Meet the Team.
Melissa Candelaria-Lyons
PrincipalMelissa Candelaria-Lyons is a chemical explosives subject matter expert with more than 15 years of experience spanning energetic materials research, explosives characterization, and federal security programs. She specializes in translating emerging threat capabilities into actionable detection requirements, technical specifications, and test methodologies that strengthen security screening effectiveness. Her experience includes advising federal stakeholders on explosive threat characterization, detection technology performance, and capability gaps; leading interagency technical coordination; and supporting the development and evaluation of advanced screening technologies. Melissa's work spans transportation security and defense applications, including support for Army-focused chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) sensor and detection efforts. Her technical background includes explosives research, test and evaluation, threat assessment, and the development of requirements and methodologies for emerging detection capabilities. She holds a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Chemistry, with a focus on energetic materials, and brings a scientific and operational perspective to complex national security challenges.
Dr. Lindsay Candelaria Ph.D
PrincipalDetection Science and Test & Evaluation Expert
Lindsay Candelaria is a scientific and engineering consultant specializing in threat characterization, detection requirements development, and the research and evaluation of security technologies. Her expertise spans chemical and biological characterization, explosive trace detection, vapor detection, and X-ray screening technologies. She supports federal security initiatives through scientific analysis, technology assessment, research and development planning, and data-driven test and evaluation. Lindsay's experience supporting the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) includes evaluating detection system performance, analyzing technical data, and developing technical documentation to support testing, technology maturation, and deployment decisions. Her work also aligns with defense applications, including Army-focused CBRNE sensor and detection support involving test matrix development, analytical support, and test and evaluation planning. She holds a B.S. in Biology, an M.S. in Chemistry, and a PhD in Materials Engineering.
