Thursday, September 7, 2017

St. John’s Relaxed, Nature-Centered Sights in the Caribbean


Paul Angelides is a well-established Syosset, New York, engineer who undertakes forensic engineering assignments across multiple states and territories. Licensed to practice in the US Virgin Islands, Paul Angelides enjoys exploring St. John, an island that has 60 percent of its land protected as a national park.

A recent New York Times travel article focused on the simple pleasures of slowing down and enjoying the relaxed pace of life on the smallest of the three islands comprising the US Virgin Islands. Easily accessible by ferry from St. Thomas, the island does not itself have cruise ship docking or an airport, which creates a tranquility lacking on its larger neighbor. 

The port town of Cruz Bay features picturesque, narrow streets, and can be easily covered in 20 minutes. It is known for its varied culinary fare that ranges from Hawaiian to Caribbean seafood, as well as port side bars and eateries fpr all tastes. 

Another concession to commerce on the paradise island is the low-rise luxury resort Caneel Bay, which is designed to blend in with the natural surroundings and comprises 160 acres and seven beaches. Visitors to the spacious property can take in ruins that hint at the island's agricultural past.

Friday, August 18, 2017

The National Academy of Forensic Engineers


In 1987, Paul Angelides founded his own engineering firm in Syosset, New York, where he still serves as president. Paul Angelides is a senior member of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE). 

Forensic engineers tend to be highly experienced professional engineers who can help with legal cases where, for example, there was an accident or crime related to building construction, engineering, or sometimes automobiles. Forensic engineers can help their clients understand what may have happened, and they often take the stand in court proceedings to present and defend a particular interpretation of the event in question.

Forensic engineering is a niche within professional engineering. It requires different skills than most engineering jobs, including speaking in front of an audience, staying cool during cross-examination, and handling difficult ethical concerns. Most forensic engineers get started not because they went through a program or applied for the job, but because someone involved in a court case called on them for their expertise. 

NAFE provides this small group of engineers with a network and resources for dealing with the difficult issues they face and for advancing their capacity to do what they do. With a small membership of about 450, NAFE is selective. Applicants who want to join the organization.
must come with experience, recommendations, and membership in other technical societies in order to be considered.

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

The National Academy of Forensic Engineers - Continuing Education


An engineer with more than 55 years of experience, Paul Angelides serves as president of his own engineering firm in Syosset, New York. Active in his professional community, Paul Angelides belongs to the National Academy of Forensic Engineers, which is committed to the continued education of its members. 

The National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE) requires that members, senior members, and fellows take part in continuing professional development (CPD) to remain up-to-date on the latest developments in forensic engineering. All members and fellows who have completed 100 CPD credits over the previous five years are considered to be in good standing and receive a three-year certification as Diplomates in Forensic Engineering in accordance with the requirements of the Council of Engineering Specialty Boards. CPD information must continue to be updated each year.

Individuals applying for membership to NAFE must also provide evidence of CPD completion. CPD credit may be acquired from among five categories - academic credits (AC), self-study credits (SC), practice credits (PC), contact credits (CC), and community volunteer credits (CV). 

To help members advance their professional development and meet CPD requirements, NAFE hosts two annual educational seminar events, one in the summer and another in the winter. Members can obtain as many as 32 credits per year through these two-day seminars. 

To learn more about NAFE and its continuing education seminars and requirements, visit www.nafe.org.

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Safety Tips for Snorkeling


Paul Angelides, head of an engineering firm in Syosset, New York, is an avid outdoorsman. In his free time, Paul Angelides enjoys a variety of water sports, including swimming and snorkeling.

Like any water sport, particularly those that involve extended time submerged in open areas, snorkeling requires constant attention to safety. The most effective way to achieve this watchfulness is to swim as a pair, and both swimmers must be willing to be attentive to the other throughout. Buddies must stay close together while in the water, as separation is tantamount to swimming alone.

The snorkeler must also look out for him- or herself, and be aware of surrounding areas. Snorkelers should know if there are rocks or other hazards nearby, while also remaining mindful of the current and any potential feelings of undertow. This also allows the snorkeler to swim across the current and feel oncoming waves, then duck under them to avoid force.

To stay aware, the snorkeler should always swim in full daylight and in clear water. Entrances and exits from the water should take place on a sandy beach that has a lifeguard, who can advise on swimming conditions. Snorkelers should take this advice into consideration along with their own and their partner's skill levels.

Finally, snorkelers should only go in the water with well-fitting equipment and at good hydration levels. Sunscreen is similarly important, as it is easy not to notice sun exposure during a long swim, and water does not protect simmers from sunburn.