SENTIR ARC

Accommodation Research Center

Our Mission

Leverage advanced technology and scientific expertise to conduct evaluations, analyses, and modeling that inform design standards related to form, fit, function, effectiveness, safety, and long-term human health as they relate to body size, shape, proportions, and equipment interfaces across applications ranging from personal protective equipment to air and space systems.

Core Capabilities

 

  • Crew station accommodation evaluations and entry/safety standard development
  • 3D and 1D scanning, digital data collection, analysis, and reverse engineering
  • Human performance evaluation including anthropometry, posture, mass properties, motion capture, and digital human model development
  • Characterization of human size, shape, and population distribution as they relate to crew station performance, equipment integration, and population accommodation impacts
  • Personal protective equipment accommodation, integration, and effectiveness evaluations
  • Full-spectrum anthropometric and morphometric support across the RDT&E lifecycle, from concept development through data-driven reporting and recommendations
  • Custom-tailored consultation, training, and educational courses focused on anthropometry, accommodation, and human systems integration evaluations
  • Leadership and management support for the USAF Airmen Accommodation Lab

Portfolio Snapshot

 

  • Evaluated U.S. Air Force Special Operations, Rescue, Mobility, and Reconnaissance fleets to support development of the first body size standards for enlisted aircrew
  • Conducted HH-60W human factors evaluations supporting integration of crew-served weapon systems
  • Performed in-lab evaluations supporting the U.S. Air Force next-generation fixed-wing helmet system program
  • Evaluated U.S. Air Force fighter, bomber, and trainer fleets to support development of the first body size standards for combat systems operators and revision of pilot standards
  • Selected to support ongoing anthropometric evaluations for the U.S. Air Force next-generation ejection seat program
  • Developed anthropometric recruiting population databases supporting future acquisition and design efforts
  • Partnered with U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center on female torso characterization efforts supporting body armor applications
  • Supported the Naval Air Systems Command F-35 Joint Program Office in development of initial body size standards
  • Executed evaluations supporting U.S. Air Force Security Forces commercial off-the-shelf plate carrier acquisition efforts
  • Performed B-2 bomber weapons boresight evaluations
  • Evaluated U.S. Air Force nuclear flash blindness goggle devices
  • Developed representative seated posture anthropometric testing devices capable of housing multiple ejection seats while replicating aircraft reach dimensions
  • Conducted RDT&E on portable full-body scanning systems and subsequent scanner comparison evaluations

Links to Contributions
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jeffrey-Hudson-2

https://www.safeassociation.com/index.cfm/page/SAFE-Journal-Articles-2015-and-Beyond

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003687020301897

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022437513001692

https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/AD1109537.pdf

https://www.sae.org/publications/technical-papers/content/2024-22-0006/

https://www.ircobi.org/wordpress/downloads/irc20/default.htm

Our Team

Broadly recognized for expertise in anthropometry, accommodation, and human systems integration, our multi-disciplinary team studies the relationship between human body size, shape, and proportion and the interaction between the human system and equipment. Through scientific evaluation, modeling, and analysis, we support the development of safer, more effective, and more inclusive designs across aerospace, defense, and human performance applications. 

SENTIR’s Accommodation Research Center (ARC) team brings together more than 90 years of collective experience in anthropometry, accommodation, human factors, and evaluation science supporting government, industry, and research partners worldwide.

Director – Chris Dawson

Chris, as the principal lab leader, leads efforts focused on human systems integration, anthropometric accommodation, and aircrew systems evaluations. A retired USAF Chief Master Sergeant with 25 years of service, Chris brings expertise spanning aircraft maintenance, flying operations, leadership, and Headquarters Air Force staff assignments up to the Pentagon level. He amassed >3k flight hours in special ops and tactical aviation environments and has 9 years experience supporting USAF anthropometric initiatives. Chris is seasoned in supporting operational testing, acquisition decision-making, and the integration of anthropometric data into aircrew system evaluations. Chris leads multidisciplinary teams supporting evaluation planning, execution, customer coordination, and strategic portfolio management and holds a Master of Aviation Science degree.

Chief Scientist – Dr. Jeff Hudson

Dr. Jeff Hudson serves as the cornerstone of the ARC’s scientific and technical rigor in anthropometry and accommodation research. With more than 37 years of experience in anthropometry and human accommodation, Dr. Hudson has contributed to some of the earliest modern population studies, the development of aviation body size standards, and anthropometric design planning factors for major aircraft programs including the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, Beechcraft T-6 Texan II, and the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. As Chief Scientist, he provides scientific leadership and mentorship across ARC efforts supporting human systems integration, accommodation analysis, and aircrew systems evaluations. Dr. Hudson holds a PhD in Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in Biological Anthropology.

Principal Investigator – Cassie Mullenger

Cassie Mullenger is the ARC lead for anthropometric evaluations of aircrew flight equipment and personal protective equipment. Her expertise spans evaluation planning, research methodology, and data-driven analysis supporting operational and acquisition-related decision-making. She regularly develops test plans, technical reports, and peer-reviewed publications, and presents findings at technical conferences. She has expanded cross-organizational partnerships within the USAF and across the DoD, leading multiple working groups and joint initiatives. Cassie has also designed and led anthropometric data collection training courses and planned/hosted large-scale collaborative meetings. Cassie has 16 years of experience in human factors and anthropometry, and holds Master’s degrees in Public Health and Human Resource Management.

Lead Engineer – Molly Krieger

Molly holds a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering and has 5 years of experience in anthropometry and accommodation research. Beyond supporting the planning and execution of human systems integration and aircrew accommodation evaluations, she has initiated innovative projects (including efforts related to mass properties and ejection seat posturing) that advance ARC evaluations and technical capabilities. She mentors junior engineers and supports technical workforce development within the lab.

Engineer – Matt Degnan

With a background in mechanical engineering, Matt has advanced the ARC’s reverse-engineering and innovation capabilities. He designs and develops systems to support evaluations while continually improving existing methods, processes, and equipment to enhance technical efficiency and capability. Matt has 3 years of experience in the anthropometry and accommodations field.

Engineer – Rose Schaffer

Rose is the pillar of the ARC’s robust data analysis and digital modeling competencies. She plays a key role in ARC evaluations and specializes in compiling, organizing, analyzing, and presenting the organization’s scientific body of work. Rose has 2 years of experience in the anthropometry and accommodations field and holds a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering.

Contact Us

Contact the SENTIR ARC Group at [email protected] to explore our capabilities and allow us to explore how to meet your unique needs.