Sam Houston State University - Institute For Homeland Security

In today’s “Research Spotlight,” we feature, “Methods for Modern Education and Training on Emergency Management and Continuity in Healthcare – Foundations and Concepts" by Bryce S. Allen. As organizations deal with the increasing relevance of resiliency efforts it can be difficult to effectively educate employees and customers on how they play a vital role in those efforts. Traditional emergency management and business continuity frameworks may be focused on governmental agencies, include outdated concepts or references and lack any specific guidance to enhance the use of emerging technologies while simultaneously adapting to the threats and limitations posed by these very tools. Building a culture that is adaptable and prepared is a difficult task. The struggle of creating agile education that adapts to different learning styles, budget-conscious management, and limited resources to keep informed of constantly changing technology ecosystems creates difficulties for organizations, especially in healthcare, to create a culture of resilience. This two-part paper series will look to understand organizational learning and offer informative information on how to leverage existing and emerging technologies at any level in the pursuit of resilience at all levels of the organization. Allen, Bryce S. (2024) Methods for Modern Education & Training on Emergency Management & Continuity in Healthcare – Foundations and Concepts (Report No. IHS/CR-2024-1006). The Sam Houston State University Institute for Homeland Security. Click here to read the paper in its entirety: https://lnkd.in/gKtGdXW6 "IHS Research Spotlight" is a technical paper series hosted by the SHSU Institute for Homeland Security on our website, ihsonline.org. The non-partisan series features papers with various viewpoints & examines critical & timely issues facing homeland security. Click the link to visit the SHSU IHS research page. https://lnkd.in/g_WqHuq2 #shsuIHS #IHSResearchSpotlight

In today’s “Research Spotlight,” we feature, “Detecting Drone (Unmanned or Uncrewed Aerial System) Threats to Stadiums (Stadia) and Public Venues: Operational Perspectives" by John P. Sullivan, Nathan P. Jones and George W. Davis. The potential use of aerial drones—or small unmanned or uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS)—to attack or disrupt outdoor public gatherings or sports events at stadiums (stadia), race tracks or other outdoor venues is a serious public safety concern. It's also a concern to the operators of these facilities since it can have devastating business consequences that amplify the threat to human life. Terrorist threats employing weaponized consumer drones have been a growing concern since the mid-1990s. Sullivan, John P., Jones, Nathan P., & Davis, George W. (2022). Detecting Drone (Unmanned or Uncrewed Aerial System) Threats to Stadiums (Stadia) and Public Venues: Operational Perspectives (Report No. IHS/CR-2022-2024). The Sam Houston State University Institute for Homeland Security. Click here to read the paper in its entirety: https://lnkd.in/ghmeRBYS "IHS Research Spotlight" is a technical paper series hosted by the SHSU Institute for Homeland Security on our website, ihsonline.org. The non-partisan series features papers with various viewpoints & examines critical & timely issues facing homeland security. Click the link to visit the SHSU IHS research page. https://lnkd.in/g_WqHuq2 #shsuIHS #IHSResearchSpotlight

In today’s “Research Spotlight,” we feature, “Assessing the Feasibility of Portable Solar Charging Systems for Electric Vehicles: A Sustainable Approach to Alleviate Grid Load" by Ebrahim Karan. The global rise in electric vehicle (EV) adoption is creating significant challenges for existing electricity grids, particularly during peak charging periods. Integrating renewable energy sources, such as portable solar charging systems, offers a promising solution. This research assesses the feasibility of portable solar charging systems for EVs, focusing on solar panel efficiency, energy consumption and cost analysis. Our findings reveal that although advancements in solar technology have significantly improved efficiency, the current portable solar technology, exemplified by a 200W solar blanket, cannot fully meet the energy demand of EVs on campus. Nonetheless, future improvements in solar efficiency and economies of scale could enhance feasibility. A case study of Houston, Texas, and surrounding counties highlights the rapid increase in EV registrations and underscores the need for sustainable energy solutions. Sensitivity analysis indicates that factors such as capital costs, carbon pricing and interest rates significantly impact the economic viability of solar-powered EV charging systems. By promoting solar energy integration and optimizing EV charging infrastructure, we can reduce grid dependency and enhance environmental sustainability. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of solar-powered EVs and underscores the importance of continued research and technological advancements in this field. Karan, Ebrahim (2024) Assessing the Feasibility of Portable Solar Charging Systems for Electric Vehicles: A Sustainable Approach to Alleviate Grid Load (Report No. IHS/CR-2024-1011). The Sam Houston State University Institute for Homeland Security. Click here to read the paper in its entirety: https://lnkd.in/g2C6DKhN "IHS Research Spotlight" is a technical paper series hosted by the SHSU Institute for Homeland Security on our website, ihsonline.org. The non-partisan series features papers with various viewpoints & examines critical & timely issues facing homeland security. Click the link to visit the SHSU IHS research page. https://lnkd.in/g_WqHuq2 #shsuIHS #IHSResearchSpotlight

In today’s “Research Spotlight,” we feature, “The Water Crisis: Recommendations for Strengthening Local Infrastructures for Clean Water in the United States" by Eric J. Connolly. Several households in the Unites States face issues of poor water quality. While water is essential for healthy human development and is one of the most plentiful nature resources on earth, existing research suggests that many Americans live in communities where water systems are outdated and violate Clean Water Act standards. The current report provides a summary of violations in states and territories in the United States, identifies infrastructure vulnerabilities that could be contributing to these violations and offers recommendations on how to strengthen these weaknesses that have contributed to a nationwide environmental injustice. Connolly, Eric J. (2024). The Water Crisis: Recommendations for Strengthening Local Infrastructures for Clean Water in the United States (Report No. IHS/CR-2024-1031). The Sam Houston State University Institute for Homeland Security. Click here to read the paper in its entirety: https://lnkd.in/gK995ZZZ "IHS Research Spotlight" is a technical paper series hosted by the SHSU Institute for Homeland Security on our website, ihsonline.org. The non-partisan series features papers with various viewpoints & examines critical & timely issues facing homeland security. Click the link to visit the SHSU IHS research page. https://lnkd.in/g_WqHuq2 #shsuIHS #IHSResearchSpotlight

The latest episode of "Structurally Sound," the Sam Houston State University - Institute For Homeland Security podcast, is live! Our latest episode... "Transitioning from Military to Critical Infrastructure Careers." Critical infrastructure is constantly evolving. Public and private sector careers need dedicated and adaptable employees to innovate new strategies and solutions; often, military veterans and those transitioning out of active service are strong candidates for those jobs, although the transition out of uniform can feel daunting. This week, Retired Major General David Glaser, Strategic Risk Integration President and CEO Jim Platt and IHS Program Executive Robert Crane joins the Structurally Sound team to discuss networking and career moves, the Department of Defense's Transition Assistance and SkillBridge programs, and why Sam Houston State University is a top choice for veterans. Click the link to check it out! https://lnkd.in/gu6z8nFu It's also available on these podcast services. Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gSgxiMMc Amazon Music: https://lnkd.in/ggbWyhxZ iHeartRadio: https://lnkd.in/gySYu7ui Do you have an idea for a podcast topic? Send us a tip at IHS@shsu.edu! #shsuihs #structurallysound

In today’s “Research Spotlight,” we feature, “The Level of Preparedness in Non-acute Healthcare Providers Can Impend Your Healthcare System Infrastructure in Disasters" by Fidel J. Calvillo. Developing and sustaining a healthcare emergency preparedness education and training program that integrates with a healthcare coalition and offices of emergency management will improve the healthcare infrastructure system to maintain operations during the effects of a disaster. Preparing and responding to disasters or a large-scale emergency within the healthcare system is a multi-layered approach. Non-acute healthcare providers pose a challenge for responding agencies. Most of these types of providers do not emphasis the importance of preparing for a disaster. Which in turn causes a trickle effect for responding agencies juggling multiple events simultaneously to meet the need of these providers. The project will demonstrate how a healthcare coalition collaborating with local offices of emergency management improves the overall response when preparedness initiatives are at the forefront of daily activities as compared to other areas without the resources to conduct preparedness activities. Calvillo, F. J. (2024). The Level of Preparedness in Non-Acute Healthcare Providers Can Impend Your Healthcare System Infrastructure in Disasters (Report No. IHS/CR-2024-1034). Sam Houston State University, Institute for Homeland Security. Click here to read the paper in its entirety: https://lnkd.in/gHQxkdx5 "IHS Research Spotlight" is a technical paper series hosted by the SHSU Institute for Homeland Security on our website, ihsonline.org. The non-partisan series features papers with various viewpoints & examines critical & timely issues facing homeland security. Click the link to visit the SHSU IHS research page. https://lnkd.in/g_WqHuq2 #shsuIHS #ihsResearchSpotlight

In today’s “Research Spotlight,” we feature, “Risk to Critical Infrastructure Due to Dependence on Access to Space-based Capabilities" by Jim Platt. This paper is intended for owners and operators of US Critical Infrastructure with core business functions reliant on access to space-based capabilities. While the paper will discuss risk to space assets, the intent is not to address the security and resilience of the space systems, but rather to highlight the risk to space-based assets so that companies choosing to use space-based can make more informed risk-based decisions. Platt, Jim. (2024). Risk to Critical Infrastructure Due to Dependence on Access to Space-Based Capabilities (Report No. IHS/CR-2024-1032). The Sam Houston State University Institute for Homeland Security. Click here to read the paper in its entirety: https://lnkd.in/g9_8QAth "IHS Research Spotlight" is a technical paper series hosted by the SHSU Institute for Homeland Security on our website, ihsonline.org. The non-partisan series features papers with various viewpoints & examines critical & timely issues facing homeland security. Click the link to visit the SHSU IHS research page. https://lnkd.in/g_WqHuq2 #shsuIHS #IHSResearchSpotlight

In today’s “Research Spotlight,” we feature, “Resilience to High Consequence Cascading Failures of Critical Infrastructure Networks" by Arthur Mouco, Benjamin L. Ruddell, and Susan Ginsburg. Critical infrastructure networks such as telecommunications, power, water, natural gas, diesel, transportation and cyber networks are interdependent with one another, forming a vast and dauntingly complex web of institutions and physical systems that must be engineered and secured for reliability. No single utility operator, engineering consultant, emergency management organization, financial institution, or local, regional or other government entity is capable of understanding, monitoring, or managing the whole system. Yet, failures are unavoidable, and when those failures cascade through the network, the result may be high-consequence cascading “catastrophes” or Black Swan events. In one recent and tragic example, the February 13–17, 2021 Winter Storm Uri in Texas initiated a failure in the natural gas production system that cascaded first to the natural gas power generation system and then to the wider ERCOT power system, the water distribution system and the petrochemical industry of Texas. No single system operator was responsible, and yet the consequences – including fatalities, recovery challenges, regulatory attention and extreme costs – are everyone’s problem. As networked interdependencies grow, the likelihood of cascading failures has increased accordingly, necessitating technical solutions tailored to this problem. This report introduces the basic principles of interdependent critical infrastructure networks and reviews approaches for analyzing and mitigating the vulnerability of the network to make it resilient. Resilience and reliability in critical infrastructures are complementary and orthogonal. In resilient networks, the inevitable failures due to “all hazards” stay small and don’t become catastrophes. Mouco, A. & Ruddell, B. L., Ginsburg, S. (2023) Resilience to High Consequence Cascading Failures of Critical Infrastructure Networks. (Report No. IHS/CR-2023-1015). The Sam Houston State University Institute for Homeland Security. Click here to read the paper in its entirety: https://lnkd.in/gQUHjmeM "IHS Research Spotlight" is a technical paper series hosted by the SHSU Institute for Homeland Security on our website, ihsonline.org. The non-partisan series features papers with various viewpoints & examines critical & timely issues facing homeland security. Click the link to visit the SHSU IHS research page. https://lnkd.in/g_WqHuq2 #shsuIHS #IHSResearchSpotlight

In today’s “Research Spotlight,” we feature, “Assessing Critical Energy Infrastructure Using Geo-Spatial Technologies" by Mark R. Leipnik. This paper discusses the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in mapping and analysis of incidents related to security and integrity of critical energy infrastructure. It includes a discussion of what GIS and related geospatial technologies involve; sources of energy infrastructure related geo-spatial data. As the leading energy producing state, Texas has a major economic reliance on the energy sector and the energy sector uses GIS and related technologies. The energy sector uses GIS extensively for its ongoing needs, but it also faces a range of threats such as floods, winter storms, cyber-attacks, sabotage, vandalism and physical attacks that can be mapped and analyzed with GIS. This paper shows the use of GIS to map examples of all these threats and analyzes their spatial distribution throughout the United States, but with a central focus on Texas. Leipnik, M.R. (2023) Assessing and Bolstering Critical Energy Infrastructure Security Using GeoSpatial Technologies. (Report No. IHS/CR-2023-1031). The Sam Houston State University Institute for Homeland Security. Click here to read the paper in its entirety: https://lnkd.in/gGjdVbY8 "IHS Research Spotlight" is a technical paper series hosted by the SHSU Institute for Homeland Security on our website, ihsonline.org. The non-partisan series features papers with various viewpoints & examines critical & timely issues facing homeland security. Click the link to visit the SHSU IHS research page. https://lnkd.in/g_WqHuq2 #shsuIHS #IHSResearchSpotlight

The latest episode of "Structurally Sound," the Sam Houston State University - Institute For Homeland Security podcast, is live! Our latest episode... "Overreliance and Resiliency in Space: The Whens and Wheres of GPS Technology." Do we rely on global positioning satellites (GPS) too much? The technology is an essential part of a spectrum of technologies, including in critical infrastructure and losing access to it could be disastrous. This week, Jim Platt, president and CEO of Strategic Risk Integration and Robert Crane, project manager for the energy sector and Position-Navigation-Timing for the Institute for Homeland Security, joins the Structurally Sound team to talk about steps to improve and diversify our dependence on GPS systems. Click the link to check it out! https://lnkd.in/gu6z8nFu It's also available on these podcast services. Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gSgxiMMc Amazon Music: https://lnkd.in/ggbWyhxZ iHeartRadio: https://lnkd.in/gySYu7ui Do you have an idea for a podcast topic? Send us a tip at IHS@shsu.edu! #shsuihs #structurallysound