Photo By Megan Mudersbach | Captain Richard Folga, Naval Aerospace and Operational Physiologist, Disorientation...... read more read more
By: Erica Jones, Public Affairs, NAMRU-Dayton
Affectionately known as the “Kraken(TM)", the Disorientation Research Device (DRD) occupies a distinctive space among the array of specialized research facilities and unique scientific capabilities boasted by Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton (NAMRU-Dayton). Recently man-rated, the DRD is a one-of-a-kind motion-based simulator able to offer six axis of movement, full 360-degree motion, and achieve 3G acceleration in under five seconds. Combined with skillful engineering, the Kraken offers hyper-realistic simulations which replicate real world flight and vehicle operation variables.
Mastering this mechanical beast requires a special mixture of scientific and technical understanding, refined business savvy, and dedicated vision for the future. Enter Captain Richard Folga, head of NAMRU-Dayton’s Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory’s (NAMRL) engineering and technical support services department and Naval Aerospace and Operational Physiologist. As the DRD program manager, he assumes responsibility for all aspects of device and equipment management for this one-of-a-kind technology.
“The Kraken is an unbelievably unique asset,” says Folga. “To be the gatekeepers of the device and write the script for how it’s going to help naval aviation and science in general is an amazing opportunity we have here at NAMRU-Dayton.”
A huge part of that opportunity lies in the fact that types of aircraft the Kraken can simulate are endless. Maximizing the machine’s potential requires Folga to combine his specialized knowledge of aerospace physiology with a team of mathematicians, engineers and others. Their efforts include plotting scenarios, building and configuring equipment, troubleshooting malfunctions, and ensuring system safety, among other tasks.
“I’ve been lucky enough to build this team nearly from scratch, and you don’t get a chance to do that in the military very often,” says Folga. “The people I have make everything easier. When you go to work every day with people who are conscientious, have the teams’ best interest at heart, and love the mission, it makes being a supervisor great. I make sure to check in with everyone on the team regularly to strategize projects, optimize the workspace, and get the information I need to recognize them for their accomplishments towards the mission.”
Connecting with others has been a key tenant of Folga’s professional philosophy since his early days as a junior physiologist. For him, the road to program management and department head was paved not only with the mandatory building blocks of ambition, tenacity and the willingness to try something new, but also acknowledgement from peers and mentors.
“I credit much of where I am now to the recognition of my community,” insists Folga. His extensive awards list includes the 2001 Aerospace Physiologist of the Year in the Naval Aerospace Physiology Program, the 2007 Aerospace Physiology Society Wiley Post Award for Operational Aerospace Physiology, the 2010 SAFE Team Achievement award, the 2013 Walter and Sylvia Goldenrath award for excellence in aerospace physiology, 2016 Paul Bert Award for physiologic research, the 2016 SAFE Wright Brothers Chapter Outstanding Program Manager and a Navy Meritorious Service Medal.
A former president of both the Society of U.S. Naval Aerospace Physiologist and the Aerospace Physiology society, Folga also emphasizes the importance of involvement in professional organizations.
“It’s key for those interested in this career path to get involved early and prioritize professional development to separate yourself from others,” recommends Folga. “In addition, professional organizations are great opportunities to experience camaraderie and build your network.”
The peer recognition and hard work which propelled in his early career have prepared him for the present demands of his dynamic workdays. To oversee the entire program, he involves himself not only with the engineering and research aspects of the mission, but also the necessary business management components of the job. These include managing funds to procure equipment and tools, training staff, and building and maintaining professional relationships.
“Interfacing with the military community which is constantly in flux, is a big part of what I do,” says Folga. “It’s not something people immediately think about, but to be a good physiologist requires learning to be a good communicator. Early in a physiologist’s career, you teach a lot, which helps develop that skillset. As the program manager, in order to integrate people, find assets, and navigate internal issues, that ability is crucial.”
As NAMRU-Dayton’s team expands and awareness of the Kraken’s operational capabilities grows, Folga is looking forward to the road ahead.
“We…are really approaching world-class capability,” says Folga. “I’m surrounded by people who are very impressive, and we are doing the best we can to keep up with [our] growth.”
However, despite the rising and demands of the command and program, Folga remains confident of his ability to tame the Kraken and the other devices that lurk in his department, ensuring they continue to serve NAMRU-Dayton’s mission of maximizing warfighter performance and survivability through premier research.
“My team’s challenge is to help design and build experimental apparatuses for research, and so that’s what we’ll do,” insists Folga, ”We will reconfigure the DRD every time it needs to be reconfigured, which is basically every study…We’ll never do the same thing twice, I can almost guarantee that.”
Check out this video of NAMRU-Dayton's Kraken --> https://go.usa.gov/xdCt3
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| Date Taken: | 01.21.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 01.21.2020 09:37 |
| Story ID: | 359771 |
| Location: | WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OH, US |
| Web Views: | 308 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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