An Unwavering Work Ethic Drives 2024 1st Quarter Silver BEAR Award Winners’ Success

September 3, 2024: Congratulations to our 2024 1st Quarter Silver BEAR Award Winners  – David Birbal, Frank Digiuseppe, Tonia Green, Seth Lambert, Radislav Sinyak, Tahirah Rogers, Kathie Thomas-Keprta and Samuel Vengerik – whose unwavering work ethic is the driving force behind their success. Their willingness to step up and learn new skills while taking on more responsibility ensured the achievement of our clients’ missions.

David Birbal, Senior Software Engineer, on our Boeing Engineering Technical Services (BETS) contract, has been recognized for always looking to improve his skills set and the functionality of the Payload Data Library (PDL) application. David’s proactive approach to addressing customer needs is evident in his multifaceted role within the team. When a System Administrator position became vacant, David stepped up without hesitation and absorbed the responsibilities seamlessly. David showcases a strong work ethic and delivers consistently high-quality work through his unwavering dedication to his responsibilities as a Software Engineer and System Administrator.

As a Cross Program Integration Engineer on our Human Space Flight Technical Integration Contract (HSFTIC), Frank Digiuseppe has provided exceptional leadership on the integration and development of the Orion Launch Commit Criteria (LCC), while concurrently providing outstanding integration support to develop the Orion Operational Maintenance Requirement Specifications (OMRS) for Artemis II, which is near completion due to his efforts. His strong work ethic, attention to detail, and exceptional leadership and integration skills make him integral to the Orion team and the successful accomplishment of the Mission.

With her unwavering sense of customer service, good judgment, professionalism and her helpful demeanour, Tonia Green, Project Coordinator, on our Consolidated Program Support Services (CPSS) Project Coordination (PC) contract at NASA HQ, has proven to be critical to the image and perception of NASA’s highest front office. Serving in the Office of the Administrator, her steadfast professionalism and the high-visibility support that she provides to NASA’s Administrator, Senator Bill Nelson, has seen her deliver exceptional value and a strong work ethic to her customers and teammates. Additionally, Tonia is an excellent writer and produced the Front Office Handbook, a key reference resource for continuity and training.

Seth Lambert, Software Architect, and Radislav Sinyak, Communications Specialist, on HSFTIC, received their awards for their leadership in defining, documenting, developing, testing, demonstrating, and delivering a state-of-the-art Orion docking simulator capability for the Orion Program. This docking simulator kiosk is being used for communications and outreach events across the country to educate students about Orion and the Artemis Program, provide an interactive experience, and excite students and space enthusiasts of all ages. And to top it off, the inaugural use of the Orion docking simulation kiosk at the Indianapolis solar eclipse event was an overwhelming success.

Tahirah Rogers, Gateway IT Lead on HSFTIC, is being recognized for her amazing technical leadership, anticipating customer needs and providing proactive solutions for the implementation of SharePoint solutions to support International Partner Design Reviews across Gateway. Not only do NASA Gateway teams know Tahirah is the best, so do our International Partners.

Kathie Thomas-Keprta, Senior Research Scientist on the Johnson Space Center (JSC) Engineering Technology and Sciences (JETS II) contract, has been at the forefront of acquiring the necessary instrumentation, developing analysis methods, and building procedures to process OSIRIS-REx samples that returned to Earth in October 2023. She has also been a key member of the team analyzing mirror surface samples from the Eugene Stansbery – Meter Class Autonomous Telescope (ES-MCAT) and has innovated the process of analyzing the samples.

As a Mechanical Engineer on the JETS II contract, Samuel Vengerik has been identified as a rising star within the Crew and Thermal Systems Test Branch (EC4) as project manager and project engineer. He is currently in dual roles, leading three major projects including Exploration Extravehicular Activity Services (xEVAS), VIPER and Lunar Vertical Solar Array Technology (LVSAT). He has demonstrated proactivity in addressing issues, as well as in saving costs and time. Samuel shows forethought, which allows him to identify and correct risks, and he has excelled as a leader and mentor to those around him. His strong work ethic is evident in his ability to work as an engineer and take on a Project Management role at the same time.

The BEAR Awards Program recognizes superior performance and outstanding support of customer and company goals. Each quarter, outstanding employees are selected to receive the Silver Award. Silver award winners automatically qualify for the annual Gold BEAR award.