UESA News Archives

by Andrij Wowk

Members of the UESA, the Ukrainian-American Professionals and Businesspersons Association (UAPBA) of New York and New Jersey, and the community received a glimpse of Ukraine's potential future business leaders during an informative and entertaining presentation by UESA NJ chapter member Dr. Karl Zaininger, held on March 27, 2004 at the Hanover Ramada Inn and Conference Center in East Hanover, NJ.

Titled "Lecturing in Kyiv on Global Technology Management", and co-sponsored by the UESA New Jersey Chapter and the UAPBA, the lecture drew an audience of close to 30 people.

In his presentation, Dr. Zaininger described his experiences in the fall of 2003 while teaching a short course on business management at two schools in Kyiv, Ukraine: the Kyiv Mohyla Academy Business School, and Kyiv Polytechnic Institute. The second part of his presentation dealt with the topic of global technology management itself, and its importance to ensuring the competitiveness of U.S.-based and other global businesses.

Dr. Zaininger, an expert on management strategies and the CEO of Global Technology Management Partnerships in Princeton, NJ, explained that he volunteered to present the lectures to the students in Kyiv because he wanted to "give something from his professional experience back to the young people of Ukraine". He noted that during the first few days of his lectures (which were conducted in English), the students in his classes tended to be formal and somewhat disinterested.

As he spent more time with them, however, the classes became much more energetic, and students began to take initiative and to appreciate the opportunity they were being presented.

The packed room of attendees intently follow Dr. Zaininger's presentation. Dr. Zaininger noted that there was a major difference between the atmosphere he encountered at the Kyiv Mohyla Academy Business School, which is privately operated and whose students had a generally bright outlook, and the state-funded Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, where students tended to be older and less receptive to the topics he presented.

He said has been invited to return to Kyiv to present additional lectures in the future, and plans to do so.

In the second part of his presentation Dr. Zaininger focused on the actual topic he presented to the students in Kyiv, titled "Business Process Optimization Global Competitiveness". This part of the evening's presentation highlighted the importance of managing change within any company, in response to changes in the outside world. Dr. Zaininger illustrated this point with a quote from former GE chairman Jack Welch: "When the rate of change inside the company is exceeded by the rate of change outside the company - the end is near."

Dr. Zaininger noted that for any company to be considered "world-class" today, it must have an efficient and responsive process for managing change. He explained that globalization and the onset of digital communications and technologies have fundamentally changed the playing field for U.S. businesses.

In the years after World War II, the U.S. economy did not face many, if any, challenges from foreign competitors; starting the early 1980s, however, it became apparent that U.S. businesses had to change their processes to improve quality and efficiency in response to overseas competitors, and this continues to drive many business strategies today.

P's & B's member Oles Pidwerbetsky (left) and P's and B's Prsident Levko Mazur discuss the evening's activities. The speaker ended his presentation by taking questions from the audience. Andrij Wowk, representing the UESA New Jersey Chapter and the National Board, thanked Dr. Zaininger and the attendees for their attention.

Dr. Bohdan Vitvitsky, vice-president of the UAPBA, concluded with remarks about the Friends of Columbia University Ukrainian Studies Fund II (FOCUUS II) gala banquet in New York City on May 8, 2004, whose aim is to raise money for establishment of a formal Ukrainian Studies Program at Columbia University.

Attendees concluded the evening with refreshments and an opportunity to mingle and network among each other.

by Ivan Durbak

On March 2nd, 2004, the New York City Chapter of the Ukrainian Engineers' Society of America presented a lecture by Peter Halatyn, President of KDM Aero Inc., at the Ukrainian Institute on East 79th Street, New York City, on "OPTIMAL ESTIMATION "

Mr. Halatyn combined engineering and mathematics concepts to present an informative and comprehensive look at the complex field of estimation, which he defined as "the process of extracting information from data" or, more mathematically, as "data processing methods for dealing with random variables". After introducing the topic, Mr. Halatyn began by explaining the estimation problem, involving measurements and noise in multi-sensor systems, and noting how the different types of estimation filtering, smoothing, and predicting have widespread applicability to thousands of real-world applications. He then went on to review the basic underlying mathematical concepts such as mean, variance, co-variance, probability, normal or gaussian probability distributions, and vector matrices.

Mr. Halatyn next provided a broad historical perspective, beginning with the deterministic least-squares estimation techniques invented by Gauss (in 1809), and continuing with the work of R.A. Fisher (in 1912) with probability density functions and maximum likelihood estimation techniques. He then moved to the work of N. Wiener (in 1940), who used the frequency domain approach to design statistically optimal filters used to solve the problem of estimating signals in noise in important applications such as radar. The next and possibly most-important development was the seminal work of R.E. Kalman (in 1960) who used optimal recursive filter techniques, based on vector modeling of state-space and time-domain formulation, to develop a very efficient and robust "least-squares" estimation methodology.

Mr. Halatyn explained how the Kalman filter is now the most commonly used optimal filtering technique: for example, a recent “Google” search on the internet revealed over 15,000 applications using Kalman Filtering methods. These applications span a broad array of science and engineering areas, including flood prediction and atmospheric model forecasts, wireless networks, GPS pedestrian navigation, real-time estimation of human body postures, cellular networks, lidar and microwave radiometers, trace gas concentration measurements, probabilistic video stabilization, glottal closed-phase location & analysis, neural networks, weather models, and even stock market forecasting. The power of Kalman filtering lies in its ability to combine the dynamic process model with the measurement model to efficiently, recursively, and robustly estimate unknown random parameters and missing states based on a sequence of noisy measurements. Kalman filtering has also been extended to nonlinear models and reformulated to use functions instead of matrices.

Mr. Halatyn finished with a detailed example of the GPS (global positioning system), where a 24 satellite-based navigation system uses the linearization techniques of the extended Kalman filter to precisely locate any position on earth.

Throughout this presentation, which lasted over two hours into the night, Mr. Halatyn kept the audience engaged and involved with an artfully combined balance of highly technical material and practical real-world problem examples.

The evening finished with informal and convivial discussions over food and drinks.

Mr. Halatyn, one of many brilliant Ukrainian engineers, has conducted research, published recent papers, and worked on practical applications using leading-edge mathematical modeling techniques that span a broad array of application areas, including cybernetics, aeronautical science, electrical engineering, navigational control, and stock market forecasting. He now runs his own engineering consultant company; previously he had worked for many of the major aerospace / engineering companies, including Sikorsky, Boeing, Lockheed, and Honeywell.

This was the third in a series of engineering & scientific lectures presented by the New York City Chapter of the Ukrainian Engineers' Society of America during the 2003/2004 year. The next lecture will be presented on Tuesday April 20, 2004 by Ivan Durbak on "Computer Security".

The 50th Engineers' Ball of the Philadelphia Branch of the Ukrainian Engineers' Society of America (UESA) was held on Saturday, February 21, at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Philadelphia. This year's ball included a banquet, the presentation of debutantes, a performance by the Dance Ensemble "Voloshky" and a ball to the music of the Tempo orchestra.

After the cocktail hour, Metodij Boretsky, head of the UESA's Philadelphia Chapter opened the event and greeted the guests. He extended special greetings to Father John Tsurpita, Consul General of Ukraine to the United States Serhij Pohoreltsev and his wife Svitlana, the parents of the debutantes, UESA National President Andrij Wowk and his wife, and UESA National vice-president Marco Shmerykowsky. Mr. Boretsky wished all the guests an enjoyable and a pleasant evening. Finally, Mr. Boretsky introduced the evening's master of ceremonies - Mr. Nestor Kyzymyshyn.

After the formal opening, the dinner-banquet began with the invocation delivered by Father John Tsurpita. Upon the conclusion of dinner, the program continued with the presentation of ten debutantes and their escorts. The debutantes and their escorts were: Natalie Olga Antoniak with escort Erik Rizanow, Sophia Ulana Bilynsky with escort Christopher Rizanow, Aleksandra Marie Wolchasty with escort Alexander Knihnytsky, Taisa Nina Hewka with escort Oles Miecyjak, Khristina Katherine Dukh with escort Stephan Drabyk, Roxanne Zalucky with escort Dmytro Hrytsiv, Dianna Iwaskiw with escort Hryhorij Kotsko, Kateryna Maria Olchowecky with escort Nicholas Evangelist, Andrea Maria Fylypovych with escort Tymotej Andersen, and Ivanka Hovhera with escort Andrij Harasewych.

The debutantes and their escorts were formally greeted by Mr. Boretsky and introduced by master of ceremonies Nestor Kyzymyshyn and Olenka Karpinych, respectively. Mr. Boretsky congratulated each debutante personally and pinned ribbons on them with the assistance of Zirka Kyzymyshyn and Maria Cyhan. Ms. Cyhan, Nilya Pawluk, Slawa Halaway, and Chrystyna Hud prepared the debutantes for the presentation ceremony.

As part of the presentation ceremony Mr. M. Boretsky formally greeted the debutantes on behalf of the Philadelphia Chapter and Metropolitan-Archbishop Stephan Soroka. The Consul General of Ukraine to the United States Serhij Pohoreltsev delivered his own greeting and on behalf of Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States, his Excellency M.B Reznick.

At this point of the event the "Voloshky" Dance Ensemble performed several Ukrainian dances to the delight of the audience. Mr. Andrij Wowk also delivered a short speech on behalf of the Executive Board of UESA. The dance program continued until 2:00 AM. Approximately 400 people attended the dinner and more than 600 enjoyed the dance afterwards.

The committee that organized the 2004 Engineers' Ball was composed of Metodij Boretsky as chairman, Petro Hewka, Larissa Zaika, Martha Shyprykevych, Ihor Kowaliw, Alexander Jarymovych, Wolodymyr Horbowyj, Myron Bilas, Mychajlo Komanowsky and Wolodymyr Kuzyk. The Ball Committee was also assisted by N. Smolynets, M. Nestor, V. and L. Babyak, I. and O. Slotylo and M. Diak.

As in past years, the New York City Chapter of the Ukrainian Engineers Society of America together with the Ukrainian Medical Association, and the Ukrainian Institute of America, held its annual "Yalynka" . The event took place on Saturday evening, December 13, 2003 at the Ukrainian Institute of America in New York City.

On October 28th, Dr. Eugene Z. Stakhiv, Chief of Planning, Policy and Special Studies Division of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Institute for Water Resources (IWR), and recent Interim Minister and Senior Advisor to Iraq’s Ministry of Irrigation, delivered a presentation on "Water Resource Management: Theory and Practice in the Iraqi Reconstruction Project" to a packed audience at the Ukrainian Engineers' Society of NYC lecture series at the Ukrainian Institute of America on East 79th Street, New York.

As interim Minister in Iraq from April through August, 2003, Dr. Stakhiv was responsible for managing 18,000 employees, 11 State-owned companies and 5 State Commissions; this included responsibility for 10 major dams, 22 large barrages, 271 pumping stations; generation of 2,500 MW of hydropower; providing irrigation water for 9 million acres, and delivering water to all the larger municipalities in Iraq.

Dr. Stakhiv, in his informative and entertaining lecture with over 200 colorful slides, began with a lively treatise on ancient hydraulic systems in Iraq going back to the Iridu civilization in 5,000 BC, followed by a comprehensive overview of the vast water resource system in Iraq. He then detailed the chronology and planning efforts leading to his arrival in Iraq on April 25, his work with Ambassador Bremer, and the strategic initiatives to repair all hydraulic and irrigation resources in Iraq, as well as reconstruction of many looted office buildings in Baghdad and over 100 district offices, and emergency security for and replacement of pumps, generators and dam safety repairs, and all warehouses.

Other highlights included the 100,000-man Irrigation Jobs program and the fascinating restoration of the huge southern marshes. In his slides and diagrams, Dr. Stakhiv focused in particular on the intricate engineering challenges of the Marsh Restoration projects, together with the political and cultural complexities in working daily with the Marsh Arabs. Dr. Stakhiv further explained in detail how much of the $87 billion recently approved by Congress had been planned out early this year, well before his arrival in Iraq. The evening finished with informal and convivial discussions over food and drinks.

In addition to Iraq Dr. Stakhiv also has extensive international experience serving as senior advisor to the water Ministries of Bangladesh, Ukraine, Armenia, and the Aral Sea Basin countries, with over 30 years' experience in regional and river basin planning, reservoir operations studies, ecosystem restoration studies, climate change and climate variability studies; he has served as study manager for several large comprehensive river basin studies and metropolitan water supply studies, including Washington, DC and New York City, and currently co-directs a five-year $20M effort of the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence Study Board.

Dr. Stakhiv has a doctorate in water resources systems engineering from Johns Hopkins University, has authored over 100 published papers, and is a member of the Ukrainian Engineers' Society of America.

This was the first in a series of engineering & scientific lectures presented by the Ukrainian Engineers' Society of NYC during the 2003/2004 year.

by Mr. Meteodij Boretsky, PE

The 48th Engineers' Ball of the Philadelphia Branch of the Ukrainian Engineers' Society of America (UESA) was held here on Saturday, February 1 at the Park Hyatt Hotel. This year's ball included the presentation of debutantes, a banquet and a dance to the music of the Tempo orchestra.

After the cocktail hour, Metodij Boretsky, head of the UESA's Philadelphia Branch, opened the event and greeted the guests. especially the Vice-President of the executive board of the Ukrainian Engineers' Society of America, Marco Shmerykowsky. He also introduced the master of ceremonies, Bohdan Mizak.

After the formal opening. the following eight debutantes and their esCorts were presented: Patricia Ksenia Leskiw with Andrij Bzovjtskyj. Maria Lidia Prociuk with Marko Bohdan Chaikiwskyj, Christina Xenia Krier with Tvan Pavlo Bohak. Irvna Balytsky with Mykhas Kindrat-Prat, Jeanette Natalia Krier with Alexander Mykhajlowych, and Larissa Maria Stawnychy with Danylo Peleshchuk.

The debutantes and their escorts were formally greeted by Mr. Boretsky and introduced by the master of ceremonies. Mr. Boretsky congratulated each debutante and pinned ribbons on them with the assistance of Yaroslava Halaway. Andrea Kalyta, Maria Cyhan, Khrystyna Hud and Ms. Halaway prepared the debutantes for the presentation ceremony.

After the debutantes' presentation, the dinner began. About 200 people attended the dinner, and more than 400 enjoyed the dance held afterwards.

The committee that organized the 2003 Engineers’ Ball was composed of Mr. Boretsky (chairman), Larysa Zaika, Marta Shyprykevych, Ihor Kovaliv, Alexander Jarymowych, Wolodymyr Horhovyj, Myron Bi1as, Mychajlo Komanovskv, Olenka Chaburska and Petro Shtompil.