Wendy Aporta studies an assignment in the Human Systems Integration Department at NSWC Dahlgren Division.
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Disabled Vet Turns Stumbling Blocks into Career Building Blocks
The Human Systems Integration (HSI) team with Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) is a diverse team of many backgrounds, including veterans of all four services. Their goal is to build a team comprised of a blend of systems engineers, HSI domain expertise, and warfighter experience. A shining example of their success is Wendy Aporta.
"Wendy was impressive in her interview, and has continued to exceed our very high expectations! Her enthusiasm and energy level was contagious from the beginning and she easily works with the team," said Dennis White, head of the Human Systems Integration effort for NSWCDD.
The saying goes "once a Marine - always a Marine" and that is certainly true of Wendy Aporta, who is teaching her colleagues at the HSI lab what Marine stamina and determination is all about. This opportunity was not one she had originally planned, however.
Encouraged by a family with a rich military service history, she didn't know, however, that her service would bring her to NSWCDD.
Fact is, Aporta had never even heard of Dahlgren, and did so only because her husband, an Army Staff Sergeant stationed at Fort Belvoir, brought his family to live in Fredericksburg, Va.
When an injury during routine training at Camp Lejeune ended her dream of being a career Marine, Aporta examined her possibilities and, as she says with her typical optimism, "turned bad fortune into opportunity." She was assigned to limited duty status during her last six months stationed at Camp Lejeune, and was assigned a billet which included the duties of processing casualty reports and accidents. Through this assignment, Aporta was introduced to the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
With her background in clinical psychology, she launched into a concentrated study of brain injuries and discovered that her educational pursuits could lead to a new way to implement her devotion to the Corps. "If I can't serve my country as a Marine, maybe I can still serve my Marines," has become Aporta's mantra.
Seeing first-hand the impact of combat injuries and battle fatigue, Aporta's interest in battle-induced neurological problems grew, but when a Marine in her duty station committed suicide just prior to a repeat deployment overseas, her commitment was solidified. After her discharge, she knew she wanted to pursue advanced studies in brain function.
Through funding from the Veteran's Association's Chapter 31 Vocational Administration program, Aporta earned a master's degree in psychology. Her coursework included studies related to brain injuries, and she became fascinated by the links between athletes' head injuries, persons with Alzheimer's disease, and victims of TBI.
"Under a microscope, brain tissue from brain trauma patients looks very much like what you'd see for patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's," Aporta explained. "Neurocognitive Assessment Devices under development will help assess TBI in the field and may one day help detect early onset of brain disease."
Aporta's passion for neurological research is fueled by her determination to manage her own disabling disease, fibromyalgia, diagnosed a year after her injury. She relates the breakthroughs she has studied and pain management techniques she has learned to her work at NSWC Dahlgren. "There are no stumbling blocks, only building blocks," Aporta insisted.
Aporta is keen on finding solutions to problems, particularly those related to brain functioning, which makes her a natural for the challenges facing the Human Systems Integration team for NSWC Dahlgren Division.
White explained that Aporta's first assignment included research and analysis of motion-induced sickness, and exploring mitigation efforts for a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle. "She was able to leverage her degree in psychology (knowledge of motion effects on the brain) along with real-world experience as a Marine to provide unique insights into the problem." White explained. "Her work has already resulted in design changes to vehicles heading into theater!"
After Aporta's first assignment in a familiar area working with MRAP vehicles, White has begun to expand Aporta's horizon and assigned her to the Cooperative Engagement Capability. White made sure she was paired with excellent mentors, including one he lauds as 'one of the best mentors in Human Factors engineering,' Audrey Lohr.
Aporta is already tackling human computer interface design and the systems engineering of a large program. "Her confidence gained from her Marine experience is evident as she immediately tackles any task or challenge, which gives her a 'jump start' on her career with NSWCDD," said White.
Dr. Daniel Wallace, who is also working with Aporta to develop her HSI skill-set, commented on her optimistic approach to life and work. "Ms. Aporta has a tremendous passion for equipping and protecting the warfighter," Wallace said. "Her energy level and enthusiasm are contagious to the group as a whole, lending an increased passion to all of us in performing our mission on behalf of the warfighter."
"Although she has a service-related disability, it certainly doesn't impair her performance a bit, and it actually gives her a keen edge for identifying human performance and safety risks associated with system designs," Wallace explained.
Wendy is a capable, contributing, Human Systems Engineer with U.S. Marine experience," White added.
Like so many Wounded Warriors supporting NAVSEA, military experience makes Aporta a unique asset with insightful perspectives, which add to a diverse team.
"I wish I had ten Wendy Aportas!" White said.