WF-PST Industry Panel Sessions
Join us for important panel discussions covering vital real-world demands and industry case studies. The panelists, a set of diverse public safety agencies, researchers, industry leaders, and first responders, aim to share their insightful perspectives and engage the broader community in a stimulating dialogue. Examples include how personnel can be more effective in their work, support sustained health and wellness, and learn how technology safeguards our communities. Additional panels will be announced soon.
- Industry Program Chair – Narendra Mangra, GlobeNet LLC
- Industry Program Co-Chair – Ashutosh Dutta, Johns Hopkins University/APL
Panel 1: Public Safety Technologies: Needs and Challenges
MODERATOR: Russell Harrison, Managing Director of IEEE-USA
PANELISTS
- Michelle K. Donnelly, fire protection engineer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- Stephanie Layman, UAS Prize Challenge Specialist
BIO: Michelle K. Donnelly is a fire protection engineer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). She has been working as a research engineer in NIST’s Fire Research Division for more than 30 years. She is currently a member of the Fire Fighting Technology Group where her focus 
is researching the effects of fire environments on gear and equipment used by First Responders. She is a member of several National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) committees, and results from her investigations have been used to develop and revise NFPA equipment standards. She received the Department of Commerce Bronze Medal Award in recognition of this work. Ms. Donnelly is part of the team investigating the Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) in firefighter gear. She previously worked on NIST’s large scale fire investigations, including the World Trade Center Fire Safety Investigation and the Station Nightclub Fire. Her other research at NIST includes measuring smoke and fire signatures, investigating the flammability of refrigerants, measuring the effectiveness of flame suppressants, conducting vertical wind tunnel tests, and accurately measuring smoke and nanoparticles. Ms. Donnelly has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, and a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University.
BIO: Russell T. Harrison is IEEE-USA’s director of Government Relations. He previously served as senior legislative representative for grassroots activities. In addition to providing overall strategic direction and day-to-day operational management of IEEE-USA’s government relations program and staff, he also focuses on programs and activities design to help U.S. IEEE members interact with – and influence – elected officials. He is also responsible for a number of IEEE-USA government relations initiatives, particularly small and independent business policy and high-skill immigration reform. Prior to IEEE-USA, Russell directed grassroots programs at the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries and the American Iron and Steel Institute. In these positions, he also raised over $300,000 in campaign contributions through the associations’ political action committees. He has also represented the recycling and steel industries on Capitol Hill and in state capitols on a variety of issues as a professional lobbyist. Russell has a B.A. in Political Science, with minors in History and Communication, from Allegheny College, and a Masters in Public Policy from the University of Maryland.
BIO: Stephanie Layman joined the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Public Safety Research Communications Research (PSCR) Division’s Open Innovation (OI) team and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Portfolio in November 2021 as an OI Project Manager and transitioned into her current role, UAS Prize Challenge Specialist, in August 2023. In both roles, she has supported internal and external R&D, communications, legal, administrative, and procurement resources to design and implement prize challenges that advance PSCR’s mission. Prior to PSCR, Stephanie accumulated six years as a contracted project manager and research analyst for federal and local government clients, including NIST PSCR, Department of Energy (DOE), Colorado Energy Office (CEO), Denver International Airport (DIA), Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), and the City and County of Denver. She has additional experience in project management, research, and communications through her time with the United States Peace Corps, Urban Leaders Fellowship, Seoul Metropolitan Government, and LIVESTRONG Foundation. Stephanie holds Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, a Master of Public Affairs degree from the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA), and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin.