WTI

Systems Engineering Development & Integration Program


Program Staff

Doug Galarus

M.Sc., Computer Science
M.A.T., Mathematics Education
B.A., Mathematics

Mr. Galarus has nearly 20 years of experience in information technology development, testing, implementation and management. He has extensive experience as the project lead for mobile data communications systems, database-driven web sites, web site design, desktop applications, kiosk development, PDA and Tablet PC based development, and interactive CD-ROMs. At the Western Transportation Institute, he has applied his technical expertise to the development of specific applications for transportation safety, including improved tools for road weather management and road ecology. Mr. Galarus holds Master’s degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics Education, and is Program Manager for the Systems Engineering, Development and Integration Program at WTI.

Mr. Galarus specializes in the following areas:


Larry Hayden

M.Sc., Electrical Engineering
B.S., Mechanical Engineering

Larry G. Hayden has more than 20 years of experience as a Senior Design Engineer, specializing in telecommunications, radio frequency and microwave circuitry. He has a strong background in mechanical engineering issues and excellent troubleshooting skills. He has extensive experience in private industry product development, including eight years at Ball Aerospace, where he developed components for telecommunications satellites. Currently, Mr. Hayden serves as a Research Associate II in the Systems Group at the WTI, where he focuses on the analysis and development of telecommunications systems for transportation applications. He holds a M.Sc. degree in Electrical Engineering from Montana State University, and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from North Dakota State University.

Mr. Hayden specializes in the following areas:


Shaowei Wang, P.E.

M.Sc., Industrial and Management Engineering
B.S., Industrial Management Engineering

Mr. Shaowei Wang is a Research Engineer at WTI, where he focuses on systems and software engineering, data mining and statistical analysis for transportation safety and road weather management, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and cost benefit analysis for engineering applications. He has extensive skills in system architecture design, prototyping, simulation, and modeling. Mr. Wang holds a Master's Degree in Industrial and Management Engineering from Montana State University. He is also a member of the International Council on Systems Engineering.

Mr. Wang specializes in the following areas:


Dr. Bill Jameson

Ph.D., Applied Mathematics
M.Sc., Physics

Dr. Jameson has more than 40 years of experience in telecommunications development, testing, design, implementation and evaluation. He has extensive experience in public and private communications in both rural and urban environments, having directed and designed systems for city, county and state-wide deployments. For the State of Michigan, Dr. Jameson directed the state's telecommunications system/network and consulted with the Departments of State Police and Treasury (Enforcement Division) on their radio and communications system designs. He also investigated the potential use of highway right-of-way for placement of optical fiber to be used by state entities and shared with telecommunications providers. Currently, Dr. Jameson serves as a Senior Research Scientist at the WTI, specializing in the development of telecommunications systems for transportation applications. Dr. Jameson holds a Doctorate in Applied Mathematics from Iowa State University, and a Master's Degree in Physics from the University of Texas.

Dr. Jameson’s focus areas include:


Suzanne Lassacher

M.Sc., Computer Science

Ms. Suzanne Lassacher is a Research Associate II/Information Systems Manager at WTI, specializing in systems development and integration. She is the Principal Investigator for the Transportation Research, Applications and Instrumentation Laboratory (TRAIL) project, which demonstrates and evaluates various data acquisition, control systems, information delivery, and management systems in a small urban and rural environment. Ms. Lassacher manages operations of and conducts research in WTI’s Driving Simulation Laboratory, which allows testing of driver performance, behavior, and safety in response to custom-designed road and traffic scenarios. She researches and coordinates the technology needs for the Human Factors group and simulator laboratory. Additionally, Ms. Lassacher is the Information Systems Manager at WTI. She is responsible for managing WTI’s core information technology infrastructure and overseeing WTI’s IT support staff. She holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Montana State University.

Ms. Lassacher specializes in:


Gary Schoep

Mr. Gary Schoep has 18 years of experience working with aviation, computing and communication systems in both the commercial and military sectors.  He has worked for The Boeing Company, McDonnell Douglas, DRS Technologies, and Montana State University. He is currently a Research Associate for the WTI, where he conducts research in communications, software development and wireless networking for transportation and public safety applications.

Mr. Schoep specializes in:


Frank Miller

M.Ed., General Science
B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies

Mr. Frank Miller has over 10 years of experience providing computer, networking and IT support in educational and research settings. He is a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) and Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), in addition to holding certifications for MCSE Security and CompTIA Security +. As a computer support specialist at WTI, he is responsible for desktop support and systems administration. Mr. Miller holds a M.Ed. degree in General Science and a B.S. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Chemistry and Biology, both from Montana State University - Northern.

Mr. Miller specializes in:


Leann A. F. Koon

M.Sc., Agricultural Education
B.S., Agricultural Education

Ms. Leann Koon is a Research Associate for the Systems Engineering, Development and Integration group at WTI, where she assists with technical writing, editing, and general research on projects. Ms. Koon has taught and coordinated classroom and laboratory education and training for secondary and post-secondary students. She holds both an undergraduate and a Master’s degree in Agricultural Education from Montana State University and has applied research experience in microbiology, plant and crop sciences, and post-secondary education.

Ms. Koon specializes in:


Daniell Richter

B.S., Computer Science

Mr. Daniell Richter has over 20 years of experience in information systems, including system design and integration, documentation, implementation, and maintenance. As a Research Associate at the WTI, he has focused on technology development, working to design and develop unique software applications, conduct system evaluation and analysis, create user documentation and implement a practical method of documenting the software development process. Mr. Richter holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Computer Science from the University of Delaware.

Mr. Richter’s focus areas are: