Pickett Applied Technologies Laboratories

Say hello to our two new team mates!

Joshua Falken
Senior Systems Analyst | Strategic Simulation Division

Joshua Falken is a senior systems analyst specializing in large-scale simulation modeling, emergent behavior analysis, and ethical constraints in autonomous decision systems. Joshua grew up at the intersection of advanced computing, game theory, and moral philosophy—an upbringing that strongly informs his professional approach.

After earning degrees in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Joshua focused his career on building systems designed to explore outcomes rather than enforce them. His work emphasizes fail-safe architectures, human-in-the-loop controls, and the prevention of runaway optimization in strategic models. Colleagues often note his insistence that “the most important variable is knowing when not to play.”

Joshua brings a pragmatic skepticism to high-risk automation projects, advocating for restraint, transparency, and clearly defined termination conditions. While deeply knowledgeable in legacy systems and modern AI frameworks alike, he is particularly valued for his ability to identify scenarios where technical success could still result in unacceptable real-world consequences.

Outside of work, Joshua maintains a quiet interest in early computer games, analog simulations, and restoring obsolete hardware—believing that understanding where systems came from is essential to deciding where they should never go.

Porcia “Porche” Lightman
Administrative Assistant | Government Proposals & Submissions

Porcia Lightman, known as Porche, serves as an administrative assistant supporting government proposal development, with a focus on Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), Commercial Solutions Openings (CSOs), and related federal solicitations. She is responsible for coordinating submission timelines, maintaining compliance checklists, and ensuring that proposal packages meet formatting, documentation, and delivery requirements.

Porche works closely with technical leads, capture managers, and legal reviewers to assemble complete and accurate submissions. Her strengths include requirement tracking, version control, and managing high-volume documentation under strict deadlines. She is particularly effective at translating complex solicitation language into actionable task lists that keep proposal teams aligned and on schedule.

Known for her attention to detail and calm efficiency, Porche helps prevent last-minute compliance issues by identifying gaps early and maintaining disciplined records throughout the proposal lifecycle. She also supports post-submission activities, including clarification responses and archive management for reuse in future efforts.

Porche approaches proposal work with a practical understanding that process discipline is often the difference between a strong technical idea and a successful submission. She believes that good administration enables good outcomes, especially in high-stakes, time-sensitive environments.