Soft Target Engineering to Neutralize the Threat Reality

Listen to this episode of DHS Science and Technology Directorate's Technologically Speaking Podcast about the Bellbird Communications Platform, a drone that facilitates messaging between responders and crowds. "Maintaining clear communication ... could help keep everyone safe." https://lnkd.in/eCmCqQy6

Digital security is a pressing contemporary issue. It is important to remain aware of best practices to safeguard our personal data. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has published a virtual course on protecting personal data stored on your devices. Stay informed by clicking on the link below. https://lnkd.in/eRFtkgFq

SENTRY hosted a webinar on February 19 as part of our Soft Target Security Series focused on Real-Time Threat Detection & Mitigation. The event included presentations on modeling school shootings to reduce future casualties, current SENTRY activities towards developing a real-time decision support system for safe evacuation in active shooter scenarios, and new methods for improving decision-making during active shooter incidents. Stay tuned for more highlights from the event. https://ow.ly/wKtZ50V23bM

Last week, March 7, marked National #EmployeeAppreciationDay! Every day, SENTRY extends our sincere thanks to the faculty, staff and, researchers who make invaluable contributions to our mission of securing soft targets and crowded spaces.

We are so proud of our SENTRY researchers who participated in Northeastern University's Sustainability Innovation Week Showcase on March 11, 2025. Click the link below and stay tuned for more information on the keynote speaker and panel discussion on emerging technologies driving sustainability solutions, the student pitch competition, and the sustainability project exposition and reception. https://ow.ly/kiWc50VgLE4

I had the pleasure of visiting Los Angeles last week and am grateful to Professors Detlof von Winterfeldt, Randolph Hall and Qiang Huang for hosting my research talk at the Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at University of Southern California. I also appreciate Professors Ali Mosleh and Ertugrul Taciroglu for hosting my presentation at the The B. John Garrick Institute for the Risk Sciences at UCLA. Additionally, thanks to Richard John, Kevin Kapadia, Mahta Moghaddam, Andrés Gómez, Giacomo Nannicini, Ali Abbas, Carl Kesselman, Jong Shi Pang, Abigail Horn, Mohammad Pishahang, Gabriel San Martín, Wadie Chalgham and the many others who took the time to meet with me. Visiting neighborhoods affected by wildfires reinforced the belief that our scientific research on public-private partnerships for disaster management would help these communities!!

Interested in harnessing the power of technology to address homeland security concerns? Sign up for the DHS Science and Technology Directorate's innovation funding program mailing lists to stay up to date on events, funding & partnership opportunities, and other news. https://ow.ly/XOEc50V25O5

We can all play a role in keeping our communities safe. U.S. Department of Homeland Security "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign reminds us that safety can start with us. If you notice suspicious activity, report it to local authorities or law enforcement. Read on for more details about the campaign and information on how to recognize and report suspicious activity. https://ow.ly/Ryvg50V240t

Attention students! On February 28, we look forward to co-hosting the DASSH Student Design Challenge with fellow Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence, the Center for Accelerating Operational Efficiency (CAOE). Graduate and undergraduate student teams will use a variety of mediums to develop innovative solutions to pressing and complex real-world issues related to this year’s theme, “Security in an AI World." Stay tuned for highlights from the competition after the event. https://ow.ly/MZPv50UO7Ex

Reflecting on last month's terror attack in New Orleans, SENTRY is committed to preventing instances of terror, and maintaining public safety is a pressing and timely world issue. SENTRY Deputy Director Carey Rappaport spoke with Northeastern Global News last month about the unique challenges that arise in protecting soft targets. https://ow.ly/t7AY50UO7gQ