​INCOSE Washington Metro Area Chapter
​A Better World Through a Systems Approach​​

Events

INCOSE WMA events will be hosted virtually (via Zoom video conference) unless otherwise indicated. Registration is required; we will provide the meeting Zoom address when completed. Registration also ensures that members can successfully claim PDUs. 

May 2025 Chapter Meeting

Date: Wednesday, May 14
Time:  6:30 - 8:00 PM ET
Please register and join us Wednesday May 14th, 6:30-8:00 p.m., for our May 2025 INCOSE WMA Chapter Meeting. This month we will be hosting a hybrid event, zoom for virtual attendees and an in-person option at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library in Falls Church, Virginia.
​​
Topic: Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge (SEBoK)

Abstract:
What is this "Systems Engineering Book of Knowledge" (SEBoK) thing, anyway?

Bio:
Christopher Hoffman (SEBok Managing Editor): A certified Expert Systems Engineering Professional with 27+ years at Cummins, is a strategic thinker who translates vision into reality. He has a proven track record of leading multi-disciplinary teams to develop complex product systems in multiple domains and guiding the strategy for over 1300 software tools, improving that portfolio's effective value year over year. As Senior Principal Enterprise Architect, Chris is spearheading the development of a modernized Enterprise Architecture strategy, fostering collaboration across IT and the business, and mentoring architects. A lifelong learner, Chris is the current sebokwiki.org Managing Editor and INCOSE CAB Representative for Cummins.

​​Agenda:
    6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Chapter Business Meeting
    7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Christopher Hoffman "Systems Engineering Body of
                                    Knowledge"



Cost: Free
Sponsored by the INCOSE Washington Metropolitan Area (WMA) Chapter

If you have any questions, please contact us contact@incosewma.org​

Q2 2025 Membership Event

Date: Saturday, June 28
Time: 11:00 AM ET

April 2025 Chapter Meeting

Date: Wednesday, April 9
Time:  6:30 - 8:00 PM ET
Please register and join us Wednesday April 9th, 6:30-8:00 p.m., for our April 2025 INCOSE WMA Chapter Meeting. This month in addition to our normal chapter business, we'll be hearing from Nathan Scott with a briefing about Overview and Understanding of CMMC.

​​​ 
Topic: Overview and Understanding of CMMC

Abstract:
This presentation will provide an overview of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), a framework developed by the Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure cybersecurity practices among defense contractors. The CMMC aims to protect Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB).

Bio:
Nathan Scott, COO and Founder Queen Consulting and Technologies, Inc.
As a CMMC Registered Practitioner, CMMC Certified Professional, and Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with over 20 years’ experience in the IT industry, Nathan has a proven track record in both the private and public sector. Nathan spent several years as a leader and manager for a software development company contracting for Department of Health and Human Services and was the compliance specialist responsible for NIST 800-53 system audits on multiple contracts and systems.
Nathan founded Queen Consulting and Technologies in 2015 to bring expertise and knowledge of IT security, compliance management, and cost-effective solutions to government contractors and private-sector businesses in need of advanced business security and management.

​​Agenda:
    6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Chapter Business Meeting
    7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Nathan Scott "Overview and Understanding of CMMC"



Cost: Free
Sponsored by the INCOSE Washington Metropolitan Area (WMA) Chapter

If you have any questions, please contact us contact@incosewma.org​

Q1 2025 Membership Event

Date: Saturday, March 29
Time:  2:00 PM ET

March 2025 Chapter Meeting

Date: Wednesday, March 12
Time:  6:30 - 8:00 PM ET
Please register and join us Wednesday March 12th, 6:30-8:00 p.m., for our March 2025 INCOSE WMA Chapter Meeting. This month in addition to our normal chapter business, we'll be hearing from from David Long with a briefing about Leadership Lessons and the INCOSE TLI.

​​​ 
Title: Leadership Lessons for Systems Engineers plus Insights into the INCOSE Technical Leadership Institute

Abstract:
Two INCOSE TLI participants from Cohort 10 will share their leadership journeys, and the role that TLI has played. A TLI coach will provide his perspective on TLI – background and lessons applied. Extracted from https://www.incose.org/learn/tli – “Established in 2015, the Technical Leadership Institute (TLI) is a global learning network of INCOSE members committed to improving technical leadership skills to better address today's product, enterprise, and societal complexity. Following nomination by an INCOSE leader, participants embark on an initial two-year experience designed to increase their self-awareness, improve their understanding of complexity, and provide experience in leading through influence in the presence of ambiguity and uncertainty.”​
 
Biography:
David Long has spent over 30 years helping organizations increase
their systems engineering proficiency while simultaneously working to
advance the state of the art. He is an internationally recognized leader
within INCOSE and the greater systems engineering community.
David developed his leadership philosophy and behaviors based upon
a unique blend of commercial experience (founding and leading a
systems engineering company) and volunteer experience (leading
INCOSE at the local, regional, and international level). This
positioned David to advise diverse organizations around the world
as well as coach the next generation of systems engineering leaders
as part of INCOSE’s Technical Leadership Institute.


​​Agenda:
    6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Chapter Business Meeting
    7:00 pm - 8:00 pm David Long "Leadership Lessons for Systems Engineers plus
                                    Insights into the INCOSE Technical Leadership Institute"



Cost: Free
Sponsored by the INCOSE Washington Metropolitan Area (WMA) Chapter

If you have any questions, please contact us contact@incosewma.org​

INCOSE WMA Chapter Meeting February 2025 
(Online via Zoom, Wednesday, February 12th)​​​​​​

Date: Wednesday, February 12th
Time:  6:30 - 8:00 PM (1830-2000) EST
Please register and join us Wednesday February 12th, 6:30-8:00 p.m., for our February 2025 INCOSE WMA Chapter Meeting. This month in addition to our normal chapter business, we'll be hearing from our Vice President Dr. Shawn Na, CSEP and Past President Gary Thomas about their attendance at INCOSE 2025 International Workshop.​​​​​​​​
​​
Title: 2025 INCOSE International Workshop (IW) Debrief
Abstract: 
1. MBSE (Model based systems engineering) workshop
The MBSE Workshop will focus on SysML v2 Transition. SysML v2 is the next generation systems modeling language that is intended to significantly enhance the precision, expressiveness, consistency, usability, interoperability, and extensibility, compared to SysML v1. It offers both textual and graphical representations of the language that enhances system understanding. A standard API and a set of services help navigate, query, and update the model and enable interoperability across tools and models throughout the system development lifecycle.
The SysML v2 specification is planned to be submitted for final adoption by the OMG in February, 2025. Commercial and open-source SysML v2 tools are anticipated to be available in 2025 as well.
To effectively transition from SysML v1 to SysML v2, organizations will need to define and execute an effective transition strategy and plan.  This will help to preserve investments in SysML v1 models while leveraging the enhanced capabilities of SysML v2. To accomplish this, organizations will need to update their modeling practices, methodology, tools, and training to ready the workforce.  In addition, organizations should carefully consider which projects will transition, when to transition, and how to transition to maximize the benefits and minimize costs and risks to programs and systems performance.
2. Digital Twins: multiple meanings for multiple values
An impressive number of documents —in industry sectors, research laboratories and standardization committees— have set the scene of Digital Twins in Digital Transformation. Nevertheless, there are various interpretations about what Digital Twins are and which value they can provide.
A Thematic Workshop, held in hybrid mode, during the INCOSE International Workshop 2025, on Monday, 3 February 2025, proposes to discuss the basics of what Digital Twins are, based on real scientific, industrial and operational experiences, taking into account the skills, techniques, values, blockers, benefits and risks introduced. This workshop is also expected to analyse how Systems Engineering and Architecting are essential activities to get viable solutions through their life-cycle; but also, what are the related challenges and how INCOSE working groups can solve them.
Four sessions are planned for presentations and discussions:
Digital Twins fundamentals (terms, definitions, concepts and principles governing Digital Twins and Twinning activities); Return on investment (studies, developments, standards, reference documents and identified values); Twinning practices (Twin Thinking, System Engineering and Architecting of Twinned Systems); Results and outcomes (identified needs and actions to be performed).

Biographies:
Gary Thomas is an engineer and technical management
professional with over 20 years of experience supporting the
Department of Defense (Army). As the son of a U.S. Naval Officer and
Vietnam Veteran, he grew up on the West Coast and across the Pacific
Islands before settling in Reston, Virginia, where he raised his family-
which includes six children, a dog and cat! 
He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from George
Mason University and a master’s degree in applied intelligence from
Mercyhurst University. He is preparing to continue his education in
systems engineering in 2025, building on his experience in
complex systems, technical management, and defense acquisition.
Gary served as the 2024 president of the INCOSE WMA Chapter, where
he worked to advance the profession, support collaboration, and
promote increased ties with the student chapters. He is
passionate about engineering, mentoring, and community-driven technical projects.
Beyond his career, he enjoys motorcycling, walking, and lifelong learning. As an active member of the INCOSE community, he looks forward to connecting with others and supporting those who want to grow in the field. If you ever have questions or need guidance, he’s here to help.

Dr. Shawn Na is a seasoned technology leader with over 15 years of
experience driving large-scale digital transformations and IT
modernizations. Currently serving as Technical Director at SAIC in
McLean, VA, he advises a federal agency’s Chief Information Officer
(CIO) office, spearheading initiatives such as cloud migration and
artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) adoption.
His prior roles include Task Lead at MITRE Corporation, overseeing
multimillion-dollar projects, and Senior Systems Architect at ManTech
International Corporation, where he streamlined systems engineering
documentation processes and participated in CMMI appraisals.
Shawn holds a Doctor of Technology at Purdue University, an Executive
MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology, an M.S. in
Applied Information Technology from George Mason University,
an M.E. in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University,
and a B.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech.
Shawn has obtained multiple industry recognized professional certifications including INCOSE CSEP, ISC2 CISSP & CC, ISACA CISM, PMI PMP, ASQ CSQE, TOGAF 9, SAFe POPM, CSM, AWS, Azure, Google and Oracle clouds.  
He has previously presented at ASEM 2024, ICSET 2024, NVIDIA GTC 2021 and WCPH 2020. Shawn will be presenting at SITE 2025 and ICEIS 2025. His upcoming works include an accepted book chapter from Bridging Gaps in Human Resource Development Through Scholar-Practitioners. His career showcases a commitment to technological advancement and leadership in IT strategy, architecture & infrastructure, systems engineering, cybersecurity and AI/ML.
 
​​Agenda:
    6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Chapter Business Meeting
    7:00 pm - 8:00 pm “2025 INCOSE International Workshop (IW) Debrief”


Cost: Free
Sponsored by the INCOSE Washington Metropolitan Area (WMA) Chapter

If you have any questions, please contact us contact@incosewma.org​

INCOSE WMA Chapter Meeting January 2025 
(Online via Zoom, Wednesday, January 8th)​​​​​​

Date: Wednesday, January 8th
Time:  6:30 - 8:00 PM (1830-2000) EST
This month we'll be starting off the New Year by inducting our 2025 Board of Directors and have an extremely special guest, INCOSE President Ralf Hartmann will be presenting on the topic of "Plans for INCOSE in 2025". This will be a presentation not to miss! 
​​ 
​​Agenda:
    6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Chapter Business Meeting
    7:00 pm - 7:30 pm 2025 Board of Directors Induction
    7:30 pm - 8:00 pm INCOSE President Ralf Hartmann "Plans for INCOSE in 2025"


Cost: Free
Sponsored by the INCOSE Washington Metropolitan Area (WMA) Chapter

If you have any questions, please contact us contact@incosewma.org​

INCOSE WMA Chapter Meeting November 2024 
(Online via Zoom, Wednesday, November 13th)​​

Date:  Wednesday, May 8th
Time:  6:30 - 8:00 PM (1830-2000) EDT
Presenters:  Dr. Ekundayo Shittu, Dr. Eric Dano, Dr. Jon Deason, and Dr. David Broniatowski from George Washington University's Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Department (ESME)
 
Subject:  Overview of systems engineering research activities at George Washington University. 

​
Abstract:  The George Washington University’s Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Department (EMSE) goal is to" Lead the search for solutions to the world’s most complex issues.”

Interconnected, complex systems are at the heart of today’s looming “socio-technical” challenges, including climate change, artificial intelligence (AI), public health, data, privacy, and many more. Solving these problems requires an interdisciplinary approach that spans traditional technical boundaries while incorporating methods and theories from various social science disciplines. This necessitates a problem-driven approach that, historically, has not been well supported by conventional education paradigms and
research communities.

The department’s approach to “problem-driven” research and education, features a mix of academic and practitioner perspectives on pressing societal problems and creates novel strategies for addressing them. Research areas cover a broad range of topics rom healthcare and resilient infrastructure to humans in engineering and space exploration.

To provide examples of the above, four short presentations will be given by GW Engineering, EMSE Staff:
​​
EMSE Department Introduction – Dr. Ekundayo Shittu
MBSA/SE & Capstone Overview – Dr. Eric Dano
Environmental & Energy Management Institute – Dr. Jon Deason
Trustworthy AI – Dr. David Broniatowski

 
​​Agenda:
6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Chapter Business Meeting/Administrative Updates
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Presentations; Questions


Cost: Free
Sponsored by the INCOSE Washington Metropolitan Area (WMA) Chapter

If you have any questions, please contact us contact@incosewma.org

INCOSE WMA Chapter Meeting October 2024  ​​
(Online via Zoom, Wednesday, October 9th)

Date:  Wednesday, October 9th
Time:  6:30 - 8:00 PM (1830-2000) EDT
Presenters:  Dr. Taylan G. Topcu and Dr. Peter Beling
 
Subject: Virginia Tech's Systems Engineering Program and the Socio-technical Systems Engineering Lab (STSELab) research, and research at the Intelligent Systems Division of the Virginia Tech National Security Institute.

​
Abstract:  Taylan G. Topcu, Ph.D., will outline the emerging systems engineering landscape and give an overview of Virginia Tech's Systems Engineering Program and the Socio-technical Systems Engineering Lab (STSELab) research. Additionally, Peter Beling, Ph.D., will discuss the Intelligent Systems Division of the Virginia Tech National Security Institute research, which focuses on three principal areas: (1) cyber resilience; (2) engineering AI-enabled systems; and (3) test and evaluation of systems. This talk will cover the key role in these topics played by systems engineering and systems theory.

About the Presenters:
Taylan G. Topcu is an Assistant Professor of Systems Engineering in the Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. His research integrates systems engineering, microeconomics, and data-science to study socio-technical measurement issues in the context of design and management of complex systems. Specifically, he is interested in two overarching themes: systems architecture theory and management of safety-critical systems. He specializes in conducting mixed-methods research with a strong empirical grounding, often leveraging government & industry partners such as NASA, NAVSEA, DOE, and INFRABEL (the Belgian National Railroad Company) for the research setting and refinement of his theoretical insights. At Virginia Tech, he also serves as the Director of the Systems Engineering MS Degree Program and the Coordinator of the Mission Engineering Graduate Certificate Program.

He received his Ph.D. at Virginia Tech in the Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering in 2020 and was a Postdoctoral Scientist at the Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering at the George Washington University before joining Virginia Tech faculty. He also holds aM.Sc. in Systems Engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and a B.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering from the Middle East Technical University (METU, 2009). Prior to joining academia; he worked as a Systems Engineer at Roketsan, architecting HISAR – the first air defense missile system of Turkey.

Peter Beling is the director of the Intelligent Systems Division at the Virginia Tech National Security Institute and is a professor in the Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. His research interests lie at the intersections of systems engineering and AI and include digital and mission engineering, AI adoption, reinforcement learning, and transfer learning. His research has found application in a variety of domains, including cyber resilience of cyber-physical systems, prognostics and health management, and smart manufacturing.

Prior to joining Virginia Tech, he was a professor of Systems Engineering at the University of Virginia (UVA) and directed the UVA site of the Center for Visual and Decision Informatics, a National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center, and the Adaptive Decision Systems Laboratory. Additionally, he serves on the Research Council of the Systems Engineering Research Center (SERC).

He received his Ph.D. in operations research from the University of California at Berkeley, his M.S. in operations research from The George Washington University, and his B.S. in mathematics from the University of Virginia.

 
​​Agenda:
6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Chapter Business Meeting/Administrative Updates
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Presentations; Questions


Cost: Free
Sponsored by the INCOSE Washington Metropolitan Area (WMA) Chapter

If you have any questions, please contact us contact@incosewma.org​

INCOSE WMA Chapter Meeting June 2024 (Online via Zoom, Wednesday, June 12th)

Date:  Wednesday, June 12th
Time:  6:30 - 8:00 PM (1830-2000) EDT
Presenter: Ms. Renee L. Steinwand

Subject: "Americas Sector Chapter Support and Future Plans."
​
​Abstract:

​Renee Steinwand, INCOSE Americas Sector Director and a seasoned INCOSE leader, will discuss how members and INCOSE Chapters such as WMA can benefit from Americas Sector Chapter Support, which is designed to bring INCOSE to you and your chapter, amplify your membership, and listen to your needs. She will also discuss future plans.


About the Presenter:

Renee joined INCOSE in 2006. She has over 14 years of leadership at the International, Regional, and Chapter levels. She has been the INCOSE Americas Sector Director since January 2022. Her term's focus has been to help chapters understand and utilize INCOSE resources, products, and services.  

Renee is a Senior Systems Engineer at Booz Allen Hamilton. She is currently working with the U.S. Space Force Spectrum Warfare Analysis Center (SWAC) to identify, analyze, and recommend technologies for development to improve supporting the warfighter of the future. Her background of 40 years in the Aerospace business includes satellite orbital analysis, space operations, ground system development, satellite communication protocols, and applying that knowledge to the development of future space system architectures. She has provided multiple inputs on proposals, specifically, Systems Engineering Management Plans, and Model Based Systems Engineering processes, using both ISO 15288 and the SE Handbook as sources for standardization. Her Booz Allen tenure (since 1989) has provided opportunities that encompass supporting Air Force Launch Vehicle systems, Military Communications, NASA satellite communications, AF Satellite Control Network, and the National Space Defense Center. Her systems engineering expertise includes: Architecture Development, Requirements Analysis, Test and Evaluation, Risk Management, Cost Analysis, Schedule Development, Systems Integration, Quality Assurance, Configuration Management, Data Management, and Technical Planning. Renee became a Certified Systems Engineering Professional (2010), then an Expert Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP) in 2022. In addition to INCOSE volunteer activities, she was a member of the Cheyenne Mountain School District Board of Education. She served for 8 years on the board in Colorado Springs, focusing on policy and curriculum to enhance the high-achieving district. Renee was the Assistant Project Manager for the 2010 INCOSE International Symposium, hosted in Denver, CO. The effort required two years of planning, working with INCOSE Leadership, Tech Ops, and KMD. As a result, the Colorado Front Range Chapter received significant shares of the Symposium proceeds that year, which has continued to benefit the chapter to support its members.


​​Agenda:
6:30 pm - 6:45 pm Chapter Business Meeting
6:45 pm - 7:45 pm Presentations
7:45 pm - 8:00 pm Questions


Cost: Free
Sponsored by the INCOSE Washington Metropolitan Area (WMA) Chapter

​
If you have any questions, please contact us contact@incosewma.org

INCOSE WMA Chapter Meeting May 2024 (Online via Zoom, Wednesday, May 8th)

Date:  Wednesday, May 8th
Time:  6:30 - 8:00 PM (1830-2000) EDT
​

Presenter: Dr. Barclay R. Brown

Subject:  AI and SE

​Abstract:

AI is widely discussed but little understood, even in most engineering circles. While AI methods like machine learning and deep neural networks continue to make strides in applications like numeric prediction, classification, and computer vision, large language models continue to catch the public eye. Systems engineers deal with a great amount of text of all kinds—requirements, specifications, architecture documents, contracts, statements of work and many others, so large language models seem a natural fit. At the same time, public concern over large language models (LLMs) isn’t far from the front page of mainstream media on a weekly basis. Will the LLM give us the right answers? Can we trust it? Will it try to take over if it gets too smart? How can we verify systems that use black box components like LLMs? In this talk we’ll deal with some of these concerns, and also point the way to successful exploitation of this exciting new technology.

​​Agenda:
6:30 pm - 6:45 pm Chapter Business Meeting
6:45 pm - 7:45 pm Presentations
7:45 pm - 8:00 pm Questions​​​


Cost: Free
Sponsored by the INCOSE Washington Metropolitan Area (WMA) Chapter

​
If you have any questions, please contact us contact@incosewma.org

INCOSE WMA Chapter Meeting April 2024 (Online via Zoom, Wednesday, April 10th)

Date:  Wednesday, April 10th
Time:  6:30 - 8:00 PM (1830-2000) EDT
Presenters: Dr. Lowanda Studevent, Mr. William Scheible and Mr. Gary Lee Thomas

Subject:  INCOSE International Workshop Debrief

​Abstract:
INCOSE's International Workshop (IW) is the event of the year for systems engineers to contribute to the state of the art. Unlike INCOSE's annual International Symposium (IS) and other conferences, there were no paper, panel or tutorial presentations. Instead, attendees spent 4 days working alongside fellow systems engineers who came to make a difference.

Systems Engineers at all levels and from all backgrounds were encouraged to engage in working sessions and contribute their knowledge and experience to take the discipline forward. IW2024 facilitates a moment and a place where attendees build networks, perform activities, and produce outcomes beyond their typical network and focus area.

Accomplishing these goals was greatly enabled by in-person attendance, with virtual participation offered for selected sessions. Hybrid sessions strive to include virtual attendees as much as possible, yet individual experiences will vary.

Sessions were encouraged to inclusively engage multiple working groups, diverse practitioners, and multiple competency levels as they complete meeting outcomes, satisfying the session’s purpose. Attendees experienced a different, yet complementary, experience to regular working group meetings throughout the year.

The 3 main focuses for INCOSE IW 2024 were:
1) Safer Complex Systems
2) Future of Systems Engineering (FuSE)
3) Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

​​Agenda:
6:30 pm - 6:45 pm Chapter Business Meeting
6:45 pm - 7:45 pm Presentations
7:45 pm - 8:00 pm Questions

Cost: Free
Sponsored by the INCOSE Washington Metropolitan Area (WMA) Chapter

​
If you have any questions, please contact us contact@incosewma.org

INCOSE WMA Chapter Meeting March 2024 (Online via Zoom, Wednesday, March 13th)

Date:  Wednesday, March 13th
Time:  6:30 - 8:00 PM (1830-2000) EDT
Presenter: Dr. Linton (Lin) Wells, George Mason University

Subject:  STAR-TIDES Network

​Abstract:
​
STAR-TIDES is a  global knowledge-sharing network designed to build sustainable resilience, improve emergency responses,  and promote useful interactions among experts in their fields. Composed of people and organizations from government, the private sector, academia, NGOs and other entities, STAR-TIDES pulls diverse skills together quickly to address emergent problems. STAR-TIDES focuses on seven core “platform” areas: Energy; Housing & Shelter; Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH); Agriculture & Food Security; Information & Communications Technology (including cyber resilience); Mobility & Logistics; and Health Care.  Experts from these areas address real world situations worldwide, including broadband deployments, emergency responses, and community resilience. Besides platform expertise, members of the network can promote effective action and innovation through skills like narrative  storytelling, systems thinking, education, finance, and digital enabling technologies, such as GIS and distributed encrypted ledgers. The presentation will discuss STAR-TIDES as a whole, its history, activities, and the upcoming capabilities demonstration.

About the Presenter:

Dr. Lin Wells brings more than twenty-five years of leadership experience at the interface of policy and technology. Recent research has focused on international cyber resilience and critical infrastructure protection, electromagnetic spectrum issues, countering disinformation in complex information environments, and supply chain risk management, as well as the policy implication of accelerating, converging technological change. From 1998-2007 Dr. Wells was Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (PDASD) for Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence (C3I) and then Networks and Information Integration (NII). He also served as Acting Assistant Secretary and DoD CIO.  In 2014 he completed 51 years with DoD, including 26 years as a Navy surface warfare officer. He is a 1967 USNA graduate. He holds a master’s in mathematical sciences (OR concentration) and a PhD in international relations from Johns Hopkins University.
He chairs the Advisory Group to the C5I Center at George Mason University (GMU), is Executive Advisor to GMU’s Center for Resilient and Sustainable Communities, (C-RASC) and a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD).  See also <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linton_Wells_II>
 ​
Until further notice, all INCOSE WMA Chapter Meetings will be held virtually via Zoom ONLY. INCOSE WMA thanks you in advance for your patience and adaptability as we all work together to manage the challenges presented by COVID-19.

Cost: Free
Sponsored by the INCOSE Washington Metropolitan Area (WMA) Chapter

​
If you have any questions, please contact us contact@incosewma.org

Docent-led Tour of Udvar-Hazy Center Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Chantilly, VA

Date:  Saturday, March 2nd
Time: 10 AM - 12 PM
​
Docent: Paul Schafer, Major General, USAF (Retired)

Join INCOSE WMA for a two-hour docent-led tour of the Udvar-Hazy Center led by Major General Paul Schafer, USAF (retired). Paul is a former A-10 pilot, as well as a graduate of and former instructor at the US Air Force Fighter Weapons School.
 
This tour will highlight the museum’s collection and provide in-depth insight regarding the history of air and space travel. You are guaranteed to learn something new about the complex systems on display, while also networking with fellow systems engineers.

REGISTRANTS MAY BRING GUEST(s). THERE IS SPACE FOR UP TO 60 REGISTRANTS TOTAL

 
Cost: Free
Sponsored by the INCOSE Washington Metropolitan Area (WMA) Chapter

​
If you have any questions, please contact us contact@incosewma.org
​​

INCOSE WMA Chapter Meeting February 2024 (Online via Zoom, Wednesday, Feb. 7th)

Date:  Wednesday, February 7th
Time:  6:30 - 8:00 PM (1830-2000) EDT
Presenter: Barclay R. Brown, Associate Director for AI Research at Collins Aerospace

Subject:  Concerns around -- and successful use of -- artificial intelligence (AI) and large langua​ge models (LLMs). 

​Abstract:
​
AI is widely discussed but little understood, even in most engineering circles these days. While AI methods like machine learning and deep neural networks continue to make strides in applications like numeric prediction, classification, and computer vision, large language models continue to catch the public eye. Systems engineers deal with a great amount of text of all kinds—requirements, specifications, architecture documents, contracts, statements of work and many others, so large language models seem a natural fit. At the same time, public concern over large language models (LLMs) isn’t far from the front page of mainstream media on a weekly basis. Will the LLM give us the right answers? Can we trust it? Will it try to take over if it gets too smart? How can we verify systems that use black box components like LLMs? In this talk we’ll deal with some of these concerns, and also point the way to successful exploitation of this exciting new technology.

About the Presenter:

Barclay R. Brown is Associate Director for AI Research at Collins Aerospace, a division of Raytheon Technologies. Before joining Collins, he was an Engineering Fellow in Raytheon Missiles and Defense, focusing on MBSE, and prior to that he was the Global Solution Executive for the Aerospace and Defense Industry at IBM. Dr. Brown holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, master’s degrees in Psychology and Business and a PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering. He is author of Engineering Intelligent Systems, published by Wiley, and is a certified Expert Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP), certified Systems Engineering Quality Manager, and CIO of INCOSE.

​
Until further notice, all INCOSE WMA Chapter Meetings will be held virtually via Zoom ONLY. INCOSE WMA thanks you in advance for your patience and adaptability as we all work together to manage the challenges presented by COVID-19.

 
Cost: Free
Sponsored by the INCOSE Washington Metropolitan Area (WMA) Chapter
​​
If you have any questions, please contact us contact@incosewma.org

INCOSE WMA Chapter Meeting January 2024 (Online via Zoom, Wed. Jan. 10th)

Date:  Wednesday, January 10
Time:  6:30 - 8:00 PM (1830-2000) EDT
Presenter: Dr. John Shortle, Chair of Systems Engineering and Operations Research at George Mason University
​
Abstract:
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Systems engineers play a crucial role in developing innovative solutions that meet the complex demands of our interconnected and rapidly evolving world. This presentation showcases unique aspects of the undergraduate and graduate systems engineering programs at George Mason University, helping to educate the next generation of systems engineers. The undergraduate program was recently approved for academic equivalency by the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). This means that graduating students who meet minimum grade requirements can bypass the INCOSE knowledge exam as part of the process to obtain certification as an Associate Systems Engineering Professional. Mason is only the second institution to obtain this equivalency at the undergraduate level. Other notable elements of the graduate and undergraduate systems engineering programs at Mason will be discussed including computing for digital engineering, systems engineering and artificial intelligence, digital twins, and systems engineering for sustainability.

John Shortle is Chair of the Department of Systems Engineering and Operations Research at George Mason University. His research interests include simulation, queueing, and analysis of rare events with applications in air transportation, aviation safety, power systems, and telecommunications.  Dr. Shortle has been the principal investigator or co-principal investigator on projects worth approximately $6.7 million. Many of his research projects are funded by the FAA and NASA supporting the goal of making the future air transportation system safer than it is today. Dr. Shortle is a co-author of the textbook, Fundamentals of Queueing Theory. He recently served as the Program Chair for the Winter Simulation Conference. He has also served as an associate editor for IEEE Transactions on Reliability and the Journal of Probability and Statistical Science. Prior to joining Mason, he worked in the telecommunications industry at US WEST Advanced Technologies. He received a B.S. in Mathematics from Harvey Mudd College and a Ph.D. and M.S. in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from U.C. Berkeley.


 
Cost: Free
Sponsored by the INCOSE Washington Metropolitan Area (WMA) Chapter
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If you have any questions, please contact us contact@incosewma.org

For more INCOSE events visit: https://www.incose.org/events

INCOSE WMA events will be hosted virtually
(via Zoom video conference) unless otherwise indicated
For more information: contact@incosewma.org​