2014 American Society of Civil Engineers Annual Conference. The West Point Student Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) attended the Annual Conference in Panama City, Panama from 7-11 October. The conference theme was “From Community Projects to Giga Projects: Civil Engineers Having a Global Impact.” ASCE chose Panama City for the conference location in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Panama Canal. Given the vital role that West Point trained engineers played in the planning, design, and construction of the canal, it was appropriate to have faculty and cadets represent the Academy and the military engineers at the conference. There were numerous concurrent sessions on the Panama Canal history and construction as well as other large projects such as the Big Dig in Boston, and the Abu Dhabi Central Market. Other topics included financing large projects, sustainability, risk sharing and mitigation, ethics consideration, and more. Jorge Quijano from the Panama Canal Authority gave the opening keynote address, highlighting the history and construction of the original canal and discussing the challenges associated with the $5 billion expansion of the canal to allow passage of larger, “post-Panamax” ships. Later in the conference, MG Bo Temple presided over the ASCE and EWB (Engineers Without Borders) leadership and awards presentation. LTG Tom Bostick, the Chief of Engineers, participated in the Industry Leaders Forum, where he discussed how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) was tackling some of the most difficult infrastructure challenges. His discussion was particularly inspiring to the cadets and younger engineers in the audience, exhorting them to continue to learn and grow as engineers so that they can find answers to the problems of tomorrow. Following his session, the cadets were able to meet with LTG Bostick where he urged them to continue to pursue professional engineer certification and stressed the importance life-long learning. Additionally, MG John Peabody of USACE was part of a panel discussion about converting engineering vision into reality.
The Cadets participated in the professional activities of ASCE and developed an appreciation for the society’s efforts to promote the Civil Engineering profession. These activities included concurrent sessions focused on specific topics as well as networking opportunities to meet other students, faculty, and engineering professionals. The conference included a guided tour of the Miraflores lock facility and the construction site of a new set of locks that will double the shipping capacity of the canal. Miraflores is one of two locks on the Pacific Ocean side that lifts ships 87 feet above sea level to Lake Gatun. One more lock system on the Atlantic Ocean-side allows ships to complete the passage. The canal expansion will allow ships nearly four times larger (capacity wise) to transit the canal. In the conference closing session, the conference organizers and the delegation from the New York metropolitan ASCE section announced the 2015 ASCE conference, which will be held in New York, New York
Team Spray Experimental Testing at Army Research Laboratory. Cadets Zachary Lee, Tyler Sowell, John Beck, and Zachary Glass conducted planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) experiments on liquid sprays at Army Research Labs from 06-07 October 2014. This project team performed experimental investigations of liquid fuel sprays in collaboration with the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) and two academic departments at Stanford University. The objective of this project is to validate X-Ray Computed Tomography (CT) scanning experiments being conducted at Stanford University with the PLIF method for characterizing liquid sprays. Diagnostic techniques for characterizing liquid sprays – including X-Ray CT scanning, shadowgraphy, and PLIF - are valuable in modeling and predicting liquid droplet size, spray cone angle and other parameters of liquid sprays. Developing the ability to diagnose spray systems is expected to play a pivotal role in the development and testing of future spray nozzles, which could reduce fuel consumption across the entire spectrum of Army engines. The project team performed experiments for two different nozzles – 2 millimeter and 1.5 millimeter diameters – over a range test conditions. Over the next few weeks, the cadet team will analyze the data and then present the results at the annual USMA/ARL Technical Symposium.
Site Visit to Boston Dynamics and MIT Lincoln Labs. Cadets and faculty from XE475 (Mechatronics), ME404 (Intro to Mechanical Engineering Design, and EE401 (Senior Capstone Course) visited Boston Dynamics and MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory for site visits and introductions to robotic systems. 
Boston Dynamics is home of the “Big Dog”, LS3 (Legged Squad Support System), and the Atlas humanoid robot. Cadets observed demonstrations of these robots and their uses for both supporting military operations and civilian applications. LS3, pictured below, can carry up to 400 lbs and move 20 miles for a 24 hour duration. The group then traveled to Lincoln Labs for an overview of robots using ground penetrating radar to assist in navigation, and also a virtual world to research the interaction between soldiers, ground vehicles, and unmanned aircraft. Cadets were also able to brief their Capstone Project Preliminary Design Reviews to customers and experts in the field. 35 cadets were in attendance along with faculty from C&ME and EECS (Dr. Paul Muench, Dr. John Rogers, LTC Phil Root, LTC Christopher Korpela, MAJ Amber Walker, and CPT Dan Brown).
Astronomy Club trip section: On 18 October, the Astronomy club traveled to New York City to the Hayden Planetarium of the American Museum of Natural History and Urban Starfest in Central Park organized by the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York. Sixteen cadet members of the Astronomy Club and three of their OICs: Dr. Paula Fekete, Dr. Roger Burk, and CPT Danny Thebeau, participated in this trip section. After watching the show Dark Universe, narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson, in the Hayden Planetarium, cadets visited various museum exhibits. In the evening, the entire group participated in Urban Starfest in Central Park, an event organized by the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York and by the Urban Park Rangers. Numerous telescopes were brought out to Central Park’s Sheep Meadow to allow Starfest participants amazing views of the night sky. Cadets and OICs were able to meet and greet Al Nagler (in photo below), noted telescope designer and founder of Televue, a company located in Upstate New York that makes some of the most exquisite telescope eyepieces. All participants enjoyed “walking out” a scaled model of our solar system, an activity put together by the Urban Park Rangers. The Urban Starfest ended with a raffle drawing. One of our cadets, Montana Bilger, a plebe who already is committed to becoming a Physics Major, won an Astronomer’s Handbook. The trip, the space show and the meeting participation fired up cadets’ imagination and allowed them to meet people with successful careers in science.
Toga Duathlon: On 19 October, MAJ Will Koch escorted the West Point Triathlon Team to the Toga Duathlon in Nyack, NY. The Triathlon Team had a great race at Toga's Annual Fall Duathlon. Four West Point cadets and one visiting Coast Guard Academy cadet competed. Remington Ponce-Pore '18 took 2nd overall in the race. Dylan Varrato '17 and Rachel Gold '18 both took 1st place in age group results. The remainder of the team is in the final training week to defend the team's five-straight Half-Ironman National Championship status.
Trip Section: On 22 October, MAJ Nestor Echeverria and cadets enrolled in NE350 (Radiological Engineering Design) traveled to STERIS Isomedix in Chester, NY to see a real-world application of radiation technology that applies their required design project. Additionally, cadets will gain a better understanding of transportation, shielding, security, safety, disposal or radioactive waste in support of course requirements. STERIS Isomedix uses a radioactive source to sterilized medical supplies. While there, they reloaded new Colbalt-60 sources into their irradiation facilities, thus providing the cadets a unique opportunity to observe the inner workings of the machines and the process of transporting and handling radioactive materials.
Semester Abroad Program (SAP) / Academic trip sections: French: A few cadets attending semester abroad at St Cyr, the French Military Academy, spent the weekend visiting Mont St Michel in Normandy. It dates back hundreds of years as an abbey on an island fortress – the second most visited cultural site in France.
Spanish: Cadet Ocasio and Cadet Hannah (SAP 15-1 Chile) traveled to Santuario de la Naturaleza Yerba Loca, Santiago de Chile, a national park full of waterfalls, rivers, and hiking trails. The cadets experience a wonderful day with nature.
11 Arabic students have returned to their studies following a weeklong break for the Eid al Adha holiday. During the break Cadets from Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco traveled within Morocco and to Europe where Cadets visited the France, and Switzerland. Cadets studying in Jordan traveled through Jordan and Israel, visiting Wadi Rum in Jordan and Jerusalem, Nazareth, Tel Aviv, and the Sea of Galilee. 
The highlight of their trip was the opportunity to discuss Israeli-Palestinian issues with Jews and Palestinians alike during their separate religious holidays, Eid al Adha and Sukkout. Cadets from AMIDEAST in Rabat, Morocco traveled to Europe as well, visiting Paris, Budapest, and Vienna before returning to Rabat. Cadets from CIL in Oman visited the hinterlands of Oman as well as Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. All have now returned to school, completed mid-term exams this past week, and are continuing their studies.
French: 13 cadets and 1 officer from the French Forum visited Québec this past weekend. They experienced and explored this francophone city in Canada in order to enjoy the cultural aspects of the French language in North America. The majority of travelers are taking French classes and some are majoring in French. An historical link was explored between the arrival of French settlers to the area and the modern, culturally and linguistically distinctive, and vibrant city today. Highlights of the weekend included a walking tour of the old city and a traditional, French-Canadian dinner.
Arabic: On 18 October 2014, the Arabic Club visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) in Manhattan to view the Islamic Collection, which spans Islamic art from late antiquity through the Ottoman period. Nine Cadets and one DFL faculty member participated. Of particular interest to Cadets was an armored helmet from 15th century Spain, the last known piece of Muslim Spanish armor in the world. In the evening Cadets enjoyed a traditional Lebanese meal in one of Brooklyn’s Arab neighborhood eateries.
Professor Martin Flaherty, co-director of the Leitner Center for International Law and Justice in New York City and visiting Professor at Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School, was a guest lecturer on 17 October to LW 481 International Law. Professor Flaherty, an expert on International Human Rights Law (IHR), discussed the significance of IHR, utilizing his experiences in addressing human rights abuses in both Northern Ireland and China. Drawing upon lessons learned in both Iraq and Afghanistan, Professor Flaherty addressed the interaction of IHR and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) during both international and non-international armed conflict. Professor Flaherty’s visit included a tour of the historic West Point grounds, eating with the cadets in the mess-hall, as well as a rousing photogenic moment with members of the West Point band as they prepared to entertain the Cadets.
DEP Spruces up Quarters 148 On Sunday, 19 October, over 25 members of the Department of English and Philosophy and volunteers from the Cadet Fine Arts Forum and the APL major cleaned up the interior and exterior of Quarters 148. Sweeping, mopping, raking, and pruning were just some of the chores on the crisp, sunny afternoon. The cleanup was the first stage in preparation for future renovations to convert the quarters to the future home of the CFAF. The efforts were accompanied by great teamwork, camaraderie, and a stunning view of the Hudson River.
DEP and SOSH Conduct Engagement with Culinary Institute of America: Ten upperclass cadets travelled to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park at the end of September to take part in the USMA-CIA Exchange, a program hosted by DEP and SOSH. The exchange is focused on civil-military relations and exposing cadets to professions that are surprisingly similar to the military—chefs wear uniforms with insignia and respectfully respond to their seniors with a resounding, “Yes, Chef!” With their chef partners, cadets attended classes on food sovereignty and security, participated in a timed cooking competition, and finished their day with a discussion on how their assumptions about civilians had been challenged (all while enjoying the fruits and vegetables of their labor). The CIA chefs will travel to West Point in November to participate in a day in the life of a cadet.
Cadets in the CFAF’s Studio Arts Forum Travel to NYC: On 18 October, the Studio Arts Forum (SAF) explored the Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York during the Arts Gowanus Open Studios. Major Lay Phonexayphova, OIC of the SAF, led five inspiring cadet artists in their examination of the plastic arts. At the open studios, cadets met and exchanged ideas with local artists discussing ways to tap into their creative sides. Eighty five different buildings opened their studios to the public, and over 200 artists participated in the event. The warm October afternoon was a perfect setting for artistic creativity and discovery.
Cadets Enrolled in EN102 Travel to NYC: Visit Lincoln Center, Metropolitan Opera and Public Library Special and Rare Book Exhibits On 16 October, Dr. Marc Napolitano and MAJ Erin Hadlock took cadets in Fall EN102 to the New York Public Library and Lincoln Center for a backstage tour of the Metropolitan Opera. The cadets on Dr. Napolitano’s trip section toured the Met’s costume, wig, and scenery workshops before visiting the auditorium. In this magnificent performance space, cadets learned about the history of the Met’s priceless crystal chandeliers and its 24 karat gold-plated ceiling. 
While at Lincoln Center, cadets also visited the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, where they were allowed to view several archival materials from operas and plays, and to peruse a special exhibit celebrating the 45th anniversary of Sesame Street. Cadets assigned to MAJ Hadlock’s trip section explored the complex textual history of Shakespeare’s plays while viewing a copy of the rare first folio edition of Shakespeare’s works; even the most reluctant book lovers were amazed by the NYPL’s collection of books that are over 400 years old. This trip section allowed students to consider the importance of rare book preservation, to discuss the NYPL’s splendid collections and rare curiosities (both textual and non-textual), and to visit some of the special displays and exhibits currently on show.
Army Debate Tournament: Army Debate Hosted the 48th Annual West Point Tournament this weekend after commemorating the life of Mr. Robert Whitfield, USMA Class of 1948. 18 schools with over 200 competitors spent the weekend in Thayer Hall debating various aspects of US social policy. Our cadets managed the logistics, conducted operations, and provided mission command for the entire operation. The cadets courtesy, professionalism, and leadership made a great impact on all participants. A special thanks to COL Jebb, COL Nielsen, MAJ's Ramsey and Bolding, CPT Karr, and Dr's Brantley and Liebert for their time and support judging throughout the weekend and assisting with all aspects of administering this great event. In addition, Army Debate would like to thank the SOSH Admin staff and West Point's IETD for their assistance over the weekend..
Model UN Victory at Yale: The USMA Model United Nations Team competed in the Security Council Simulation Yale in their first tournament of the year this past weekend, the 16th-19th of October. The team placed first overall and won the award for outstanding large delegation. Seven of the eleven cadets placed first, second, or third in their respective committees. Cadets Cyrus Cappo and Ezra Engel won first place in their first Model UN Tournament. Cadet Jason Lally won his second first place gavel in his Model UN career. USMA Security Council Simulation Yale MUN Results Cyrus Cappo (Class-2017)-1st Place Sneha Sing (Class 2017)-3rd Place Jason Lally (Class 2015)-1st Place Jack Bagdadi (Class 2017)- 2nd Place Jon Paul (Class 2018)-3rd Place Brad Torpey (Class 2018)-2nd Place Ezra Engel (Class 2017)-1st Place The
Grand Strategy Program: From 16 to 19 October 2014, the William P. Clements, Jr. Center for History, Strategy, and Statecraft at the University of Texas at Austin hosted a high profile conference titled, “Intelligence Reform and Counterterrorism after a Decade: Are We Smarter and Safer?” The conference featured panels and discussions with prominent scholars, politicians, and policymakers, including U.S. Representatives Mac Thornberry and Michael McCaul, Director of National Intelligence (DNI) James Clapper, Acting Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) David Shedd, former National Security Advisor Steven Hadley, former SOCOM Commander ADM (Ret.) William McRaven, and former Director of the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) Matt Olsen, among many others. The cadets participating in this trip section each minor in USMA’s Grand Strategy Program (GSP) and had several opportunities to personally interact and engage with these accomplished intelligence and counterterrorism officials to better understand how senior policymakers leverage information as an instrument of national power in an ever complex threat environment.
Domestic Affairs Forum: The Domestic Affairs Forum visited The New York Times, NBC/MSNBC studios, and The Wall Street Journal. Cadets had the opportunity to engage with producers, editors, and reporters in this engagement with NYC and the media world. Special thanks to Sosh's own COL (Ret.) Jack Jacobs for helping organize the trip.
Cadets and faculty from the Departments of Systems Engineering and Mathematical Sciences attended the American Society for Engineering Management 2014 International Annual Conference hosted by Old Dominion University from 15-18 October in Virginia Beach, VA. MAJ Pat Sullivan presented work on "Reducing Energy Consumption in America's Government Buildings", MAJ Thomas Nelson presented "Creating Continuity in Multi-Year Research Projects at the Undergraduate and Graduate Levels", Mr. Dave Chennault presented "Risk Management Perspectives for Aging Technology Infrastructure Challenges", COL Donna Korycinski presented "The Evolution of the Undergraduate Engineering Management Curriculum at West Point", and LTC Schott presented with LTC Worthan on "Optimizing Lieutenant Training at the Army's Maneuver Center of Excellence." Cadets Zachary Sostak (Team Captain), Jesse Glenn, Ryan Utter and Andrew Soncini participated in the case study completion, while Cadet Gabe Lewis, Cadet Raphael Waruinge and 2LT John Werner presented work from their capstone projects. Additionally, Dr. John Farr chaired the session for Best Dissertation Competition. The Engineering Management Program won the Founder's Award for Excellence in Academic Leadership of Undergraduate Education Programs in Engineering Management.
BS&L Cadets and Faculty participate at the Inter-University Seminar on Armed Forces and Society Conference in Ottawa, Canada: Members of the Sociology Program of the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership contributed to the Inter-University Seminar on Armed Forces and Society Conference in Ottawa, Canada, from 18 to 19 October, 2014. Dr. Morten Ender, LTC Remi Hajjar, and Cadets Will O’Keefe, Tyree Meadows, Josie Antilla, Ian McWilliams, and Jennifer Webster presented their research projects. Dr. Ender and LTC Hajjar also chaired panels at the conference.
CDT Zachary Panto, receives recognition from Commander, Navy SEAL and SWCC: On 22 September 2014, MAJ Christina Fanitzi from BS&L's West Point Negotiation Project (WPNP) presented CDT Zachary Panto, F-1 ’16, a coin and letter of appreciation on behalf of the Navy Captain Steve Wisotzki, Commander; Sea, Air, Land (SEAL) and Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman (SWCC). In August, CDT Panto served as a role player to illustrate and afford the SEAL and SWCC participants the opportunity to practice managing difficult negotiation counterparts. Without cadet efforts, the training is far less realistic. WPNP is a USMA faculty effort to improve the ability of military leaders to negotiate and is an activity within BS&L's West Point Leadership Center (WPLC).
West Point Negotiation Project (WPNP) teach Navy SEALs 20-21 September, West Point Negotiation Project ran a 1.5 day training seminar for 22 Navy SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen, and Marine Reconnaissance leaders enrolled in the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Platoon Leaders Course, at Naval Amphibious Base (Norfolk, VA). The mobile training team included MAJ (P) Aram Donigian (BSL-Alum), Professor Jeff Weiss (BSL Adjunct Professor/Vantage Partners), and MAJ Michael Rybacki (BSL). During the workshop, leaders (E-7 through O3) were introduced to negotiation as a leader competency, learned how to analyze negotiation situations, and practiced managing difficult negotiation counterparts. The Project has run training for SEALs two times annually, since 2011, and recently expanded to serve as the primary negotiations training team for all four NSW Platoon Leader’s Courses, annually. WPNP is a USMA faculty effort to improve the ability of military leaders to negotiate and is an activity within BS&L's West Point Leadership Center.