Student and Alumni Profiles:

Swati Agiwal, NCFPD student researcher

Studying safety precautions of global food suppliers

(Dec. 3, 2007)

Do you know much about what you are eating and where it’s been? Those serving may not know, either, and that concerns Swati Agiwal, a Minnesota student studying food companies’ protection of their supply chains and their ability to recover from a contamination event. > Read more

Virgil Griffith, 2007 DHS Fellow

Targeting anonymous Wikipedia updaters with unique "WikiScanner" software tool

(Nov. 5, 2007)

For the average researcher, Wikipedia has become an all too frequent reference popping up as the truth. For those who know better, like DHS Fellow Virgil Griffith, Wikipedia is a free-for-all where those updating entries can have less than credible intent.   > Read more

Sarah Wappett, 2004 DHS Scholar Alumna

Enhancing non-profits' influence in disaster preparedness

(Oct. 11, 2007)

As the public looks to government agencies for relief during disasters, the nonprofit sector's capabilities can be just as vital. Sarah Wappett is working to raise the preparedness profile of the nonprofit sector, developing a preparedness plan for nonprofits in the Greater D.C. Area.   > Read more

IDS Center student Swapna Somasundaran

Developing automated coding of blogs and discussion boards to discern public opinion

(Oct. 2, 2007)

The Internet has joined the newspaper opinions page and the water cooler as a hot spot for the spouting of public opinion. DHS student Swapna Somasundaran has her finger on this pulse, able to extract concrete opinions and feelings from the plethora of bulletin boards, discussion forums and blogs dominating the online world.   > Read more

Security of stadiums and public venues require research in multiple disciplines - Profiles of six students

(Sept. 17, 2007)

During the 2006 college football season, attendance was more than 47 million with 3,392 games played between September and January. The University of Michigan had the highest per game attendance, packing 110,000 hot dog-munching and soda-guzzling fans shoulder-to-shoulder and cheek-to-cheek into the narrow seats of the “Big House,” as it is called.

In 2005, the Department of Homeland Security identified sports arenas as one of the most attractive potential terrorist targets for mass casualties and catastrophic economic impact. As a result, student researchers funded by DHS are zeroing in the importance of enhancing security at stadiums and arenas.   > Read more

DHS Fellow Ben Langhorst

Better protection for U.S. soldiers possible via research

(August 31, 2007)

Media reports tell us that current vehicles and equipment are not always adequate in protecting U.S. soldiers in the Middle East from blasts caused by explosive devices. DHS Fellow Ben Langhorst is developing new structures of armor plating better able to withstand explosions than conventional means.

> Read more

Summer research program lets MSI students work with DHS Centers

(August 2, 2007)

Each summer, the DHS Science & Technology Directorate's Office of University Programs sponsors 10 week-long visits by faculty and students from Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) to the DHS Centers of Excellence. Research subjects included infectious diseases, disaster preparedness and food bioterrorism.

> Read more

Clues to preventing terrorism hidden within Web use, e-mail, inspection records and communication

Profiles of four students seeking to stop terrorism

(July 10, 2007)

The study of Web traffic, e-mail and other forms of communication, and inspection records of materials entering the U.S. hold keys to event prediction and terrorist activity. > Read more

Investing in partnerships, communication and infrastructure security for preparedness

Profiles of five students enabling preparedness

(June 6, 2007)

Foiled terrorism plots targeting the U.S. serve as reminders for continued vigilance and preparedness. DHS students are researching partnership methodologies, recommendations to improve communication among professionals and the public, ways to bolster our infrastructure to prepare for potential attacks.

> Read more

Erin Steenblock, DHS Fellow

Battling the threat of biowarfare agents at the cellular level the focus of DHS Fellow

(May 29, 2007)

The body's ability to fight infection is critical. This can be true whether combating the common cold or fighting off disease or biowarfare agents intentionally introduced through terrorism. DHS Fellow Erin Steenblock is developing methods to enable humans’ ability to fight infection should an unexpected biological attack fail to be prevented.

> Read more

Battling the threat of bioterror

Profiles of five students designing ways to detect & thwart attacks

(May 4, 2007)

A single microgram of certain bioterror agents can be lethal and such an event would threaten the American way of life. DHS students are working to enhance the ability of those responsible for predicting, detecting and thwarting potential bioterror events through improved knowledge and technology.

> Read more

Myrtle Evans-Holland, DHS PACER Center Student Researcher

Preparedness among vulnerable populations

(April 11, 2007)

How prepared are you and your family for a natural disaster? A 2006 survey of low-income African American families in Maryland shows that most have emergency plans, yet just nine percent say they are fully prepared for a natural disaster or terrorist attack. The survey is the work of Myrtle Evans-Holland, a doctoral student at Morgan State University and member of the DHS PACER Center of Excellence.

> Read more

DHS Students & Alumni enhancing transportation security through work at Labs and DHS Centers

Profiles of five current students and alumni

(April 3, 2007)

Ensuring the safety of our transportation routes is not only critical for the protection of humans, but also for the billions of dollars worth of commercial goods that criss-cross our state and international borders everyday. DHS-funded students and alumni are working in a variety of disciplines to counter threats to this valuable infrastructure.

> Read more

Brian Taylor, 2006 DHS Fellow

Unique unmanned aerial vehicle flys and walks - Designed to aid U.S. military

(Mar. 23, 2007)

The MMALV (Micro Morphing Air and Land Vehicle) is an unmanned aerial vehicle that can both fly and walk. Creating this one-of-a-kind vehicle has been the research challenge of DHS Fellow  and engineer Brian Taylor.

> Read more

DHS Students and Alumni research working to ensure food, agriculture and water safety

Profiles of nine current students and alumni

(Feb. 26, 2007)

The ongoing protection of our food, agriculture and water supplies is vital for not only public health, but also economic reasons. DHS-funded students and alumni are directing and conducting research to aid these critical infrastructures.

> Read more

> Feature article on food, ag and water defense in March '07 newsletter

Danny Rogers, 2005 DHS Fellow

Cybersecurity mission aided by computing and encryption advances

(Feb. 13, 2007)

Secret codes are now more secret than even, even unbreakable, thanks to the research of DHS Fellow Danny Rogers. Through quantum information science, a new discipline that merges quantum physics with information theory, Rogers studies the ability to create unbreakable encrypted codes.

> Read more

DHS Students and Alumni research computer games and simulations for training

Profiles of eight current students and alumni

(Feb. 7, 2007)

DHS students are at the research and technology forefronts of creating computer games and simulations for training purposes. Click below to learn of their research in projects that include developing the DHS CREATE Center's Firescope training simulation (and read more in the February '07 newsletter).

> Read more

David Roberts, 2005 DHS Fellow

Computer gaming for better homeland security training

(Jan. 29, 2007)

More than one hundred million Americans play computer games, fostering the growth of online gaming not just for entertainment but also for instruction in areas such as homeland security. DHS Fellow David Roberts develops technologies to create simulation scenarios that are “predictably unpredictable” creating an unpredictable environment for the learner, but retaining predictability for the trainer. He sees his work being used in training for DHS areas such as border patrol, baggage screening and port cargo screening.

> Read more

Kyle Susa, 2006 DHS Fellow

Research to improve cross-race face recognition

(Jan. 19, 2007)

Research says we are 1.4 times more likely to correctly identify an own-race face versus one of different race or ethnicity. DHS Fellow Kyle Susa is developing techniques to enhance cross-race recognition as a means to halt potential terrorists.

> Read more

DHS Students and Alumni conducting psychological research in terrorism

Profiles of four current students and alumni

(Jan. 11, 2007)

Technological advancements aid our fight against terrorism. Discovering the motivations, beliefs and reasons behind terrorist actions is equally important. Click below to learn of four students and alumni probing the psychological motivations behind terrorism.

> Read more

Cary Girod, 2003 DHS Fellow Alumni

Educating others in math and science now goal of DHS Fellow

 (Dec. 12, 2006)

Cary Girod, a 2003 DHS Fellow, has turned the support she received through DHS Student Programs into support for others. After completing graduate school at New Hampshire, Cary joined the faculty at The Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, New Jersey.

> Read more

DHS Scholars & Fellows aiding homeland security through cybersecurity research

Profiles of seven current students and alumni

 (Dec. 6, 2006)

As our national military and economic systems have become moreNet-centric, so has the need to protect those systems from potential harm. Click below to learn of seven current students and alumni excelling academically and in the professional world in cybersecurity.

> Read more

Kathleen Vidoloff, DHS NCFPD Center student researcher

"Best Practices in Risk and Crisis Communication" the focus of NCFPD Master's student

 (Nov. 21, 2006)

Organizations needing to prepare for potential crises and respond to crisis events, either natural or man-made, require tactical knowledge in forming communication responses. Such "best practices" are the focus of NCFPD student Kathleen Vidoloff in her study of "Best Practices in Risk and Crisis Communication."

> Read more

Jason Watkins, 2004 DHS Scholar

Better cars, aircraft and space structures evolving in lab of DHS Scholar

 (Nov. 21, 2006)

A whole new breed of metal composites that could lead to better-performing and more durable automobiles, aircraft, and structures used in space is being developed at Oklahoma University by DHS Scholar Jason Watkins.

> Read more

Brian Nussbaum, DHS START Center student researcher

Counterterror efforts aided by knowing enemy, says START researcher

 (Nov. 9, 2006)
    

Understanding the formation and tactics of terror groups can aid national and international efforts toward stopping terrorism. This is a premise of research being developed by START student Brian Nussbaum, through an analysis of terrorism and security agencies.

> Read more

Jeff Sholl, DHS NCFPD Center student researcher

Potential food attacks the focus of NCFPD Alum's software tools

 (Nov. 1, 2006)

His own concerns as a food company owner drew former NCFPD student Jeff Sholl to the creation of software management tools to understand the consequences and potential impacts of a food contamination event.    

> Read more

Nora Wang, 2004 DHS Fellow

Molecular research by DHS Fellow aims to reduce disease

(Oct. 24, 2006)

Antibiotic resistance poses both a threat to the treatment of infectious diseases and a bioterrorism threat. Nora Wang is conducting research to create antibiotics that can eliminate persistent bacteria and lessen our risk of infection.

> Read more

Steve Ressler, 2003 DHS Fellow

Former Fellow now employee keeps DHS running smoothly

(Oct. 20, 2006)

Steve Ressler moved from DHS Fellow to DHS employee, to launch a career studying ways to enhance and improve the Information Technology division of DHS and meet the computing needs of the more than 180,000 employees in the DHS enterprise.

> Read more   

Jenn Gustetic, 2005 DHS Fellow

Role of private & public partners in crisis researched by DHS Fellow

 (Oct. 16, 2006)

Responding to emergencies on national, state or local levels requires and understanding of the roles and contributions of public and private partners, and forms the basis for research being conducted by Jenn Gustetic while earning her Master's degree in Technology and Policy at MIT.

> Read more

Samim Ghamimi, DHS CREATE Center Student Researcher

CREATE Center risk assessment & management aided by student modeling research

 (Oct. 12, 2006)   

Knowing how best to respond to real world crises requires the training best acquired through simulations of those crises. Samim Ghamami, working on his PhD in Operations Research at the University of Southern California,, is forwarding the DHS CREATE Center mission through his research in stochastic modeling and simluation.

> Read more

Matt Dawson, 2004 DHS Fellow  

DHS Fellow developing new breed of armor to protect U.S. soldiers

 (Oct. 9, 2006)

Through his graduate studies at MIT, Matt Dawson is helping U.S. military personnel miles away in Iraq and on other fronts by developing a reflexive, fluid-filled armor that reduces the energy absorption of an explosive blast and provides better protection for soldiers and their vehicles and equipment.

> Read more

Kimberly Tuttle, 2004 DHS Scholar

DHS Scholar's math background serves U.S. Navy research

(Oct. 6, 2006)

From academic research aiding the government to direct employment with the U.S. Department of the Navy, Kimberly Tuttle has followed a pathway paved by research in mathematics that lends technological support to our military around the globe.

> Read more

Zeno Franco, 2003 DHS Fellow

Psychological needs of emergency responder and disaster victims critical, urges DHS Fellow

(Sept. 27, 2006)

Traveling around the globe and working with refugees has given Zeno Franco new perspective on the needs of those assisting others in times of crisis. It has lead to his research and development of tools to prepare emergency responder to meet the psychological needs of others.

> Read more

Adrienne LaFleur, 2005 DHS Scholar

Nuclear weapon investigation aided by work of DHS Scholar

(Sept. 22, 2006)

The detection of the illegal detonation of a nuclear weapon and the traceability of that weapon to its source are done on a microscopic level, despite the magnitude of the event, being conducted Adrienne LaFleur.

> Read more

Ashleigh Coaxum, 2006 DHS Summer Faculty Research Team

Income a motivator for terrorism, says DHS summer research team

(Sept. 17, 2006)

With more than 125 recognized terrorist groups throughout Africa and Southern Asia, Ashleigh Coaxum has a broad database from which to study links between economics, income and motivations for terroristic behavior.

> Read more

Stacey Ernstberger, 2004 DHS Fellow

Shrimp a big key in vaccine production for use in outbreaks

(Sept. 6, 2006)

Stacey Ernstberger is proving that big things can come in small packages with the development of more rapid mass vaccination deliver through the use of shrimp.

> Read more

Ogi Ogas, 2003 DHS Fellow

Incorporating human vision into computers to advance security surveillance

(Aug. 26, 2006)

While humans have long relied on machines and technology for security purposes, Ogi Ogas is developing ways to get computers to look at border surveillance in a way similar to how our human eyes would see things.

> Read more

Tristan Weir, 2003 DHS Scholar and 2004 DHS Fellow

Taking tech to real world task of Scholar / Fellow now at DHS

(Aug. 18, 2006)

The transition of research and scientific discovery into outputs that can aid analysts, emergency responders, policymakers and other end users fulfills the aims of DHS S&T and is a mission taken on by Scholar and Fellow alum Tristan Weir now working at DHS.

> Read more

Ed Glazer, DHS NCFPD Student Researcher

Inspectors' skill and training key to protection of our food supply

(Aug. 11, 2006)

The meal on your dinner table tonight could have come from many different places over great distances. Ed Glazer conducts research aimed at aiding the regulators and inspectors who ensure that our food remains safe from accidental and intentional contamination. Through partnerships with national associations governing the certification and education of food regulation professionals, Ed's work consists of assessing regulators' needs relative to food protection, understanding relevant core competencies, and modifying existing curricula or developing new materials.

Ericka Shearin and Lara Gunther, 2005 DHS Scholars

Summer Internships Conclude for 145 DHS Scholars, Fellows and Summer Team Researchers

(Aug. 4, 2006)

    From Lawrence Livermoore in the west to the halls of DHS headquarters in the east, 145 DHS Scholars, Fellows and students on Summer Research Teams are packing their bags to return to their home institutions following 10-week internships at national laboratories, Federal agencies and at the DHS Research and Education Centers.

    Ericka Shearin (North Carolina Central State University) and Lara Gunther (University of West Florida), shown above, both interned at the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Response to Terrorism (START) at the University of Maryland. Shearin developed a project entitled, "Minorities at Risk Organizational Behavior," while Gunther conducted content analysis examinations of Al-Qaida transcripts.

    With many taking to the podium to describe their internship activities, students have reported on a wide variety of projects reflecting the multi-disciplinary breadth of homeland security.

    Project themes have included:

• avian influenza