Engineering

Dr. Harry L. Wolbers has always enjoyed dealing with principles to solve real world problems, where individuals who work in his profession of industrial psychology are able to help improve and save human lives by minimizing risks of accidents and errors. He joined Douglas Aircraft Co. in El Segundo, California, in 1954 while pursuing a PhD, first serving as chief of systems research until 1963. From there, he relocated to Santa Monica and Huntington Beach, California, to become the chief program engineer of space systems until 1974. While employed by the prominent aerospace company, Dr. Wolbers was an adjunct professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Southern California Los Angeles between 1954 and 1985.

Joining McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Co. in Huntington Beach in 1974, Dr. Wolbers first served as chief systems engineer of advanced space systems until 1985. Prior to his retirement in 1991, he was the deputy director of flight crew systems for the McDonnell Douglas Space Systems Co. in Huntington Beach for six years. In retirement, Dr. Wolbers remains a consultant for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in Washington.

While obtaining academic degrees, Dr. Wolbers served on active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1947 when he requested, and was approved for a transfer to inactive status in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He retired from the Naval Research in 1951 as a naval lieutenant. Dr. Wolbers was awarded a Decorated Meritorious Civilian Service Medal in 1995, as well as an Engineering Merit Award from the San Fernando Valley Engineers Council in 1988.

In an effort to share his wealth of knowledge with other industry leaders, Dr. Wolbers has contributed many articles to professional journals within his areas of expertise. He is a former member of the U.S. Air Force science advisory board and previously served as vice president of Psychological Services, Inc., in Los Angeles from the late 1940s to mid-1950s.

Delving into his profession due to his deep interest in the subject and understanding of the necessities of engineering, Dr. Wolbers was requested by the Douglas Aircraft Co. to join their team at the inception of his career in an effort to begin from scratch and not be limited by any existing concepts or aircraft instrumentations. As a result of his employment, the company found the information they required, noting that it can be provided in an integrated package with just two basic displays, one of which was a forward-looking display and the other a downward-looking navigation display.

Dr. Wolbers was married to the late Mary Lou Jordan for more than 35 years prior to her passing in 2009. He has four children, eight grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. In his spare time, Dr. Wolbers enjoys watching movies and spending time with his dog, Laci.

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