PANAMA CITY, Fla. –
Andrew Bouchard, an engineer at Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD), was recently selected as a recipient of the Individual Engineer Award for 2022 by the Assistant Secretary of the Navy Research, Development and Acquisition (ASN RD&A) Dr. Delores M. Etter Top Navy Scientists and Engineers Awards committee.
Presented annually in June, this coveted award recognizes the top Naval engineers and scientists who demonstrate superior technical merit, innovation and operational impact in alignment with ASN RD&A priorities.
The metamodel created by Bouchard in collaboration with numerous researchers locally and at other Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) warfare centers deconstructs complex systems into independent capabilities enabling fundamental research to create system models and analytical tools to support verification efforts of autonomous systems. Expanding upon the fundamental breakthrough in research will reduce the trust gap between existing and future autonomous systems, ultimately reducing the number of humans required to participate in life-threatening missions.
Bouchard, initially shocked when notified that he had won, is already brainstorming future engineering efforts to further support the Navy.
“I was surprised and grateful, I didn’t even know I was under consideration for the award,” said Bouchard. “I’m grateful because this work is something I am passionate about. I plan to attend the ceremony and discuss future collaboration efforts with other organizations in the Navy and outside of the Navy to continue to advance autonomy for the United States.”
Dr. Richard Tatum, NSWC PCD Automation and Dynamics branch head, collaborated on the work and is the namesake of part of the model. He explains the magnitude of Bouchard’s research within his profession’s field.
“Due to Andrew’s leadership and contributions, we have an improved view of the verification of autonomous systems,” said Tatum. “Monolithic systems are nearly impossible to verify due to the complex, innumerable test cases that must be generated and understood. Now, we can look at autonomous systems as collections of capabilities that can be independently verified, reducing the complexity of the verification problem.”
Tatum went on to commend Bouchard on his accomplishment.
“Andrew’s winning of this prestigious award is a proud moment for NSWC PCD, and in particular, our autonomous systems researchers,” said Tatum. “As autonomy draws upon many different disciplines in science, mathematics, and engineering, I am hopeful others from across these disciplines will be encouraged to join our ranks in solving some very important problems related to autonomy.“
Capt. David Back, NSWC PCD commanding officer, echoes the significant impact of Bouchard’s contributions.
“After further testing and studies, these findings have the opportunity to be life-saving in the Fleet,” states Back. “Fully autonomous systems will finally remove Sailors and Marines from these threat areas, improving the future safety for our brave men and women and blazing the trail for future improvements in autonomy.”
Bouchard will formally be recognized for his development, which has the potential to change the way that autonomous systems are developed and tested, during a ceremony held this month in Maryland.
The award – sponsored by the ASN RD&A– is named for the Honorable Delores M. Etter, who served as U.S. Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Science and Technology from 1998 to 2001 and ASN RD&A from 2005 to 2007.