The IEEE ComSoc/SP Chapter invites you for a talk titled "Communications Reliability:  Strange Bedfellows" by Scott ATKINSON.

Talk Title: Communications Reliability:  Strange Bedfellows

Abstract:  Reliability of communications capabilities takes on many forms.  In this presentation, the speaker will provide insights into the totality of this aspect of technology.  Various real life events will be reviewed to include: military communications breakdown, NASA's Apollo & Shuttle recorders and various commercial communications systems.  Every engineer, whether a researcher, designer, or operator should be aware of the totality of the operating environment.

Speaker Profile:

T. "SCOTT" ATKINSON, IEEE Life Senior Member

Scott received his BS in Physics Degree from Texas A&M University - Kingsville.  In 1962 became an U. S. Air Force Communications Service Communications Officer.        He subsequently was assigned as the Itazuke AFB, Japan, Base Communications Operations Officer.  Upon completing that assignment, he became an Advisor to the California Air National GuardMobile Communications Units. In 1967, he went to work for Lockheed Electronics Company as a Communications Engineer on the Apollo Communications Sub-System at NASA’s Houston Manned Spacecraft Center.

His next position was on the corporate staff of Tenneco Inc, Houston, TX.  While there he served as Senior Communications Engineer and Network Operations Department Manager.  During this engagement, he received an MBA from Pepperdine University in 1980.

His next major position was as a Senior Technical Specialist for Business Telecommunications Systems at the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) in San Antonio.  Upon his retirement from USAA and the Air Force Reserves, he organized ICSI Consulting Services.  After ten years of successful consulting activities, he accepted a part time position as Executive Director, Full Armor Group where he directed the activities of the Management and Technical Services Division.

Scott retired as a Lt. Col, USAF.  His current IEEE activities include: member of the MGA Geographic Unit Operations Support Committee, Life Member Coordinator for the Central Texas Section, Member of the North American Board of the Communications Society, and Executive Chair of IEEE Globecom 2014 Conference in Austin.  He is also an Life Member of the IEEE Computer Society and the IEEE Technology Management Council.