This summer, three research teams from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) across the nation joined forces with Arizona State University’s (ASU) Center for Accelerating Operational Efficiency (CAOE) as part of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Summer Research Team (SRT) Program. These teams, consisting of faculty and students, engaged in vital research projects that support the DHS mission, focusing on areas ranging from disaster preparedness to workforce optimization and neurodiversity.
Empowering Minority Serving Institutions
The DHS SRT Program, administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), aims to foster scientific leadership at MSIs by providing faculty and students with research opportunities that align with the DHS mission. Through these partnerships, MSIs contribute to national security while gaining valuable experience and resources.
Ross Maciejewski, director of CAOE and Ira A. Fulton Professor of Computer Science at ASU, served as the faculty mentor for the summer research teams who came to ASU: Dr. Jia’s and Dr. Muhammad.
Maciejewski, who has an extensive background in geographical visualization and visual analytics, emphasized the importance of these collaborations. “The SRT Program not only strengthens our national security efforts but also helps cultivate the next generation of researchers by giving them hands-on experience in tackling real-world challenges,” said Maciejewski.
Disaster Telemedicine: A Lifeline in Emergencies
Dr. Julian Muhammad led the team from North Carolina Central University (NCCU), focusing on integrating disaster telemedicine into local emergency preparedness and response operations. With the guidance of CAOE, the team explored how remote electronic communications between on-scene emergency responders and medical personnel can be used to triage and assess injured individuals during disasters.
“Our project aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response operations by leveraging telemedicine,” said Muhammad. “By the end of the summer, we will develop a framework that can be implemented in local communities to improve disaster response times and outcomes.”
The project has broader implications, and as with the other teams, they will be eligible for funding to continue their research during the upcoming academic year.
Neurodiversity: Enhancing DHS Workforce Capabilities
Led by Dr. Ronnie Jia, the University of North Texas (UNT) Summer Research Team, including graduate student Michael Ainsworth, is conducting groundbreaking research to enhance the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) threat detection capabilities. Their project focuses on identifying and leveraging Neurodiverse Traits of Pattern Recognition and Attention to Detail (PRAD) among employees—a critical skill set across various DHS roles.
The project examines the neurodiverse traits of pattern recognition and attention to detail (PRAD) among DHS employees. These traits, often associated with individuals on the autism spectrum, can be crucial for tasks such as threat detection and risk assessment.
“Our goal is to develop screening tools that can identify job applicants with superior PRAD capabilities,” explained Jia. “This project not only aligns with the DHS mission of threat detection but also promotes a more inclusive workforce by recognizing the strengths of neurodiverse individuals.”
Graduate student Michael Ainsworth, who worked closely with Jia, noted that the research has the potential to inform personnel selection processes across DHS agencies. “By identifying these traits early, we can place individuals in roles where their abilities will have the most impact,” said Ainsworth.
This innovative research seeks to develop specialized screening tools to help DHS agencies, such as TSA, CBP, and CISA, pinpoint job candidates with superior PRAD abilities. By doing so, the project aims to optimize personnel selection processes, leading to enhanced performance in tasks that require exceptional concentration, pattern recognition, and visual thinking.
Dr. Jia’s team is not only contributing to a more effective DHS but also promoting a more inclusive workforce by recognizing the strengths associated with neurodiversity. The potential impact of this research could be substantial, offering valuable insights for state and local governments, private industry, and academia in fields like cybersecurity, intelligence, and public safety.
Optimizing Airport Security Through Machine Learning
The third team was remote during the summer and led by Dr. Eduardo Perez from Texas State University, focused on improving workforce planning in airport screening facilities by integrating machine learning algorithms with discrete-event simulation. The research aims to optimize resource allocation and reduce passenger wait times at security checkpoints.
“Airports face significant challenges in balancing security and efficiency,” said Perez. “Our models provide a data-driven approach to decision-making that can enhance the operational effectiveness of airport security screening checkpoints.”
Jorge Sefair, a CAOE researcher and assistant professor, specializes in network and robust optimization, focusing on creating resilient systems. Sefair served as the faculty mentor for this team and applied his expertise, background, and history working with CAOE to ensure the team’s success in their summer research.
The project also involved developing guidelines and protocols for configuring airport security checkpoints to meet performance targets. This research has the potential to improve airport operations nationwide, contributing to the broader DHS mission of ensuring safe and efficient transportation.
The Sun Set on a Summer of Research
The DHS Summer Research Team Program exemplifies the power of collaboration between MSIs and DHS Centers of Excellence. By bringing together diverse teams of researchers, the program not only advances critical national security goals but also provides a platform for underrepresented institutions to contribute to cutting-edge research. As the summer concludes, these teams leave a lasting impact on the field of homeland security, with the potential for continued contributions in the years to come.
