The 2024 Designing Actionable Solutions for a Secure Homeland (DASSH) Hackathon, co-hosted by the Center for Accelerating Operational Efficiency (CAOE) at Arizona State University (ASU) and the Soft Target Engineering to Neutralize the Threat Reality (SENTRY) at Northeastern University, showcased groundbreaking student solutions to complex homeland security challenges. Held from February 23-25, the event attracted 110 students across 33 teams from 17 institutions, tackling scenarios designed to address cascading events in critical infrastructure including cyber-attacks, natural disasters, and human-engineered sabotage.
Dr. Ross Maciejewski, CAOE Director and Professor at ASU’s School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, and Dr. Michael Silevitch, SENTRY Director and Professor at Northeastern University, led the efforts as directors of the co-hosting centers of excellence. Their leadership was crucial, complemented by the dedication of Anthony Kuhn, CAOE associate director, volunteer mentors and judges who provided invaluable guidance and evaluation throughout the event. Faculty leads at the funded MSI institutions also played a critical role in organizing and supporting their student teams.
The DASSH 2024 event showcased innovative solutions to complex national security challenges, with students from across the country proposing cutting-edge strategies to address scenarios from cyberattacks to natural disasters. DASSH showcased a diverse and talented pool of participants from across the country. CAOE’s commitment to supporting Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) was evident through an official RFP funding process, which provided support to five MSI institutions. These universities hosted in-venue teams on their campuses, enriching the competition with a range of local perspectives.
The event, directed in large part by Kuhn and his team, featured contributions from staff, students, mentors and judges with expertise spanning academia, industry, and government.
Student Innovations Address Critical Scenarios
This year’s challenges revolved around AI-enabled cyberattacks, heatwave-exacerbated infrastructure attacks, and natural disaster-induced cascading events. The competition was fierce, with teams presenting solutions judged on their feasibility and communication of ideas, akin to the format of Shark Tank. Students gave up their time and sleep for the chance to solve intensely difficult problems that are very real potential threats. As students took to their computers and whiteboards, ruminating on the best possible way to solve intricately completed scenarios, their university hosts kept them fueled with food and drinks to take one aspect off their plates. Many students worked and slept in shifts with most working through the nights.
Problem Statement 1: AI-Enabled Cyberattacks
The top prize for tackling AI-enabled cyberattacks went to the team “Neutrinos” from Arizona State University. Their solution, the Cascading Cyber Attack Anticipation System (CCAAS), leverages predictive analytics and real-time detection to manage cyber threats across interdependent infrastructure systems. “Our approach not only forecasts potential targets but also provides adaptive responses to mitigate attacks,” explained Swapnil Kannojia, a team member.
The second-place team, “One Second Until Midnight,” also from ASU, developed Project InfraStatus, a data tool that utilizes AI for crisis communication. Stevens Institute of Technology’s “Stevens Stargazers” took third place with their 911-AM communication system, which aims to use analog technology to maintain emergency communication during cyber disruptions.
Problem Statement 2: Heatwave-Exacerbated Infrastructure Attacks
For the second challenge, the “Unstructured Infrastructure” team from ASU won with their Emergency Civil Response Protocol (ECRP). Their prototype integrates an app-based warning system to manage traffic and hospital patient overloads during extreme heatwaves. Team member Anastasia Ivanova highlighted the system’s focus on “improving health outcomes and infrastructure stability during critical events.”
Northeastern University’s “Huskies” earned second place with their preparedness strategy and phased recovery approach. Their solution includes energy conservation tactics and a civilian medical support app. “Moder’s Sentinels” from Northeastern and Rutgers University secured third place with a Social Vulnerability Index to measure and address human impacts during crises.
Problem Statement 3: Earthquake and Tsunami Cascading Effects
The “Caffeine Compilers” team from ASU emerged victorious with their MosQuit Device, designed to combat mosquito-borne diseases post-tsunami using drone technology. Team member Darshan Sheth noted, “Our system targets disease vectors directly, improving post-disaster public health.”
ASU’s “NKPS” followed in second place with their ALENKO rover, a remote-operated device for assessing structural damage. “ATASA,” also from ASU, received third place for their drone-based surveillance system and first responder app, enhancing disaster response capabilities.
San Diego State University’s “Aztec Operatives” received an honorable mention for their drone-based recovery system and first responder website, providing real-time video feeds and evacuation support.
DASSH is Unique
DASSH 2024 wasn’t just another hackathon; it was a platform for students to showcase their problem-solving skills and present actionable solutions to industry leaders and DHS officials.
DASSH 2024 offered a hybrid experience, allowing participants to join in person at various participating schools while mentors and judges connected virtually via Zoom and Discord. Throughout the event, students were paired with academic and industry mentors who provided guidance and support. The three-day event kicked off on February 23 and concluded on February 25, with final presentations and prize distributions. Participants, including students, academic experts, and industry leaders, engaged in collaborative problem-solving sessions aimed at addressing complex security challenges.
Mentors for DASSH included Hilary Shackelford from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Dr. Jane Tang, Jessica Taverna, Dr. Daniel R. McCarville, R. Scott Farrow, Michael B. Silevitch, Leigh Yu, and Michael Hacker, each bringing unique expertise and perspectives to the table.
By including diverse universities and minority-serving institutions, DASSH 2024 fostered a rich environment of interdisciplinary collaboration and fresh perspectives, enhancing the overall impact of the solutions presented.
Participating institutions included:
- Arizona State University (COE and HSI)
- Chapman University (MSI)
- Elizabeth City State University (MSI)
- Fayetteville State University (MSI)
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Johnson C. Smith University (MSI)
- Northeastern University (COE)
- Rutgers University (COE Emeritus)
- San Diego State University (MSI)
- Stevens Institute of Technology (COE Emeritus)
- University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
- University of the District of Columbia (MSI)
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez (MSI)
- University of Southern California (COE Emeritus)
- University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- University of Texas at Arlington (MSI)
Event Insights and Contributions
The success of DASSH 2024 underscores the importance of fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government sectors to address critical homeland security challenges. With innovative solutions and a commitment to excellence, these student teams have demonstrated their potential to make meaningful contributions to national security.
The participation of leading experts and mentors, including DHS and academic professionals, enriched the event, providing students with invaluable insights and guidance to refine their solutions and better address real-world challenges. Dr. Dimitri Kusnezov of DHS emphasized the importance of creative problem-solving and real-world impact in his keynote. The competition’s structure allowed students to engage deeply with complex scenarios, blending academic disciplines and practical applications. Gregory Simmons of DHS concluded the event with remarks on career opportunities and workforce development, inspiring participants to pursue careers in homeland security.
The integration of real-world scenarios into the student challenges ensured that the solutions proposed are not only innovative but also practical, with the potential to make a significant impact on community resilience and safety. The DASSH 2024 Hackathon not only showcased innovative student solutions but also reinforced the collaborative spirit driving advancements in homeland security.d are not only innovative but also practical, with the potential to make a significant impact on community resilience and safety. The DASSH 2024 Hackathon not only showcased innovative student solutions but also reinforced the collaborative spirit driving advancements in homeland security.
