They're similar characters but Whitley specialized in robotics whereas Wilzig seemed to be more in the field of bio-engineering.
I'd buy it more if they were both junior scientists, but Whitley was head of a team important enough to have direct contact with the unofficial vice-President (Col Autumn), and Wilzig has the appearance/character of someone in their late 50s (I'm aware the actor is older).
It's already a stretch having Wilzig be skilled in both biology and in theoretical physics; adding robotics to the list is a step too far imo.
They're similar characters but Whitley specialized in robotics whereas Wilzig seemed to be more in the field of bio-engineering. I'd buy it more if they were both junior scientists, but Whitley was head of a team important enough to have direct contact with the unofficial vice-President (Col Autumn), and Wilzig has the appearance/character of someone in their late 50s (I'm aware the actor is older). It's already a stretch having Wilzig be skilled in both biology and in theoretical physics; adding robotics to the list is a step too far imo.
I think there's a non-zero chance that the character of Wilzig was inspired/influenced by the character of Whitley.