Post on 14-Jan-2015
description
Mona’s StoryMona’s StoryFrom Egyptian School-From Egyptian School-girl to Newfoundland girl to Newfoundland
ScientistScientist
by
Mona Shahwan El-Tahan, B.Sc., M. Eng, P. Eng, E.MBA
August 25, 2008
Presented to WISE SSEP Career Night
Civil Engineering Degree, 1975, Cairo University
Immigrated to Canada in 1975 -
Newfoundland and Labrador
Master Ocean Engineering Degree, 1980, MUN
Dr. Tim Physiotherapist Yassir
Dr. Hussein
Professional Profile
•More than 25 years of engineering experience
in: management, marketing, and business
development in the fields of ocean and marine
engineering and information technology.
•Hired, supervised and trained more than 100
engineering work-term students over a period of 25
years.
Professional Profile_ Cont’d
“It's important to pass on your knowledge and skills to others, especially young people.”
C-COREC-CORE
Field work
On board the test vessel for the IIFS
Field work:
Field work
Mona
•Managed and coordinated concurrent projects
and also individual projects having multi-
disciplinary teams belonging to different
organizations.
Professional Profile_ Cont’d
Recognized nationally and internationally
through awards for success in
Engineering
Business, and
Entrepreneurship.
Professional Profile_ Cont’d
•Global network of professional
industry and academic contacts in
North America, the Middle East,
Europe and Southeast Asia.
Professional Profile_ Cont’d
Holds five copyrights and two patents for ship navigational aids, Robotic control and ice & iceberg management systems.
Professional Profile_ Cont’d
Published more than 100 technical papers and reports and conducted more than 200 public and educational presentations.
Professional Profile_ Cont’d
The Intelligent Predictive The Intelligent Predictive Technology (IPT) Technology (IPT)
ApplicationsApplications::• The Integrated Information and Forecasting System (IIFS)
• The Ship Predictor System (SPS)
• The Advanced Ship Autopilot System (ASAS)
• KHruise Control
• The Intelligent Friction Compensation (IFC) technology
IPT – What it doesIPT – What it does
A core platform software can literally predict the future behavior of an object. It can also do this in a fluid set of circumstances.
"Listening" to the appropriate inputs, this patented IP can very rapidly learn the behavior of almost any object as it is affected by its external environment. Armed with this knowledge, the software can then predict how the object will react in a similar set of externally induced circumstances in the future.
IPT – Cont’dIPT – Cont’d
This knowledge can enable controlled, predictive, corrective action to be taken before a non-desirable event happens. The unique ability to learn behaviour also enables predictive, corrective action to be implemented almost instantaneously in a rapidly and ever-changing set of circumstances.
Applications of the Predictive Applications of the Predictive Controller TechnologyController Technology
Other Autopilots
IndustrialProcess Control
Marine Applications
Robotics
IPT Application:IPT Application:
Ice Management and Environmental Monitoring
Ships and Boats
Satellites Flight reconnaissance
Offshore rigs
IIFS
Forecast MapsWeather Bureau
EnvironmentalEnvironmental Monitoring & Monitoring & ManagementManagement
HiberniaHibernia
Mona on the GBS at the Bull Arm site
Hibernia Tow Out RouteMap - compliments of Hibernia website
SEAWATCHSEAWATCH BUOY BUOY
A new generation of data A new generation of data buoys specifically designed buoys specifically designed for real-time monitoring and for real-time monitoring and forecasting of marine and forecasting of marine and meteorological conditions.meteorological conditions.
Environmental Monitoring Environmental Monitoring Beyond the state of the artBeyond the state of the art
The SEAWATCH Buoy was used during the towing out of the Hibernia Platform
Improved navigation safety and efficiency
IPT Application: IPT Application: Marine Navigational AidsMarine Navigational Aids
2 Key Problems
Human and Financial
•Loss of Life
• Loss of Property
• Damage to the Environment
• Wear & Tear on Gears
Accidents• 5,146 in Canada alone (1995-2004)• 45% Due to Navigational Errors
Our Solution: Our Solution:
Advanced Ship Autopilot System (ASAS)
Sophisticated ship maneuvering system:
• maintains a ship’s track• minimizes rudder movements• optimizes a ship’s fuel consumption
InCoreTec IPT Application:InCoreTec IPT Application:
1 – Ship Predictor system
M.V. Nanticoke: SPS Field Trial Vessel
SPS & ASASSPS & ASASThe SPS is a marine navigational aid based on Artificial Intelligence and standard vessel maneuvering techniques, which allows for short-term prediction of ship maneuvering in confined or restricted waters.
The ASAS is a sophisticated ship manoeuvring and control system capable of maintaining a ship’s track in confined waterways and harbours. It is also capable of optimizing the ship’s fuel consumption by minimizing rudder movements and course changes in open water.
InCoreTec IPT Application:InCoreTec IPT Application:
2- Advanced Ship Autopilot System(ASAS)
ASAS
ASAS Field TestsASAS Field Tests
Shuttle TankerSuper Tanker 1
Super Tanker 2
Tests in sunny conditions…
… in foggy conditions, and…
Hurricane Michael!!
Screen Capture during Manoeuvres
Steering
• Frequency of rudder movements
• Magnitude of rudder angle
Comparison of the ASAS Comparison of the ASAS and traditional Autopilotand traditional Autopilot
ASAS Steering Ship’s Autopilot
STD DEV
Rudder movement reduced by 68%
Khruise Control
from
Kelvin Hughes &InCoreTec
Khruise Control
from
Kelvin Hughes &InCoreTec
Frequency of rudder movementsFrequency of rudder movements((Number of rudder Movements per Number of rudder Movements per
minuteminute))
Sample Plot For 2 days ( 2 hr shifts)Sample Plot For 2 days ( 2 hr shifts)
SteeringSteering
ASAS: Fuel & Time SavingsASAS: Fuel & Time Savings
Rudder Movement Reduced 68% Over 900 hours of testing Study to quantify fuel savings- super tanker Average time savings of 2.3% Average fuel savings of $265,000 a year! For
a supertanker
Measured fuel savings at full speed equaled 2.1 tons/day. At $420 US per ton (Dec’ 07), the savings equal $882/day. Assumes 25 sailing days/month.
More Feedback- Super TankerMore Feedback- Super Tanker
“The predictive nature of the system is the key element in its success. We consider this as a big break-through in navigation and fuel saving." - T.M. George
“We realize the valuable contribution ASAS can make in energy conservation, improved performance and higher standard of navigation. No doubt it will be a milestone in the history of shipping as far as navigation by auto-pilot is concerned." - A N Lodhi - Sharjah (UAE)
ASAS PatentsASAS Patents
US patent filed in 1999 and 2001
International patent filed in 2000 in the following countries: United States (Patent has been GRANTED)United States (Patent has been GRANTED) Canada (Patent has been GRANTED)Canada (Patent has been GRANTED) United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates United Kingdom (Patent has been GRANTED)United Kingdom (Patent has been GRANTED) NorwayNorway
ASAS ConclusionsASAS Conclusions
Unlike existing autopilots, the ASAS utilizes advanced IPT to determine exactly how much rudder movement is needed to keep a ship on track. As a result, the ASAS can accurately maintain the vessel on its intended track with minimum rudder movements. The minimization of rudder movements directly translates into:
Reduced fuel consumption and sailing time
Higher efficiency and increased safety
The results of over 900 hours of testing indicated that, compared to the ship’s existing autopilot, the ASAS achieved:
Fuel savings of around 2.1% and
A reduction in travel time of approximately 2.3%.
IPT Application:IPT Application:
Intelligent Control System
Mona’s interest in Space started early in the 1990s
IC Development FocusIC Development Focus
Mona & Julie Payette, Canadian astronaut Nov. 1999
Mona & Dr. Roberta Bondar, Canadian Astronaut,
Nov. 2000
Intelligent ControllerIntelligent Controller
A fast, accurate and commercially viable control software for Harmonic Drive Systems.
Can be used for multi-tasking robots
Can be integrated into newly built or retrofitted to existing actuators.
Methodology Methodology
Hybrid AI Friction Compensation Modeling
Improves accuracy of Math Models
Accounts for un-modeled factors
ChallengesChallenges
Challenges in ExportingChallenges in Exporting
• One of the major challenges we faced in exporting the ASAS to the Middle East occurred after the devastating events of September 11, 2001. This tragedy and the ensuing war forced the company to stop all travel to the region, interrupting a crucial testing period for our product.
• In addition, the SARS scare in Asia cut down on our travel to Singapore, where we had meetings scheduled and where we were supposed to join one NITC vessel for ASAS testing.
• While these specific cases are, thankfully, rare and extreme, they do illustrate some of the challenges faced when dealing with other continents.
Funding and Cash FlowFunding and Cash Flow
• For any company, especially a small one, finding sufficient funding sources to assist in research and development costs is crucial.
• Cash flow for a small company is also a large problem – trying to stay afloat in the current market place is often a difficulty.
Self-DoubtSelf-Doubt
When I got my first Engineering position, I was the only female engineer (and they did not quite know what to do with me), and I needed to battle self-doubt.
These doubts resurfaced when I wanted to strike out on my own and start my own business.
Thankfully, in both cases, I had the tremendous support of my family, friends and colleagues, and my faith in myself and my capabilities was revived.
RecommendationsRecommendations
Board BenefitsBoard Benefits
It is really important for a company to have a Board of Advisors and a Board of Directors.
These individuals will be essential to you in various ways as your company grows. They can offer you a wealth of information based on their past experiences and can introduce you to the people you need to know.
InCoreTec has been extremely fortunate to have both a wonderful Board of Advisors (Mr. Dennis Clarke, Ms. Ruth Graham, Mr. Dave King, Captain Mike Scala, and Mr. Sam Walters) and an excellent Board of Directors.
InCoreTec First Board of InCoreTec First Board of DirectorsDirectors
InCoreTec’s Board meets either in-person or via teleconference several times a year.
Austin Thorne
John-Peter Bradford
Mona El-Tahan
Richard Potts
Brian Tobin
Debbie Weinstein
Mentors & SupportMentors & SupportOften, it will help to find a Mentor – someone who has been through it all before and is willing to share what they have learned with you.
I am a firm believer in this and have acted as a mentor to numerous students and young entrepreneurs through work-term positions and through my work with Women in Science and Engineering (WISE), NLOWE, and Women Business Owners of Canada (WBOC) .
And a great support network is key!
Partnerships & AlliancesPartnerships & Alliances
Forming an alliance and/or partnership with another company is often beneficial to both parties, resulting in a win-win relationship. The alliance allows you to pool your resources and knowledge, and assists you in entering new markets and making new contacts.
OrganizationsOrganizations
It is imperative to find assisting organizations that are the right fit for your company, who can give you the specialized help that you need, be that in the form of business advice or financial aid.
There have been numerous industry and government entities and representatives who have helped InCoreTec along the way, and I would like to take a moment to thank them for their tireless assistance. These include Canship-Ugland, Royal Bank, CCMC, Lavalin, MUN, C-CORE, NITC, SAAB Marine, Canadian Coast Guard, NATI, NEIA, NOIA, NLOWE, BDC, IC, CSA, ACOA, IRAP, DITRD, the GENESIS Centre, and all other provincial and federal government departments who have offered a helping hand.
Money, Money, MoneyMoney, Money, Money
Important Advices:
• Get investors at an early stage
• Keep a very close eye on your cash flow
• Develop a good relationship with your account manager at the Bank – be very open and direct with him/her, letting him/her know everything that is going on with your finances. Remember, the bank is there to help you and they don’t like surprises!
Struggling with ConfidenceStruggling with ConfidenceA Study by Irene MeglisA Study by Irene Meglis
The 2000 National Conference for the Advancement of Women in Engineering, Science & Technology provided the participants with a paper by Ms. Meglis in which she gave a discussion of “So You Want to Be a Scientist? – The Top 10 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me”. I think a few of these bear repeating:
1. It’s Okay to Fail – some of the most interesting discoveries came about when something did not work ‘right’
2. … but Never Accept Defeat – do not demand the unreasonable of yourself, but never be satisfied with “good enough”
3. Take the Reins – you are responsible for directing, checking and correcting yourself
4. Be Patient – things may not come easily, but with a little patience and perseverance they WILL come
Awards, Awards, Travel & Travel &
NetworkingNetworking
Honorable John Ottenheimer presenting Mona with NLOWE Entrepreneur of the Year award
CATA High-Tec Woman of the CATA High-Tec Woman of the Year AwardYear Award
Presented for outstanding technological innovation and corporate leadership - leadership that has significantly expanded the frontiers of Canada's advanced technology industry.
St. John’s Mayor Andy Wells presenting Mona with the CATAlliance first annual Sara Kirke Award
RecognitionRecognition
• The Newfoundland Herald
• The Telegram
• BusinessWoman Canada
• Canadian Business Magazine
• The Sunday Independent
• Atlantic Business Magazine
• Atlantic Progress
• Computing Canada
• The Express
• Progressive Choices
• Two Text Books
NATIONAL COMMITTEES AND NATIONAL COMMITTEES AND BOARDS OF DIRECTORSBOARDS OF DIRECTORS
Appointed as a member of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Committee on Scholarships and Fellowships (2000-2004)
Served on the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology Industries (NATI) Board of Directors for the Ocean Technology sector (2003-2005)
Served on the National Board of Director's of
Women's Business Owners of Canada (WBOC) representing the Atlantic region (1999—2000)
Women in Science & Engineering Women in Science & Engineering (WISE)(WISE)
FounderFirst President & Board MemberLife-Time membership in recognition of
outstanding dedication and service
Global network of professional industry and
academic contacts in North America, the
Middle East, Europe and Southeast Asia.
Display at Canadian Technology Showcase, Dubai 1999
The Gate to the Suez Canal,
Egypt 1999
So, Mona El-Tahan’s work has taken her all over the world –
to places such as Europe, the Middle-East, Asia and Africa.
And driven a motor scooter down the streets of Port Said!