The Wonderful World of Simulation

The Wonderful World of Simulation is a composite of the past, current and future of simulation as seen through the lens of the author. This writing presents a documented track of the past, which identifies many of the early pioneers of simulation, along with fascinating examples of early and contemporary simulators. With fifty years of simulation experience including research, acquisition and support, the author injects his personal experiences in the field he has helped to shape. Okraski’s background in government, industry and academia enable him to offer the reader an excellent perspective of simulation as it has evolved and an informed opinion on where it is going. His primary motive for this work is to attract promising young talent to an exciting and rewarding career in simulation.

Author Biography

Hank Okraski is President and Chief Executive Officer of Henry C. Okraski and Associates (Winter Park, Florida), a consulting company to the modeling and simulation industry. During his 32 years with the Navy and as a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES), he was the Director of Research and Engineering and the Deputy Technical Director for the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division. He has served on multiple NATO Study Groups and received the Navy Meritorious Service Award and Navy Superior Service Award. He was named Federal Engineer of the Year by the National Society of Professional Engineers. He is a founding member of the National Center for Simulation (NCS) and continues to serve on its Board of Directors and as the Chairman of the Education and Workforce Development Committee. For NCS Mr. Okraski has led a task force to develop a four year high school curriculum in modeling and simulation. He is a registered Professional Engineer (PE) and Certified Modeling and Simulation Professional (CMSP). He has held adjunct faculty positions at Rollins College and the University of Central Florida. Mr. Okraski has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY and a master’s degree in systems engineering from the University of Florida. He is the proud recipient of Clarkson’s Golden Knight Award, the highest alumni award given by the university.