should tell them how much we appreciate it – even if we tell them by giving them a plastic egg with a peanut butter cup.”

One of the few “green-suiters” to donate on the compound dominated by civilian employees was Research and Development Command (RDECOM) Chaplain Col. Jeffrey Zust. One reason, he said, because it was obvious that ECBC, a subordinate unit of RDECOM, and it is obvious how much effort the Center puts into making the event successful.

“I just want to show my support for their effort,” he explained.

But, he said, there is a more important reason. “As a former member of the 22nd Brigade Combat Team that served in Iraq between 2006 and 2008, I know this blood goes to a very good cause,” he said.

Gustafson agrees. “I have a son-in-law serving in Afghanistan right now and I feel that this is a small thing that I can do to help,” she said. "I hope he never needs this blood, but I feel better knowing that if he does, it is available.”

(April 2, 2009)

ECBC Invests in Future Workforce through Mentoring

Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. ― With predictions of looming shortfalls in the government due to an aging workforce, leadership at U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) is focusing on mentorship as a tool to encouraging students to pursue careers in science and engineering.

“After teaching at West Point for a number of years I realized the impact that mentorship has on students,” said Way Fountain, Ph.D., a senior research scientist at ECBC who serves as mentor to a Stephen Sanner, a senior at Aberdeen High School’s Science and Math Academy (SMA) in Aberdeen, Md. “Mentorship allows scientists and engineers to teach students real science.”

As Sanner nears the end of his senior year, he has turned to Fountain for help putting the final touches on the senior capstone project he must complete in order to graduate. It’s that relationship to which Sanner credits his success in the lab — the development of a waterproof and fade-resistant ink for use in a ballpoint or roller ball pen.

“The best thing about the SMA program is working with a professional scientist,” Sanner said. “Dr. Fountain’s years of experience have been an invaluable resource for me. Mentoring has further expanded my interest in a career in science.”

Launched in 2004, the SMA grew out of a concept proposed by the Army Alliance and other science professionals associated with Aberdeen Proving Ground. Through the use of federal, state and local funds, organizers have created a high-level learning environment that offers students the opportunity to study robotics, cryptology, biotechnology and genetics, all with an emphasis on research and real-world applications.

Now in its fifth year, 43 of SMA’s 188 students have been paired with mentors from the professional science and engineering community. For Fountain, the motivation of serving as an SMA mentor stems from his desire to see ECBC’s successes carried over to future generations.

“We all have a stake in ensuring that we have a strong bench of scientists to work at Aberdeen Proving Ground,” he said.

Faced with maintaining the workforce as employees reach the age of retirement, the importance of fostering an interest in science, engineering and mathematics among students has increased substantially.

“We want students to know that studying science and engineering is interesting and could lead to a career with the federal government,” Fountain added.

While prospective mentors may have concern about their ability to commit enough time to their students, Fountain insists that successful relationships can be fostered through both electronic and in-person communication. In the end, he said, the benefits of mentoring are not reserved for the student alone.

“I mentor in spite of the challenges because it has kept me engaged in basic research,” Fountain said. “A mentor can do as much learning as the student.”

Hoping to build upon the success of the mentor relationship between the SMA student and one of its top scientists, ECBC will host an employee luncheon Thursday, April 2, that will highlight the SMA, Joppatowne High School’s Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Program and other future mentoring opportunities.

“The most important aspect of this program and mentorship is exposing students to the scientific process,” Fountain said. “I want to foster a desire to become a professional scientist.”

(March 26, 2009)

ECBC Staff Serve as Judges During Local School Science and Arts Fair

ECBC employees Andy Davis, Meg Hower, Mark Shifflett and Paul Szatmary joined staff from the U.S. Army Research Development and Engineer Command and Chemical Materials Agency serving as judges for projects entered into the Science & Arts Fair at Redeemer Classical Christian School.

Mark Shifflett, ECBC, awards a trophy to one of the top scoring students from the Science & Arts Fair at Redeemer Classical Christian School.

Erupting volcanoes spewing red goo, toothpaste comparisons on which brand offers the best kilowatt smile and analysis of the power of electricity were some of the projects judged by Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) staff during the Science and Arts Fair at Redeemer Classical Christian Church in Kingsville, Md., on Friday, Feb. 6.

ECBC employees Andy Davis, Meg Hower, Mark Shifflett and Paul Szatmary joined staff from the U.S. Army Research Development and Engineer Command and Chemical Materials Agency, to serve as judges during the fair, where over 40 projects were scored, normalized and ranked.

“Many of the projects were quite outstanding. You can tell when a student has a lot of curiosity and enthusiasm for their topic,” said Shifflett, event organizer and mechanical engineer at ECBC. “It’s very satisfying to see students learning and practicing science so well, especially with the media reports about how badly science education is going in our country these days.”

Student participants were asked to research a topic, build or test a project and communicate the results, both visually and orally. The top scoring students may adopt recommendations from the judges and are eligible to enter higher levels of competition at the regional and state level.

“I think the judge’s comments and remarks were highly valued because they work in the real world of science,” Shifflett said. “If a student earns a high score or received a positive comment from one of our judges that alone might be the spark that motivates that student to study science further and possibly steer him or her towards a career in science.”

Impressed by the ingenuity of the students, other participants remarked on the students understanding of the scientific method and the relevance of their projects.

“It was obvious that quite a bit of thought was put into the various projects and that the students took their projects seriously,” said Davis, mechanical engineer at ECBC. “It was very encouraging to see bright young students working hard to scientifically identify and present solutions to problems and issues. I’m looking forward to next year’s fair.”

(March 19, 2009)

ECBC’s Environmental BioMonitoring Laboratory focuses on the future

Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. ― Mindful of the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, and the anthrax attacks that followed, Edgewood Chemical Biological Center’s (ECBC) Environmental BioMonitoring Laboratory (EBML) staff focuses on developing technologies and services that address the new world demands for global accreditation, increased service offerings, laboratory flexibility and quality control.

“We continue to work towards continuous expansion and leading the way in environmental bioanalytical laboratory services that meets the needs of the world post Sept. 11,” said Isaac Fruchey, EBML team leader.

With this global view, EBML offers a variety of biosafety level one and two analytical technical services and is pursuing International Organization for Standardization (ISO)17025:2005 accreditation that is slated for completion in early 2009.

“This [accreditation] will increase confidence levels in analytical results and holds the laboratory accountable to internationally-recognized standards for testing and calibration, which is crucial to our continued success,” Fruchey said.

Evolving as a broad-service bioanalytical laboratory, EBML is outfitted with modern facilities and equipment. The lab provides a wide range of environmental analytical testing services and, its staff has hands-on experience with a variety of challenging environmental sample matrices including soil, filters, high efficiency particulate air vacuum filters, biological sampling kits, surface swipes and cotton swabs.

“In our laboratory, we offer complementary technologies for the qualitative detection of both biological toxins and organisms,” Fruchey said. “Our high-throughput screening approach allows us to provide same-day results for most samples, with a turnaround time of approximately six hours for complete analysis. This same-day service has an immediate impact on our clients.”

As client demands for flexibility increase, EBML has been able to offer on-site and field-deployable biological hazardous material testing capabilities. Now, ECBC clients have the ability to send environmental samples to the EBML or have the lab deployed to the sample in the field or incident area.

“We outfitted the mobile laboratory with duplicate equipment from our fixed laboratory,” Fruchey said. “If a large number of samples are being generated at a remote location, the best solution is to bring the laboratory to the site, which is why we developed a seamless transition from fixed laboratory operations to field operations.”

After processing more than 10,000 samples for government agencies including the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and the FBI, EBML continues its focus on maintaining quality.

“Our staff works closely with customers to determine best fit methods, custom configurations and specialized equipment test-outs that provide professional, defensible and cost effective analytical laboratory services,” Fruchey said. “As EBML continues to grow we will continue to focus on offering our clients the best in high-quality, timely service.”

Other EBML capabilities include:

• Monitoring, high-throughput analysis and detection of seven biological warfare agents utilizing robotics and high-speed instrumentation. With this capability, EBML can analyze 96 samples in an eight-hour time frame for seven targets using electrochemiluminescence detection and polymerase chain reaction technology.
• Presumptive identification for biowarfare agents using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, hand-held assays and gel electrophoresis.
• Identification of bacterial agents using cell culture coupled with traditional and fluorescence microscopy
• Analysis of samples for bacterial identification using a technology based on gas chromatographic analysis of cellular fatty acid methyl esters using the Microbial Identification System (MIDI).
• Routine identification of over 1,500 species of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria, to include six major bacterial bioterrorism agents, using the Sherlock Bioterrorism Library. In less than 10 minutes, the library can identify extract from anthrax, brucellosis, glanders, tularemia, melioidosis, plague and 15 challenge organisms.

EBML serves as a leading technical resource and “go-to lab” that addresses environmentally-related laboratory issues for its customers while providing high-quality, defensible data. EBML supports the Department of Defense Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense, the Chemical Biological Medical Systems Critical Reagents Program and other government agencies. For the private sector, EBML performs technical support under test service agreements and cooperative research and development agreements.

(February 12, 2009)

ECBC Staff Contributes To Successful Holiday Food and Toy Drive

Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. ― Santa’s sled arrived early this year at Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) leaving behind a bounty of bikes, dolls, games, books, food and a life-size sleigh overflowing with teddy bears during the closing ceremony of the 21st Annual Food, Toy and Gift Drive held Wednesday, Dec. 17.

ECBC employees joined staff from the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) and Chemical Materials Agency (CMA) in donating 52 boxes of toys, 41 boxes of food during the one-month drive held Nov.10 through Dec.10. Inspired by the generosity of others, members of the American Society of Military Comptrollers made a special contribution of $400 in gift cards.

“This is our community, our family and friends,” ECBC Technical Director Rick Decker said of the Center’s efforts to support needy families from Harford County and families sponsored by Army Community Services and Army 20th Support Command. “I take a great deal of pride in what was accomplished here today.”

The donations, collected from 29 general locations across the Edgewood Area, Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), went to go to Mason Dixon Community Services, an organization based in Street, Md., that provides emergency food and energy assistance to low-income residents of Harford County.

The drive also provided support to 15 military families from Army Community Services, who were sponsored by individuals working at APG. After publishing information about the families and their wish lists on the employee Web sites for both ECBC and the Edgewood Area community, the personnel were able to adopt a family or an individual from a family.

“I’m in awe of your effort,” Mason Dixon Community Service Coordinator, Theresa Perry told the crowd. “You all have done a marvelous job and all of your donations will go directly to the families of Harford County. I hope your heart feels all the goodness that you have done.”

(December 19, 2008)

Thornton Promoted to Senior Executive Service

Alvin D. “AJay” Thornton, newly-appointed Director of Engineering for the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC), was formally promoted to Senior Executive Service (SES) on Thursday, Dec. 4, during a ceremony held at the Center.

Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. ― Alvin D. “AJay” Thornton, newly-appointed Director of Engineering for the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC), was formally promoted to Senior Executive Service (SES) on Thursday, Dec. 4, during a ceremony held at the Center.

Members of the SES serve in key positions just below top Presidential appointees and are the major link between the appointees and the federal work force. SES members within the Department of Defense are considered the equivalent of general officers.

”I don’t take the responsibility lightly and I didn’t do it alone,” Thornton said. “This is not only about me, this is about [U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM)], ECBC and the warfighter.”

Thornton, who began his 26-year career at ECBC as a GS-5 physical scientist, received his SES pin from outgoing RDECOM Commander Maj. Gen. Fred D. Robinson Jr.

“Tomorrow is the last day of my active duty and I take a great deal of personal honor in presenting AJay with the Senior Executive Service insignia,” Robinson said. “In the face of great threats … I feel comforted with the leadership of AJay Thornton. He is a great hero, a great American and a superb role model.”

As director of engineering, Thornton serves as client manager to key military and civilian agencies, to include multiple joint project managers of the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical Biological Defense. His responsibilities include policy development, management and overall direction of engineering development and technical support for CBD systems program lifecycles.

Prior to this appointment, Thornton served for nearly nine months as the acting director of Engineering. Before that, he served as Engineering’s associate director – a senior manager and business unit leader for all Directorate efforts related to individual and collective protection, contamination avoidance and decontamination. In this capacity, he was credited with pioneering the ECBC mentoring program for young journeyman-level scientists and engineers.

As team leader for Biological Detection Manufacturing, Office of the Project Manager for Nuclear Biological Chemical Contamination Avoidance, Thornton, notably planned and managed the execution of the complex building efforts for the M31A1 and M31E2/A2 Biological Integrated Detection Systems.
He is a member of the Army Acquisition Corps maintaining level three certifications in Program Management, Test and Evaluation Engineering and Systems Planning Research Development and Engineering. Thornton, who lives in Baltimore, Md., holds a bachelor’s degree in geography from Morgan State University.

(December 5, 2008)

JRTC FAST focuses on Soldier feedback

There is no one better to provide feedback on military equipment and technologies than the end user, the Soldier.

This concept has been a focus for the Field Assistance in Science and Technology organization, which connects the Soldier to the vast network of labs and research centers of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Center. FAST maintains a presence at 23 locations, specifically at every combatant command, corps headquarters and each of the training centers.

The FAST team at the Joint Readiness Training Center, led by Tom Theaux and Lt. Col. Carl Simon, is especially close to Soldiers. Every month, brigade-sized units rotate through JRTC prior to deploying to Iraq or Afghanistan for training and exercises.

The following scenario is a textbook example of why FAST maintains a presence at JRTC. It started when an engineer from the RDECOM Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate introduced the team to a new suicide vest detection system. Theaux and Simon thought the technology had the potential to save lives.

“We thought there would be interest in the system because of its potential to identify suicide bombers. It uses a variety of technologies and appeared to have some utility for the military operations,” explained Simon.

The FAST team explained the technology and its capabilities to leaders from an incoming unit who agreed to try out the system during training. Soldiers liked the system and eventually chose to deploy it.

This process has played out numerous times with other technologies as the JRTC FAST team has created a strong link between its parent organization, RDECOM and Soldiers going through training.

“Because of the nature of the mission and the access to Soldiers at JRTC, the team there is in a unique position to get the feedback necessary to assess technologies,” said Jim Gibson, director of FAST. “They’ve been highly effective in connecting Soldiers to the Army science and technology community.”

JRTC FAST uses a variety of methods to get the feedback. After each training rotation, the team meets with senior non-commissioned officers from JRTC to get opinions about technologies injected into the training. During training, some Soldiers spend time as mock-casualties in the personnel equipment holding areas, which has proven to be a valuable chance to gather data.

“Because Soldiers have downtime when they’re in the PEHA, it’s a natural opportunity for us to get information,” said Simon. “So we set up a trailer nearby where Soldiers can take web surveys – it’s fast, simple and immediate information for our use.”

JRTC FAST strives to gain feedback whether it’s positive or negative.

“For us, a good result is getting honest opinions about the technology and equipment we inject into training rotations here. Even if it turns out to be bad, it’s important to find out sooner rather than later to avoid pursuing something that isn’t useful,” said Theaux.

The feedback from Soldiers at JRTC has helped the FAST team make recommendations on a wide variety of technology and equipment.

“Our office has worked to provide input on equipment ranging from t-shirts to body armor,” said Theaux.

One of the recent technologies tested at JRTC is speech to speech translation, which is a software program that allows Soldiers to speak a phrase while the program translates and voices the phrase in the chosen language.

Other technologies with FAST input include cultural relations software programs developed by the Army Research Laboratory as well as the Soldier Wearable Acoustic Targeting System, which helps Soldiers detect snipers. Many of the technologies have deployed or have undergone improvements as a result of the feedback.

In addition to working on technologies meant for deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan, JRTC FAST undertakes projects to improve training conditions at JRTC. They are now helping to develop ground control robots that can be used to move mannequin targets in the training battlefield. This will significantly improve the realism compared to a stationary target.

Simon added the FAST approach in many ways mimics practices in the business world and should be replicated.

“Private industry does extensive customer research when determining which products to develop and send to market,” said Simon. “It’s a concept we’ve really pushed here and we need to continue to do more of it in the Army acquisition community.”

(FAST is an element of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command)

By Steve Rochette, RDECOM Public Affairs

RDECOM Website

(November 20, 2008)

RDECOM reaches out to women engineers

Gayla McMichael, (middle) an engineer for the Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center, discusses career opportunities with student attendees during the career fair at the Society of Women Engineers conference.

Engineering students from across the country got a glimpse at career opportunities that support the Warfighter as the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command recently participated in the 2008 Society of Women Engineers Conference at the Baltimore Convention Center.

The three day conference brought industry leaders and college students together for discussions, a career fair and an awards banquet honoring the achievements of engineers. SWE aims to empower women to succeed in engineering and recognize their contributions.

Dr. Melanie Cole, an Army Research Laboratory scientist, was honored at the conference with the SWE Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor given by the organization. Cole delivered the keynote address and shared advice with young engineers and students.

“You must take negative motivators and turn them into positives because bad things will inevitably happen. Most importantly, you must never, ever give up. And lastly, you can have it all, but you can’t have it all at the same time,” said Cole.

Virginia Connolly, president of the Society of Women engineers, said “[Cole] has provided wonderful inspiration for all of those whose career paths have not gone in a straight line.”

Cole stressed the importance for RDECOM to reach out to women because they can help accomplish the mission.

“Our research is not race or gender specific so it is critical for us to reach out to everyone and get the best ideas,” said Cole. “I’m glad we’re participating in the SWE conference and so proud to play a part in this.”

Cole and other scientsts and engineers invited students to visit an ARL facility to kick off the conference. More than 30 students and young engineers toured labs at the Rodman Building, a research facility at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.

Jamie Jabal, an engineering student at the University of Idaho, said she joined the tour to learn about research in a specific area.

“It’s impressive to see so many female engineers excelling in key positions here,” she said. “My research is in nanotechnology so I’m hoping to learn more about ARL research and job opportunities.”

The wide variety of research opportunities within the command were on display during the conference career fair as representatives from five RDECOM elements interacted with students. Yolanda Hinton, an ARL engineer, said she stressed the end result of research.

“I tell students that there are many educational opportunities as an engineer in the Army and a broad range of career paths and that all of the research is supporting the Soldier so there is a definite application,” said Hinton.

RDECOM representatives helped educate students about what it means to work in science and technology for the Army.

“Some students don’t know what we do at RDECOM so we try and clear up any misconceptions,” said Marnie de Jong, an electrical engineer for the Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center. “They think that all of the research is devoted to weapon systems, but we explain that there is a lot of work done in communications, electronics, power and other areas.”

Dr. Melanie Cole, an Army Research Lab scientist, examines material in a lab at the Rodman Building at Aberdeen Proving Ground; Md. Cole was honored with the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Society of Women Engineers.

While some students were unfamiliar with RDECOM, others had previous knowledge of the command. Angela Griffin, a senior at Tufts University, said she first learned about the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center while attending a career fair in Massachusetts.

“I’m especially interested in Natick because of the research they do with food; it’s really cool,” she said.

Many students showed an interest in robotics, according to Dana Mohre, a chemical engineer for the Edgewood Chemical-Biological Center. ECBC displayed the Chemical, Biological, Radiation and Nuclear Unmanned Ground Reconnaissance Vehicle. CUGR technology incorporates sensors on a PackBot.

“The robotic portion of this technology has attracted a lot of students who want to do research in that area,” said Mohre. “At ECBC, our input in the CUGR technology is the sensors we integrated that detect various types of contaminates.”

The final day of the conference, students had the opportunity to pose questions during panel discussions. Cole and several engineers from private industry sat on a panel focused on obtaining a career in research.

Cole noted during the panel her research with ARL has focused on thin film electronic materials. SWE credited her “for pioneering research contributions, experimental creativity and innovation in developing a fundamental understanding of the complex relationships between the structures, processing and properties in thin film electronic materials.”

By Steve Rochette, RDECOM Public Affairs
Photos by Andricka Thomas, RDECOM Public Affairs

RDECOM Website

(November 13, 2008)

Advance Planning Briefing for Industry

The U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) Acquisition Center, Edgewood Contracting Division (ECD), and the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) hosted an Advance Planning Briefing for Industry (APBI) on 10 October 2008. At this briefing, the Government described the current and future challenges of ECBC and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) customers. The goal of ECBC and the U.S. Army RDECOM Acquisition Center ECD is to create quality multiple award task order contracts to meet the needs of ECBC and CBRNE defense customers.

More info and list of briefings...

(October 10, 2008)

Scientists Discover New Virus Invading US Honeybees

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD ― Scientists at the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC), located in Edgewood, MD, working with scientists at the University of Montana and industry partners Bee Alert Technology, Inc. and BVS, Inc. have discovered in U.S. honeybees a virus only before identified in European honeybees.

The invading bee virus newly discovered in the U.S. is called Varroa Destructor Virus -1 (VDV-1). First definitively identified in Europe in 2006, VDV-1 is carried by both honeybees and the tiny varroa mites that affect them. VDV-1 is related to a family of paralytic viruses that causes a breakdown of some membranes. In silkworms the virus causes flaccid disease, which causes the worms to digest themselves internally.

The virus was discovered using a technology developed for battlefield detection of viruses. This technology, called Integrated Virus Detection System / Proteomic Mass Spectrometry, reveals virus by size and peptide information contained in a sample and compares that information against known genetic sequences. This approach may provide important clues to scientists around the world working to find the cause of Colony Collapse Disorder -- a mysterious malady that has caused rapid depopulation of beehives around the globe.

This is the first detection of this virus in North America and will allow beekeepers in the U.S. the possibility of early control and quarantine of affected colonies.

For more information, please contact Joan Michel (410.436.3610; 410.652.3912 – mobile)
View Press Release...

(August 29, 2008)

ECBC-PBA Launches Safety Excellence Program

Working in chemical and biological defense is all about making the world a safer place. And those who work in the profession must be ever vigilant while on the job. To that end, the leadership team at the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center – Pine Bluff Arsenal (ECBC-PBA) had this in mind before launching the Center’s new Safety Excellence Program in May.

The new program, which embodies the first principle of the Occupational Safety & Health Administration’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) to manage commitment and employee involvement, includes best safety management system practices taken from organizations with world class safety performance.

"ECBC in Aberdeen (Md.) launched this program about 18 months ago and has already seen significant benefits from it," said Paul Wynne, Manager of ECBC-PBA. "Our objectives with this program are to derive the same benefits in safety performance improvement, to strengthen our safety culture and to improve operating effectiveness and efficiency by having integrated systems with ECBC. All of this aimed at the goal of avoiding injuries and occupational illnesses."
Read More...

(July 15, 2008)

Mr. Angel (Willie) Felix Featured as "Role Model" as World Class Engineer

We are pleased to announce that Mr. Angel (Willie) Felix, Senior Engineer & Team Leader with ECBC-Rock Island, has been selected and is featured as HENAAC's “Role Model of the Week” on the homepage at http://www.henaac.org/ starting on June 30, 2008.

HENAAC was established in 1989 as a means of identifying, honoring, and documenting the contributions of outstanding Hispanic American science, engineering, technology and math professionals. Corporations, government agencies, academic institutions, the military, and the business community-at-large have submitted thousands of nominees over the last 19 years for this very prestigious recognition.

The weekly feature pays tribute to the world class Hispanic engineers, scientists, and technology professionals from among national corporations, academic institutions, government entities and the military. The article is read by high school students involved in HENAAC's educational awareness program, Viva Technology, as well as by college students and professionals that visit our website.

Willie is one of the very few selected for recognition by HENNAC as an Army engineer & scientist. His hard work and dedication to excellence will set the example to others to motivate and enable more students to achieve careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Mr. Felix's accomplishments bring great credit to himself, ECBC, RDECOM, and the Department of the Army. Please extend your congratulations to Willie.

(July 8, 2008)

ECBC earns Good Neighbor Award

Members of the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center team were on hand at the 4th annual Harford County Good Neighbor Award ceremony in Bel Air, where they received the Community Service Organization of the Year in the Government/Military category. Those in attendance at the ceremony were (from back left) Mary Martinez, Janna Madren-Whalley, Barbara Knapp, Vikki Henderson, Robert Knapp and William Klein; and, front row, Mary Doak, Becky Stump, Stella Lee, Leanne Argue and Dr. Jim Baker.

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD -- What makes a good neighbor? Is it the fellow down the street who flashes a friendly smile and waves when you see him? Perhaps, it’s the lady next door who will check your mail when you are out of town? Maybe it’s the family across the street who you invite over for cook-outs.

In 2007, center employees collected enough food to feed 70 Edgewood and Joppatowne families. They collected a mountain of toys to make the holidays special for children who might otherwise have missed out. They donated clothing for Harford County residents in need. When it comes to being a good neighbor, ECBC is simply off the charts.

And, in recognition of its neighborly ways, the Harford County Human Relations Commission presented ECBC with the 2008 Community Service Organization of the Year Award in the Government/Military category at its annual Good Neighbor Awards Ceremony April 21 in Bel Air, Md.

Since 1987, volunteers from the center have reached out to its surrounding community to offer residents in need a helping hand through what has grown into the Food, Clothing and Gift Drive. That first year, some 250 toys were collected by ambitious committee members from across the center and distributed to local children. In 1993, the program had been expanded to include food donations, and enough was collected to feed seven local families for 10 days.

“These folks are right outside our gates” said Barbara Knapp, the longtime chair of the Food, Clothing and Gift drive committee, “We drive by them everyday on our way to work. We are the ‘big guy’ in the neighborhood and there are a lot of families in our neighborhood who need our help. We have the ability to help and should lend them a hand.”

That is the very spirit that inspired the Human Relations Commission to begin the awards program in 2004. “We look for organizations that come together to try to do something better for the community, said Mary Chance, director of the Human Relations Commission. “These are people who make Harford County a better place to live.”

And, bringing people together who share that sentiment creates a synergy within the volunteer community. “In the past,” Chance explained, “organizations have realized that by teaming together, they can help each other to accomplish more.”

Over the years, ECBC reached out to other government agencies for just that reason. Its parent command, Research and Development Command, as well as the Chemical Materials Agency and the Program Manager for Assembled Chemical Weapons Assessment have joined in the drive and expanded the program’s reach and effectiveness.

Harford County Executive David Craig gave the keynote address at the April 21 awards ceremony. He said that volunteers such as ECBC, and the numerous non-profit agencies, local businesses and faith based organizations represented at the event offer a priceless resource to the community.

“If we didn’t have them, we would have tremendous gaps in the services we could offer,” he explained. “These selfless volunteers get no perks or pay, but day after day they come out and do things for their neighbors.”

Last year, ECBC’s Kids & Chemistry program was recognized at the awards ceremony. This year, representatives went to the event expecting similar recognition. They were pleasantly surprised to find out that they were singled out for the honor, when Knapp walked to the stage with a smile to accept the award and certificates of recognition from the local and federal representatives for the achievement.

“It’s wonderful,” Knapp said. “This award is the culmination of many years of hard work by a lot of great people. This award is truly an ECBC-wide award. All we ever had to do is ask, and they continued to give year after year.”

Knapp stepped down this year as the chair of the Food, Clothing and Gift Drive committee ahead of her pending retirement from the center, where she works in the Workforce Management Office. But, she said she is leaving the program in very capable hands. Jean Salvatore, of the Engineering Directorate, and Leanne Argue, of the Research and Technology Directorate, will co-chair the committee moving forward.

(March 27, 2008)

R&T scientist co-edits second edition of Chemical Warfare Agents

Dr. Harry Salem of Edgewood Chemical Biological Center’s (ECBC) Research and Technology Directorate recently co-edited of Chemical Warfare Agents: Chemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics. The book explores the latest methods and products for preventing, diagnosing, and treating the acute and chronic effects of toxic chemical warfare agent (CWA) exposure.

The book, co-edited by retired Army Col. James A. Romano, Jr. and Col. Brian J. Lukey, is actually the second edition. The first, Chemical Warfare Agents: Toxicity at Low Levels, was published just prior to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. This edition focuses on key developments in the field since 2001, including new epidemiological or clinical studies of exposed or potentially exposed populations; new treatment concepts and products; improved organization of the national response apparatus in the U.S. addressing the potential for CWA terrorism; and improved diagnostic tests that enable rapid diagnosis and treatment.

Leading researchers and physicians who have contributed to the latest edition explain how breakthroughs help researchers determine physiologically relevant detection thresholds and develop more effective countermeasures and national response procedures. Chemical Warfare Agents provides first responders and emergency medical teams with the most up-to-date information they need to prepare for and handle natural disasters, chemical spills, terrorism, and warfare situations quickly and effectively.

Salem’s research interests and experience include inhalation and general pharmacology and toxicology, and in-vitro molecular toxicology. He was awarded the Society of Toxicology Congressional Science Fellowship and served as the Science Advisor to Congressman Jim Greenwood and has been a consultant to the FBI and to Attorney General Janet Reno on matters of toxicology, and has testified before Congress on the subject. He was an advisor to the Persian Gulf Illnesses’ Investigation Team, and served as the Chair of the Pharmacy Committee for the Office of Emergency Preparedness of the National Disaster Medical System prior to the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

He has served on the Editorial Boards of several professional journals and was Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Applied Toxicology for more than 20 years. as Adjunct Associate Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Pennsylvania, Adjunct Professor of Environmental Health at Temple University, Adjunct Professor of Chemical Toxicology at Drexel University and the University of Maryland, and is a Visiting Professor at Rutgers University. He has also been employed by small and large pharmaceutical and contract laboratories.

Salem has served as President of the National Capital Area Chapter of the Society of Toxicology, the Association of Government Toxicologists, and Sigma Xi. He serves as the Chair of the Technical Committee of the Society of Toxicology, and on the Council of the International Society of Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology. He also served on the Society of Toxicology Task Force for a Chemical Biological Terrorism Resource Registry and on the Advisory Board of the Rocky Mountain Center for Homeland Defense.

Dr. Salem is a Fellow of the New York Academy of Sciences, the American college of Clinical Pharmacology, the American college of Toxicology and the Academy of Toxicological SciencesChemical Warfare Agents, Salem’s 14th published book, is dedicated to the memory of Drs. Satu Somani and Brennie E. Hackley Jr., distinguished colleagues and friends of the editors. Salem has also published more than 100 papers in scientific journals. He received a Bachelors of Arts from the University of Western Ontario, a Bachelors of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Michigan, and a Masters and a Doctorate degree in Pharmacology from the University of Toronto. Salem has worked at ECBC since 1984.

(March 27, 2008)

Mr. Richard Decker Appointed Technical Director of Edgewood Chemical Biological Center

Mr. Richard W. Decker II will be officially appointed as Technical Director of the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) March 2. He has served as acting director since February after serving as Director of Engineering within the organization since February 2005.

As Technical Director, Mr. Decker is responsible for 1,600 Department of the Army civilians, soldiers and on-site contractors located at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Pine Bluff Arsenal, AR; and Rock Island, Ill. Those employees conduct research, engineering and field operations in support of the Department of Defense and other government agencies, by providing innovative science, technology, and engineering solutions for chemical and biological defense.

Between June 2002 and February 2005, Mr. Decker served as the Deputy Joint Program Executive Officer for Chemical Biological Defense, at Fort Belvoir, Va. Between September 2001 and June 2002, he served as the Deputy Director for Engineering at ECBC. Earlier in his career, he served as a Systems Manager for several protective mask programs and as the Program Manager for Smoke/Obscurants at Aberdeen Proving Ground.

Mr. Decker holds two Bachelor of Science degrees: one in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland and the other in Chemistry from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

(February 2, 2008)

Dr. Joseph Corriveau and Mr. Joseph Wienand inducted into the Senior Executive Service.

On Thursday, 17 January, Dr. Joseph Corriveau and Mr. Joseph Wienand were inducted into the Senior Executive Service. About 200 ECBC employees and invited guests were present to witness the swearing in ceremony.

Dr. Corriveau was recently appointed as the Director of Research and Technology. Mr. Wienand was recently appointed as the Director for Program Integration.

The Senior Executive Service was established in 1978 to be a corps of executives to serve in key governmental positions not filled by top Presidential appointees. SES members are the major link between these appointees and the rest of the Federal workforce. The SES was envisioned as an executive corps whose members have outstanding executive expertise, solid public service values, and a broad perspective of government. The SES Corps is comprised of approximately 6,800 members. These executives make up less than .02% of the Federal workforce but operate and oversee nearly every government activity in approximately 75 Federal agencies. The Department of Defense employs approximately 460 members of the SES, who are accorded General Officer status.

(January 17, 2008)

ECBC Releases FY 2006 Annual Report

Edgewood Chemical Biological Center's (ECBC) Annual Report highlighting 2006 technical achievements is now available online. ECBC's workforce achieved important milestones and technological breakthroughs in 2006, bringing immediate and direct support to the warfighter while advancing technology that will be crucial for the warfight of tomorrow.

To request a hard copy please email ecbc-communications@apgea.army.mil.

(August 2, 2007)

Raymond DiBerardo Receives the Army's Highest Honorary Award

Raymond DiBerardo, ECBC Project Leader and Technical Engineer, was presented with the Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service Award by Jim Zarzycki, ECBC Director, and George Collins, ECBC CB Services Director. DiBerardo received the US Department of the Army's highest honorary award for his extensive accomplishments including the successful destruction of approximately 300 chemical munitions; the design, development and testing of mobile destruction systems; and providing exceptional chemical demilitarization support to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and the Albanian government.

(July 11, 2007)

ECBC Employees Receive Excellence in Federal Career Awards

The Baltimore Federal Executive Board recognized three Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) employees in the 2007 Excellence in Federal Career Awards program. The purpose of this program is to recognize outstanding men and women in the federal government for exceptional and commendable work.

Alvin (AJay) Thornton, ECBC, is a Silver Award recipient in the “Outstanding Supervisor” category. AJay serves as a senior manager and business unit leader for all Engineering Directorate efforts related to individual and collective protection, contamination avoidance and decontamination. He also serves as client manager to five Joint Project Managers, as well as the US Army TACOM Life Cycled Management Command Integrated Logistic Support Center. AJay is recognized as a highly motivated professional, who continues to raise the standard for future leaders. Pioneering the ECBC mentoring program for young journeyman level scientists and engineers, AJay and his mentee program participants were recognized as the most productive teams and now serve as the standard for others.

Joan Michel, ECBC, received a Silver Award within the “Outstanding Professional (Administrative Management & Specialist)” category. Within two and a half years Joan has developed and implemented a long-term plan to improve ECBC’s internal and external communications. ECBC’s strategic plan recognized the importance of improving internal communications and improving awareness of ECBC’s capabilities among external stakeholders. The plan also incorporates efforts to improve communications and relationships with the local community, state and local elected officials and high level organizations within the Army and the Department of Defense. By proactively addressing ways to increase internal awareness of new projects, employee recognition and accomplishments, Joan has ultimately enhanced the knowledge, performance and camaraderie of the staff. Joan’s work has brought visibility to the civilian chemical and biological defense sector, opening opportunities for increased technology transfer that will serve for years to come.

Raymond Mastnjak, ECBC Science and Technology Advisor for the CB Services Directorate, received the Silver Award in the “Volunteer Service Individual” category. By example, Ray encourages his peers to continually grow and develop their talents and skills. Earlier this year he took a leave of absence to volunteer at the Children of Zion Village, an orphanage that is home to 55 children between the ages of one and 16 infected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The Village, located on the Zambezi River in Africa, provides the children with education, health care and vocational and life skills training. Within his seven months at the orphanage, Ray’s leadership and handyman skills were instrumental in making improvements such as: building the school house, kitchen repairs, helping the medical staff tend to the physical needs of the children and vehicle repairs. His support also resulted in providing transportation for locals villagers to the hospital and establishing computer, math and music classes for the children.

The work of these men and women promote a higher standard of performance in the federal government. These awards honor exemplary job performance and employee contributions to the federal government or the community.

(May 8, 2007)

ECBC Scientists Identify Pathogens That May Be Causing Global Honey-Bee Deaths

Photo credit: Scott Bauer, USDA/ARS

Researchers have identified potential culprits behind the wide-spread catastrophic death of honey bees around North America and Europe. A team of scientists from Edgewood Chemical Biological Center and University of California San Francisco identified both a virus and a parasite that are likely behind the recent sudden die-off of honey-bee colonies.

Using a new technology called the Integrated Virus Detection System (IVDS), which was designed for military use to rapidly screen samples for pathogens, ECBC scientists last week isolated the presence of viral and parasitic pathogens that may be contributing to the honeybee loss. Confirmation testing was conducted over the weekend by scientists at the University of California San Francisco. ECBC scientists presented the results of their studies yesterday to a United States Department of Agriculture working group, hastily convened to determine next steps.

For the past year, experts have observed a marked decline in the honey bee population, with entire colonies collapsing without warning. Approximately 50 percent of hives have disappeared and researchers around the country are scrambling to find out why. Scientists have termed this phenomenon "Colony Collapse Disorder" and fear that without honey bees to pollinate crops like fruits, vegetables, and almonds the loss of honey bees could have an enormous horticultural and economic impact around the world.

ECBC is one of many academic, commercial and government concerns studying the honey bee population decline. ECBC’s role will be to identify the extent of the problem and conduct ongoing detection activities. [Read the press release]

(April 25, 2007)

ECBC Celebrates its 90th Anniversary

This year marks Edgewood's 90th Anniversary. Since 1917, the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center has served as the Nation’s lead science and technology center for the development of chemical and biological defense products and services. Our history dates back to the trenches of World War I where chemical agent was first used as a battlefield weapon and gas masks were consequently needed for U.S. Army soldiers. From April 2007 to October 2007 we will be commemorating this 90-year history with lectures, informational products and special events.

To kick off our 90th anniversary celebration, Mr. Jeffery Smart, Research, Development and Engineering Command's historian, presented the first in a series of monthly historical lectures, "The History of Edgewood." Click here to view a video of his presentation, which chronicles the Edgewood Area of Aberdeen Proving Ground's growth and change over decades. Each month we will also feature a story about a particular event in Edgewood's history.

To view these stories click here.

(April 24, 2007)

ECBC Research Chemist Received ASTM International Award of Merit

Ann Brozena Butrow, ECBC Research Chemist, was recently presented the Award of Merit by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International for her exceptional work with ASTM International Committee E37 on Thermal Measurements. The Award of Merit is ASTM International’s highest achievement for individual members that demonstrate distinguished service and outstanding participation in committee activities.

Ann’s significant individual contribution and exemplary leadership earned her the Award of Merit and the honorary title of Fellow. ASTM International Committee E37 recognized Ann for her work in thermal analysis, including standards tests and terminology. James Thomas, ASTM President, presented the award to Ann during a Committee E37 meeting at the ASTM Headquarters in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.

Throughout her career at ECBC, Ann has concentrated on investigating physical and thermal properties of chemicals, specifically those of military interest. In 1994, Ann joined ASTM as a member of an E37 task group working to standardize procedures for vapor pressure measurement by differential thermal analysis. Her work with this task group led to the publication of ASTM E1782, Standard Test Method for Determining Vapor Pressure by Thermal Analysis in 1996. Currently, Ann is the First Vice-Chairman of ASTM Committee E37 on Thermal Measurements, one of 139 technical standards writing committees. At present, Committee E37 controls over 50 standards that are vital in testing various materials for thermal, rheological, and thermophysical properties. In addition, she chairs Subcommittee E37.03 on Nomenclature and Definitions and a task group on method consistency. Ann’s efforts with ASTM have previously earned her the honor of an E37 Award of Appreciation. Ann’s hard work and dedication have proved her to be a great asset to ASTM International and ECBC.

(April 24, 2007)

Kids & Chemistry Program nominated for the Government Community Service Organization of the Year Award

ECBC's Kids & Chemistry Program, led by Ms. Suzanne Procell, CB Services Directorate, was formally acknowledged at the Harford County Human Relations Commission Good Neighbor Community Service Award ceremony held on 18 Apr 07 at the St. Mary Magdalen Mission, Churchville, Maryland. The Kids & Chemistry Program was nominated for the Government Community Service Organization of the Year Award which recognizes outstanding achievements and unique contributions to the community. The Kids & Chemistry Program, established in the year 2000, is a group of approximately 20 volunteers that provides Harford County's youth with an educational opportunity to interact with some of the US Army’s most skilled scientists, engineers and computer analysts during hands-on science projects held throughout the year in local libraries, county facilities and schools. The program's goal is to inspire these young residents to pursue higher education and career opportunities in the sciences. As a result, these young residents are encouraged to see the importance of education and the possibility of future science-related careers. This interaction also creates working relationships within the community and a better understanding of the work that occurs at ECBC and how it impacts the local community and the Nation. Thus far, the Kids & Chemistry team has provided hands-on science projects to over 2,500 youths. Click here to visit their website.

(April 24, 2007)

Sample Receipt Facility Under Construction

Site work has begun for the Sample Receipt Facility (SRF)-the only full-range national resource to receive, triage, sample, and screen "unknowns" coming from anywhere in the world including military theaters of operation, intelligence organizations, and law enforcement agencies.

The SRF is the first multi-agency funded project at Aberdeen Proving Grounds-with $15M provided by the Army, $9.6M contributed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and $2.4M provided by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), totaling $27M in construction funds. The US Army Corps of Engineers worked with experts and scientists from the various agencies to design this one of a kind facility.

The FBI will safely receive WMD evidence by using specialized chemical and biological forensic laboratories designed to protect them as they conduct their traditional forensic examinations on contaminated evidence. Simultaneously, ECBC will identify and render safe the hazardous materials or explosives. The new DHS Chemical Security Analysis Center (CSAC) would then integrate the combined laboratory results with information from intelligence reports and other knowledge databases to further aid in characterizing the material or provide investigative leads.

Utilities are slated to be installed and the foundation poured by late February 2007. Completion is expected in the summer of 2008. Working together within a single facility, the FBI, ECBC, and DHS have taken a leap forward in enhancing the Nation's capability to deal with potential WMD attacks.

(January 31, 2007)

ECBC Microbiologist Dr. Kevin O'Connell Named "Investigator of the Month."
by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency

Dr. Kevin P. O’Connell’s research interests are focused in three areas: 1) the development of new simulants for bacterial and viral threat agents that will be usable from lab bench to field test, 2) new real-time assays to detect threat agent genetic signatures, and 3) genetic characterization of Ricinus communis, the castor plant and source of the toxin ricin. He has also recently begun collaborating on work to redefine the phylogenetic relationships among strains of Yersinia pestis, and consults with the US Army Corps of Engineers on biotechnology applications for soil stabilization. His research experience also includes studies of prokaryotic gene expression, biosensor characterization, and practical applications of molecular biology in biologic al defense.

Dr. O’Connell serves as adjunct assistant professor in the departments of Pharmacology and Epidemiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, lecturing on topics from the pharmacology of antibiotics to molecular biology and bacterial genetics. He has presented his work in biological defense research at several national, international, university and other professional settings. Since 2002, Dr. O’Connell has been a review panelist for the Force Protection session of the biannual Army Science Conference. Dr. O’Connell is an author on over 40 peerreviewed scientific journal articles, Army technical reports, book chapters, abstracts, and other articles. He is currently serving a three-year term on the editorial board of the ASM journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology, and is an ad hoc grant reviewer for the Army Research Office. He is a co-inventor on eight patents and pending patent applications. Before joining government service, Dr. O’Connell received postdoctoral training at the NSF Center for Microbial Ecology at Michigan State University, the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and was a NRC Research Fellow at ECBC. He received MS and Ph.D. degrees in Bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and his BS degree in Biology from MIT.

(December 7, 2006)

ECBC Win's MarCom Platinum Award, The Organization's Top Honor, For 2005 Annual Report

MarCom Creative Awards announced winners for the 2006 international awards competition that recognizes outstanding achievement by marketing and communication professionals. Among the recipients of the coveted Platinum award was ECBC, for its 2005 Annual Report.

There were over 5,000 entries from throughout the United States and several foreign countries in the MarCom Creative Awards 2006 competition. About 15% of the entries won the Platinum Award, the organization’s top honor.

View ECBC 2005 Annual Report

Visit MarCom website

(November 29, 2006)

ECBC's Enzyme-Based Decontamination Technology Featured in the 2007 FLC Calendar

A photo of a suited up first responder dispersing All-Clear™ foam to a contaminated vehicle is featured in the Federal Lab Consortium (FLC) 2007 Calendar.

The Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) developed a patented technology to neutralize organophosphorus chemical agents and pesticides. This enzyme-based technology simplifies and improves the process of decontaminating a class of highly toxic chemicals, including nerve agents. Other decontamination methods use corrosive chemicals that are more costly, less efficient, and generate a substantial amount of residue waste.

ECBC partnered with Genencor International, Inc. to manufacture this licensed enzymatic decontamination technology, which is trademarked and known as DEFENZ™. DEFENZ™ is now on the market and available to companies that produce and sell firefighting foams and sprays. All-Clear™, developed by Kidde Fire Fighting Inc, is the first commercially available decontaminant that incorporates these enzymes developed by ECBC. All-Clear™ neutralizes agents without harmful effects on sensitive apparatuses like landing gear and brake assemblies, and has proved to be non-corrosive in Boeing Series Corrosion testing.

(November 20, 2006)

ECBC ships the second of four mine clearing surrogate vehicles it is building for deploying warfighters in training at the National Training Center

Last week Edgewood Chemical Biological Center shipped the second of four mine clearing surrogate vehicles it is building for deploying warfighters in training at the National Training Center. Authentic mine clearing vehicles are urgently needed in the theater of war in Operation Iraqi Freedom and manufacturers are shipping the vehicles overseas as quickly as they can be built, leaving none available for training the warfighters who are preparing for deployment.

Working with the Army's Rapid Equipping Force, ECBC engineers found another solution -- to modify a readily accessible vehicle to meet the unit's training needs. Using an M923A2 5-ton cargo truck as the base, the surrogate was then fabricated to look like the real mine clearing vehicle from the outside and carefully engineering to accurately emulate its interior spaces. The surrogate has an operational articulated hydraulic arm and interior and exterior controls of the same manufacture as the authentic mine clearing vehicle.

MG Nadeau, Commander, Research Development and Engineering Command, was on hand to witness the second of four mine clearing surrogates to be shipped to the NTC. Just 40 days after requesting the surrogate vehicles, the first one was delivered July 18, 2006 and the second was shipped from Aberdeen Proving Ground July 21st. Two more are in production and will be completed in August. MG Nadeau recognized the team's accomplishments stating that "Your success is a monumental home run."

ECBC's mission is to develop chemical and biological defense technology for the warfighter and for homeland security applications. In order to fulfill this mission, ECBC has grown a robust capability in engineering design and is particularly equipped to respond to urgent needs, often fielding new equipment in weeks.

(July 27, 2006)

ECBC works with Harford County Public Schools to develop new curriculum in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness

Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) is working with the Harford County Public Schools to develop a new curriculum in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. ECBC, in conjunction with EAI Corporation in Abingdon, hosted a two-day workshop July 6-7 at the Edgewood Area of Aberdeen Proving Ground to familiarize teachers and administrators with the issues and information related to terrorism and emergency response. Participants were introduced to critical incident response concepts and toured several research laboratories and engineering facilities.

ECBC was selected to serve on the Harford County Program Advisory Committee for the development of this first-in-the-nation high school curriculum in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, a program that will be piloted at Joppatowne High School. ECBC helped conduct a needs assessment, establish the Homeland Security Sciences Program Sequence and identified courses of instruction that would be taught under this sequence. ECBC also helped obtain program approval and secure funding for this pioneering effort. Because of its involvement in this program, ECBC was also selected to serve on a Maryland State Department of Education advisory council and was invited to participate at the national level working with the Department of Education.

Once students complete the required coursework, they will be able to fill critical positions within the Harford County area to include ECBC and APG as well as supporting contractor infrastructure.

“We’re pleased to be able to lend our expertise in the area of homeland security and emergency preparedness to the school system,” said Mary Doak, ECBC program manager for the curriculum development project. “This is a completely unique program that may serve as a model for other school systems. Right now ECBC is making an investment in the community. And we hope that in a few years, this program will have developed a group of knowledgeable experts groomed for employment at Aberdeen Proving Ground.”

(July 7, 2006)

ECBC Releases FY 2005 Annual Report

Edgewood Chemical Biological Center's (ECBC) Annual Report highlighting 2005 technical achievements is now available online. You will see that our achievements span the entire materiel life cycle from research to demilitarization. While activities ensuring our warfighter has the equipment to fight, survive and win on a chemical biological battlefield dominated 2005, ECBC also made important contributions in support of non-proliferation, counter proliferation and consequence management.

To request a hard copy please email ecbc-communications@apgea.army.mil.

(June 28, 2006)

ECBC Hosts eCYBERMISSION Students

Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) is hosting 60 eCYBERMISSION students as well as 20 teachers and chaperones as they take part in an Army Enrichment Day at Aberdeen Proving Ground Tuesday, June 20th. These students represent the most intelligent and technologically innovative children in the world. They are the regional winners of the eCYBERMISSION program from each of the 50 states and Department of Defense Territories to include Armed Forces Europe, Armed Forces Pacific, American Samoa, Guam, and Puerto Rico. These regional winners will be flown to Washington, DC to compete for the national eCYBERMISSION award.

eCYBERMISSION is a Web-based competition organized by the Army’s Research, Development and Engineering Command that rewards students in grades six through nine for solving problems in their communities using science, math and technology. This year, 1,111 teams, comprised of 4,035 students, submitted their research to the Army for judging.

Last year’s sixth grade national winning team from Kennedy Middle School in St. Clair Shores, Michigan dealt with their community’s concern with the growing epidemic of West Nile Virus. Addressing the overpopulation of mosquitoes, the team set out to find a way to control the growing number of mosquitoes and contain the spread of West Nile. The team found that bats consume large amounts of mosquitoes. They then built bat houses to attract bats and control the mosquito population. The team then publicized their solution through local newspapers and by creating an awareness video.

This year’s student will be greeted by ECBC Director Jim Zarzycki and tour the Berger Laboratory. There they will learn about computer aided drafting and design, conceptual design and prototyping, engineering, and manufacturing. Additionally the National Science Center will have its 18-wheeler-Mobile Discovery Center parked behind the lab for the students.

Through eCYBERMISSION, the U.S. Army has awarded more than $2.5 million in prize money in support of the science, math and technology leaders of tomorrow. Since its inception four years ago, over 25,000 students have participated in the competition.

(June 13, 2006)

5th Army WMD Civil Support Teams Receive Training at ECBC

This month Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) is supporting the 5th Army in providing intensive training in chemical and biological incident management to four National Guard Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams. The teams, who traveled here from Delaware, New Hampshire, Vermont and Washington D.C., are receiving chemical and biological defense classroom instruction as well as training on the use and capabilities of incident response and laboratory equipment.

The teams are being trained using four scenarios involving the supposed use of weapons of mass destruction. The scenarios are being acted out at three locations on Aberdeen Proving Ground and one just off post property. To construct the scenarios, ECBC experts used current hazard and intelligence information. Each one has been developed to presumably involve a chemical, biological, radiological agent in a clandestine environment that will require the team to utilize all equipment and personnel. The ECBC training team also provided classroom instruction on the history of chemical biological warfare, properties and characteristics of chemical agents, recognizing drugs versus chemical or biological materials, improvised dispersal devices, industrial agents and topics on laboratory and sampling methods. Instruction has been provided by ECBC subject matter experts.

Right now, 32 states have National Guard Civil Support Teams, and another 23 teams are in the process of forming. Each 22-person team is designed to augment "first response" agencies and must be prepared to deploy within 90 minutes of notification in response to a man-made or natural event causing massive destruction to lives or property within the United States or its territories. They are designed to provide assistance to a local incident commander in determining the nature and extent of an attack or incident; providing expert technical advice on response operations; and helping to identify and support the arrival of follow-on state and federal military response assets. They also support local and state authorities at domestic incident sites by identifying agents and substances, assessing current and projected consequences, advising on response measures, and assisting with requests for additional military support.

(May 12, 2006)

ECBC Decontamination Technology Wins Prestigious Award

A decontamination technology developed by the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) was named a winner of the prestigious 2006 Award for Excellence in Technology Transfer.

The new technology, called "Enzyme-Based Decontamination Technology for Organophosphorus Nerve Agents and Pesticides," is an enzyme-based catalytic decontaminant for chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals. Designed for military use in combat and in operations other than war, ECBC's enzymatic decontamination system is unique because it is non-toxic and environmentally safe, a significant difference from caustic chemical decontamination solutions of the past. The system is dual use, as it can be employed in military operations as well as in civilian first responder and homeland defense situations. In an incident where highly toxic chemicals are released, the enzymes quickly neutralize the chemicals before the contamination spreads.

The substance is stored as a dry powdered concentrate that is activated when combined with available water. It can then be applied to any water-tolerant surface with existing military or civilian spray or foam systems. No rinsing is required, which reduces both the time and amount of water needed to effectively decontaminate.

Because of improved logistics in storage and transporting the enzymes, fire fighters, HAZMAT personnel, and other first responders will be able to more quickly, safely, and effectively respond to an intentional or accidental release of chemical or biological contaminants that threaten public safety and homeland security.

ECBC patented this technology and licensed it to Genencor International, Inc., who licensed the technology and now manufactures the enzymatic decontamination technology under the trademark DEFENZT.

"We are pleased that important technologies such as enzymatic decontamination are being recognized as important contributions to our nation's defense," said Mr. Jim Zarzycki, ECBC Technical Director.

The award is sponsored by the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer. The ECBC inventors will be honored at an award ceremony, which will take place on May 3rd in Minneapolis.

(February 15, 2006)

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