About Us

Doug Galarus
M.Sc., Computer Science
M.A.T., Mathematics Education

Mr. Galarus has more than 16 years experience in information technology management, design, development, testing, and implementation. He has extensive experience as the project lead for mobile data communications systems, database-driven web sites, web site design, desktop applications, kiosk development, PDA and Tablet PC -based development, and interactive CD-ROMs. At the Western Transportation Institute, he has applied his technical expertise to the development of specific applications for transportation safety, including improved tools for road weather management and road ecology. Mr. Galarus holds Master's degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics Education, and a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics with an emphasis in Operations Research. Mr. Galarus is Program Manager for the Systems Engineering, Development and Integration Program at WTI.

• Systems Engineering
• Systems Analysis
• Software Engineering
• Software Development
• Web Development
• Multimedia Development
• IT Management
• Systems Administration
• Operations Research
• Optimization
• Technical Training

Suzanne Lassacher
M.Sc., Computer Science

Ms. Lassacher supervises systems administration at the Western Transportation Institute (WTI). She assists other principal investigators with ITS equipment selection, communications, evaluation, and deployment for projects that have ITS components. In addition, Ms. Lassacher is the PI on the Transportation Research Applications and Instrumentation Lab (TRAIL), which will create a virtual traffic center for the collection and analysis of data. She is the Co-PI on a project that is developing a TMC ConOps for a traffic management center for the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT). She is also the Driving Simulation Laboratory Manager. Ms. Lassacher holds a Master's degree in Computer Science.

• Systems Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Systems Administration
• Systems Acquisition
• Technical Training

Shaowei Wang
M.Sc., Industrial and Management Engineering

Mr. Shaowei Wang is a Research Associate at WTI, where his focus is on systems engineering, weather information systems, computer programming, and application development. He has extensive skills in system architecture design, prototyping, simulation, and modeling. He is currently a co-PI on the Caltrans WeatherShare project. Previously, he provided key support related to the design, development, implementation and evaluation of an Expert System for the Transportation Toolkit for Federal Lands Managers project. Mr Wang holds a Master's Degree in Industrial and Management Engineering from Montana State University. He is also a member of the International Council on Systems Engineering.

• Systems Engineering
• Statistical Analysis
• Operations Research
• GIS
• Software Development
• Web Development
• Multimedia Development

Sean Graham
M.Sc., Computer Science

Sean Graham is a Research Associate who specializes in technology development. At the Western Transportation Institute, Mr. Graham has focused on transportation safety, data collection, and operations-related work, conducting all stages of software development for web-based, PC, PDA, and cell phone applications. He has strong skills and experience with numerous programming languages, platforms, and design methodologies. Currently, he is working on, as part of a team, an automated warning controller system for the California Department of Transportation. The system collects road and weather data and displays messages on signs to inform travelers. He is also the technical lead on a project to streamline the collection of roadkill data by using PDAs and GPS. He has also served on teams to develop applications for other specialized transportation needs, including prototype systems that display work zone traveler information and collect animal tracking data on wildlife crossings. At WTI, he maintains, pdates, and develops numerous database-driven web pages. Mr. Graham holds a Master's Degree in Computer Science from Montana State University and a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Recreation and Parks Management from Pennsylvania State University.

• Systems Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Software Development
• Web Development
• Multimedia Development
• Technical Training

Bill Jameson
Ph.D., Applied Mathematics
M.Sc., Physics

Dr. Jameson has more than 40 years experience in telecommunications development, testing, design, implementation and evaluation. He has extensive experience in public and private communications in both rural and urban environments, having directed and designed systems for city, county and state-wide deployments. For the State of Michigan, Dr. Jameson directed the State's telecommunications system/network and consulted with the Departments of State Police and Treasury (Enforcement Division) on their radio and communications system designs. He also investigated the potential use of highway right-of-way for placement of optical fiber to be used by State entities and shared with telecommunications providers. Currently, Dr. Jameson serves as a Senior Research Scientist at the Western Transportation Institute, specializing in the development of telecommunications systems for transportation applications. Dr. Jameson holds a Doctorate in Applied Mathematics from Iowa State University, and a Master's Degree inPhysics from the University of Texas.

• Telecommunications Engineering
• Telecommunications Analysis
• Systems Engineering
• Systems Analysis

Larry Hayden
M.Sc., Electrical Engineering

Larry G. Hayden has more than 20 years of experience as a Senior Design Engineer, specializing in telecommunications, radio frequency and microwave circuitry. He has a strong background in mechanical engineering issues, and excellent troubleshooting skills. He has extensive experience in private industry product development, including eight years at Ball Aerospace, where he developed components for telecommunications satellites. Larry Hayden recently joined the Western Transportation Institute as a Research Associate, where he will focus on the analysis and development of telecommunications systems for transportation applications. He holds a M. S. in Electrical Engineering from Montana State University, and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from North Dakota State University.

• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Telecommunications Engineering

Hugh Richardson
Ph.D., Economics
M.Sc., Computer Science

Dr. Richardson is a research associate who specializes in technology and algorithm development. At the Western Transportation Institute, Dr. Richardson is focused on data collection, traveler information systems, embedded systems, and data mapping and visualization. Currently he is working as a software engineer / systems analyst on the WeatherShare Phase 2 project, the Roadkill Data Collection project, and the Caltrans Automated Warning System Controller project. Prior to joining WTI, his computer-related work experience included general programming, data analysis, construction and maintenance of database-driven websites, algorithm development and implementation, systems administration, and optimization. Dr. Richardson brings a rich and diverse skill-set to WTI, with extensive prior research, academic and consulting experience. Dr. Richardson holds a Master's Degree in Computer Science, a Doctorate in Economics from the University of Washington, and a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Chinese from he University of Adelaide.

• Software Engineering
• Software Development
• Web Development
• Optimization
• Data Analysis
• Economics