Dr. Hlavacek was born in Prague, Czech Republic where he received his education from the Prague Institute of Chemical Technology and from Charles University in Prague. He had three doctorate degrees in science and engineering and taught in Prague for a short period before emigrating to the United States and settling in Buffalo, NY as a university professor. There, Professor Hlavacek engaged in the development of graduate courses in air reactor engineering and in computer aided design of chemical operations. Dr. Hlavacek's research focused on solid fuel combustion processes. He published scores of scientific papers in archival journals. His work was recognized by his peers all over the world and he lectured at universities nationally and internationally. His research drew the attention of the US Navy for whom Dr. Hlavacek performed numerous research projects. Dr. Hlavacek also founded a research company and consulted heavily with the US Navy.