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One of MITRE information systems engineer Salwa Abdul-Rauf's primary projects has been to develop an integrated architecture repository for her Marine Corps customers in Quantico, Va.

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Often at the forefront of expeditionary forces, the U.S. Marine Corps relies on a diverse portfolio of capabilities that support their mission. Being located near her Marine Corps customers at MITRE's Quantico site gives Salwa Abdul-Rauf great insight into what tools and capabilities they need to perform their best. Her most recent projects focus on maximizing communication capabilities and developing information repositories that help both her customers and the site achieve their objectives.

"I am currently leading two tasks as part of the Marine Corps work program," says Abdul-Rauf. "One of them is the Marine Collaborative Architecture Environment [MCAE] and the other is the modeling and simulation [M&S] data engine."

MCAE will establish an integrated architecture repository and support collaboration among the armed forces. "The integrated architecture repository will promote architecture data sharing and reuse across the Marine Corps and DoD and provide access to authoritative data sources," she says. "Creating this capability should improve the cost, schedule, and performance of architecture development and provide documentation of technical requirements."

The repository will also support the acquisition process by identifying any duplication of effort, as well as highlighting areas needing further investment.

Modeling & Simulation Data Engine

Abdul-Rauf, who holds degrees in mathematics and computer science, also leads the development of an M&S data engine of Marine Air Ground Task Force tactical communications information.

"In 2010, I proposed establishing a storehouse of reusable information as the foundation for a network performance capability here at the Quantico site. Our sponsor responded well to the proposal, and it now forms the basis of my current project work."

The M&S data engine enables staff to repurpose existing data when formulating different scenarios during testing and analysis. "Reusing this type of data enables the iterative development of the scenario model. We then use those scenario models in other M&S tools for analysis. We're also working to automate the end-to-end process as much as possible. We hope to be able to answer customer questions more quickly and provide greater technical and data rigor behind the analysis."

One of the most challenging aspects of creating and maintaining this type of data engine is determining how to sustain the currency of the information the system captures. "This is an issue our customer faces as well. We're working towards identifying ways to keep the information as up-to-date as possible."

Another key part of the project is promoting collaboration among the many parties involved. "I've found that effective communication is paramount, whether it's oral or written. We must keep everyone informed, engaged as a team, and working towards a common goal.

"I really enjoy the work I do," she says, "and value what I can contribute to my customer. I like to solve problems and being at MITRE has given me many opportunities to find solutions for our customers. I also like the fact that I am working within an FFRDC [MITRE's DoD FFRDC]—it's very different from the commercial sector."

She adds, "I feel fortunate to have worked with so many top-notch people addressing challenging problems for our customers. I especially enjoy engaging in projects with a team where I can apply my skills and experience to achieve customer success and outcomes."

Bucolic Setting

While Abdul-Rauf, who is an Egyptian American born in Malaysia, has family around the globe, Virginia is the place she calls home. "My husband is an agricultural engineer," she says. "We established a farm and nursery business in Fauquier County back in 1985, so moving isn't really an option for me."

"That's why when a colleague told me about some interesting opportunities at the MITRE Quantico site, I was eager to learn more." Her commute from Fauquier County, which includes several small picturesque towns, can be time consuming, so Abdul-Rauf says she treasures the opportunities she has to telecommute.

And while the commute may not be ideal, she knew MITRE would be a good fit for her. "I thought coming to MITRE was an excellent opportunity and a good way to give back to our nation."

Outside of work, Abdul-Rauf volunteers for the Public Library System of Fauquier County and with local science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs.

—by Kay M. Upham

Related Information

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Websites

• Our Work: Command and Control
• Command and Control Center (C2C)