St. John’s University Chapter of Sigma Pi Sigma Induction Ceremony - 6/13/11

The Sigma Pi Chapter at St. John's University would like to thank the Sigma Pi Sigma National Office and St. John's University for their generous support of this event.

A special thanks to our wonderful Physics Alumni Speakers who took time out of their busy schedules to share their experiences and knowledge with us.

The program was opened by Dr. Mostafa Sadoqi, Chair of Physics, who welcomed our current students, inductees, alumni speakers and others in the audience.

Mary Grace Velasco, President of St. John's University SPS Chapter, presented the history of Sigma Pi Sigma.

Dr. Huizhong Xu, faculty advisor of SPS, and Dr. Mostafa Sadoqi, then conducted the induction of new members and the charge to new members.

Our special guest speakers were:

John Cariello, Principle Engineer Avionics Lead (Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems).BS in Physical Science from St. John's University,  BSIEE and MSEE from Polytechnic University.

Avionics Lead Engineer on ALQ-218 receiver equipment, Provide Technical Leadership on all ALQ-218 technical and configuration issues. Cognizant engineer responsible for the resolution of hardware and systems engineering issues for Electronic warfare Receive. Responsible for the generation of design requirements and interface definitions of all subsystems. Involved in planning and execution of the verification to all performance requirements. Responsible for the integration of all system components. 

Kenneth Armellino, P.E. (Director of Environmental Science and Community Affairs, Covanta Energy. BS in Physical Science from St. John's University, BS Civil Engineering from Polytechnic University.

Responsible for implementing Covanta's initiatives related to sustainability and community outreach. Areas of responsibility include toxicity reductions in the waste stream and in facility emissions, community outreach and outreach to regulators and non-governmental organizations. He is a member of the sustainability team to implement the Company's programs to reduce the impacts of company operations as well as promote Energy from Waste (EfW) as a clean, renewable energy. He also serves as a Treasurer and Board Member of the NYS Association for Reduction, Reuse and Recycling (NYSAR3), as well as a member of the NJ Audubon Corporate Stewardship  Council, and a Corporate Roundtable Partner in Fairleigh Dickinson University's Institute for Sustainable Enterprise.

Damon Urso, P.E. (Project Manager for Design Projects for the Nassau County Department of Public Works, Water and Wastewater Engineering Unit). BS in Pre-Engineering and MBA from St. John's University, Skull and Circle Honor Society Induction, BE in Civil Engineering from NYU, MS in Civil Engineering from Polytechnic Institute of NY, Chi Epsilon Member, Civil Engineering Honor Society, NYU-Poly.

A varied employment background with Hazen & Sawyer, PC, US Environmental Protection Agency, Dvirks & Bartilucci, PC.

Kevin McCarthy (Teaches Theology and Physics at Holy Cross High School). BA Ed with a major in Physics, St. John's University, MA in Theology.

A varied employment background in Wall Street financial services and teaching.