Homeland Security Research

Homeland Security Research at The State University of New York Cyber Security Biodefense Infrastructure Protection & Sensors Intelligence Analysis Education & Training The State University of New York (SUNY), the nation s largest comprehensive system of public higher education, is directing its combined strength and unique resources to address major homeland security challenges facing the United States. The State University of New York

CYBER SECURITY Homeland Security Research at the State University of New York WHO WE ARE The State University of New York (SUNY) is the nation s largest comprehensive system of public higher education. Its 64 unique institutions offer more than 7,669 fields of study to over 412,000 students. SUNY conducts nearly $900 million in sponsored research annually and ranks in the top 15 U.S institutions in patents issued each year. WHAT WE ARE DOING SUNY, with its cutting edge research, state-of-the-art facilities and strategic partnerships, is enhancing the nation s ability to prepare for, deter, and, if necessary, respond to a host of security threats. Collaborating with academic, government and industry partners, SUNY faculty work on new, inventive approaches to cyber security, biodefense, infrastructure protection, sensor technologies, and education and training. CYBER SECURITY The State University of New York has top-flight facilities, including the Center for Computational Research at the University at Buffalo one of the top 10 academic super computer facilities in the U.S., for advanced research on all facets of information assurance and global computer/communication networks. Cyber attack and recognition systems Creating a system that generates profiles of network users to provide protection for military installations and government agencies. Computer network forensics Methods to identify infected machines, sources of attacks and other anomalies. Detecting computer system vulnerabilities Developing techniques and tools to identify and monitor weaknesses in computer systems that can be exploited to compromise system security. Contact: Lynn Videka, Ph.D., SUNY Albany, 518-437-4960, Ann-Marie Scheidt, Ph.D., SUNY Stony Brook, (631) 632-7006, amscheidt@notes.cc.sunysb.edu BIODEFENSE Information assurance Ongoing study of the vulnerability of U.S. public and private information systems and infrastructure with a view to improving security and developing a workforce of information security professionals. Gerald Sonnenfeld, Ph.D., Binghamton University, Protecting networked systems Artificial immune systems and other defenses against hacker attacks. Gerald Sonnenfeld, Ph.D., Binghamton University, Risk analysis Developing models and collecting data for information security risk analysis in different organizations. Secure mobile code Developing Model-Carrying Code (MCC) to the point where it can be standardized, providing a basis for the protection of system and data integrity. Securing network file systems Exploring a layered approach to file protection to allow for security guarantees at different levels along the data path. Security software Sophisticated models of securityrelevant system behaviors to protect systems from threats including software errors and malicious intrusions. BIODEFENSE The State University of New York, with its three health science centers and extensive research capabilities in medicine, drug development and biotechnology, is bringing the best science to bear in the fight against potential terrorist attacks involving biological and disease agents. Artificial blood Developing a red blood cell substitute to counteract shock from blood loss.

Biosensors Exploring new sensor arrays to detect and identify almost any biological macromolecule at extremely low levels. Gerald Sonnenfeld, Ph.D., Binghamton University, Neil Ringler, Ph.D., SUNY ESF, 315-470-6606/6609, neilringler@esf.edu Biotechnology manufacturing Establishing a fully integrated research and manufacturing center at the Brooklyn Army Terminal to facilitate the deployment of new biotechnology. Bioterrorism surveillance system Identifying methods to detect and monitor suspicious patterns in reported illnesses within specific geographic areas. Gene design Exploiting the redundancy inherent in the genetic code to design new vaccines. Monitoring vital functions Developing medical devices for use in primitive clinical field settings, such as the patented Hickey catheter, that can monitor blood flow and volume, cardiac pumping ability and heart valve function at a modest cost. Particulates and aerosols Applying expertise in bioaerosols, biosurface interactions and research on aerosol drug-delivery systems to understand cardiovascular and respiratory reactions to airborne contagions. Neil Ringler, Ph.D., SUNY ESF, 315-470-6606/6609, neilringler@esf.edu Public health preparedness Providing leadership in development of regional public health preparedness systems with an emphasis on bioterrorist threats. Ken Barker, Ph.D., Upstate Medical University, 315-464-4515; barkerk@upstate.edu INFRASTRUCTURE AND SENSORS Vaccines and therapies Research on: - Slow-release agents that provide long-term immunity. - Direct delivery to specific sites, such as the lungs in the case of anthrax. - Incorporating adjuvant (supplementary) agents to increase immunity. Eva Cramer, Ph.D., SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 718-270-1011, eva.cramer@downstate.edu Infrastructure Protection and Sensors The constant pursuit of scientific and engineering applications by SUNY faculty is strengthening the nation s ability to prevent, mitigate and manage high consequence disasters and terrorist attacks. Airborne contaminant mapping A numerical method to model, visualize and predict the airborne movement of contaminants in urban environments. Aviation safety Human, mechanical and information systems to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of airport security systems. Kenneth M. Tramposch, Ph.D., University at Buffalo, 716-645-3321, tramposch@research.buffalo.edu Biometric identification systems A law enforcement system capable of automatically tracking and identifying suspects based on witness natural language description. Blast proof structures A shock-absorption system that would make buildings, bridges and infrastructure resilient to terrorist attack using explosives. Cargo screening Device to detect plastic explosives in shipping containers and truck trailers. Contact: Samuel Yahalom, Ph.D., SUNY Maritime, 718-409-7290, syahalom@sunymaritime.edu

Disaster analysis Applying information fusion to improve the immediate response by assessing damage, search and rescue, sheltering and evacuation, and resource management. Electronic noses Using nano-composite metal oxides that respond to chemical vapors to sniff out harmful substances. Emergency services family support Proactive assistance to those who have had a loved one exposed to a traumatic event. Contact: Robert Delprino, Buffalo State College, 716-878-6669, delprirp@buffalostate.edu Inventory of freshwater biotoxins Compiling a standardized reference collection of contaminants to speed identification and response to threats to drinking and recreational waters. Contact: Neil Ringler, Ph.D., SUNY ESF, 315-470-6606/ 6609, neilringler@esf.edu Pathogen destruction An air purification device that uses rapid heat to destroy airborne pathogens. Port and maritime security New technologies to track, monitor, and inspect containers and cargoes including real time wireless communications systems including: - Container fingerprinting. - Bulk cargo monitoring. - Dynamic geographic information system applications security. Contact: Samuel Yahalom, Ph.D., SUNY Maritime, 718-409-7290, syahalom@sunymaritime.edu Response to mass casualty attacks Applying sociological analysis to mobilization and information dissemination. Search and rescue New options, including rats fitted with microelectronics, for search and rescue missions in environments that are inaccessible to dogs and traditional robots. Surveillance sensor systems Prototype for radar sensor management problems for an airborne early warning system. Transportation modeling Emergency decision support for routing traffic under crisis situations. INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS Water supply security Real-time detection and monitoring technology to protect drinking water supplies, distribution systems, and treatment facilities against chemical and biological threats. Contact: Neil Ringler, Ph.D., SUNY ESF, 315-470-6606/ 6609, neilringler@esf.edu Wireless communications A system that combines conventional cellular technology with Ad hoc Relay Station (ARS) technology to ensure cell-phone communication is available in times of disaster. Buffalo, 716-645-3321, tramposch@research.buffalo. INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS The State University of New York is developing an array of high- and low-tech tools to gather and sift through terrorism intelligence and assess the nature and scope of terrorist threats. Advanced information retrieval Systems to facilitate sifting of news and field reports, enabling better comprehension of terrorist behavior and development of effective counter-terrorism measures. Digital tools for Arabic Applying optical characterrecognition (OCR) software for Arabic documents. Document analysis Handwriting recognition software that was used to track down the author of the anthrax letters. Facial recognition Exploiting the high resolution of digital cameras to create a system for biometric identification. Human alarm pheromones Chemically identifying alarm pheromones to complement behavioral and physiological fear-detection used in lie detection and security applications at airports, subways, buses and other contained areas. Identification systems Employing fingerprints, voice, iris, hand geometry, signature, face, behavioral and chemical biometric technologies for security applications. Contact: Kenneth M. Tramposch, Ph.D., University at Buffalo, 716-645-3321, tramposch@research.buffalo.edu

EDUCATION & TRAINING Intelligence collection High-Quality Interactive Question Answering extracts and correlates actionable intelligence from massive volumes of data. Patterns of terrorist activity Examining spatial patterns of terrorism to understand how terrorist activity diffuses across a region. Smart dust Small microphones that can be scattered across a battlefield to detect the sounds and determine the direction of troop or equipment movements. Uncovering hidden communications Applying steganography (covert communication through pictures), and steganalysis (detection of hidden communications) to the defense of military and digital communications and the discovery of secret terrorist communications. Education and Training The State University of New York offers training sessions and courses that can be modified as needed for specific audiences, including first responders and intelligence personnel, as well as facilities for classroom instruction, computer modeling, simulations, exercises and drills. Center for Public Health Preparedness Improving the capacity of the public health workforce to respond to current and emerging threats with a focus on bioterrorism and infectious disease outbreaks Disaster preparedness Providing training and EMS education aimed at a wide variety of health care providers including strategic management and medical simulation exercises and evaluation. Contact: Ken Barker, Ph.D., Upstate Medical University, 315-464-4515; barkerk@upstate.edu Disaster response Providing a hospital-affiliated preparedness and training facility at the Brooklyn Army Terminal to develop coordinated strategies to anticipate and react to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) threats. Emergency eye care Teaching urban emergency personnel sight saving first aid for particulate, chemical and biological agents associated with terrorist attacks. Contact: Jerry Feldman, Ph.D., SUNY Optometry, 212-938-5541, jfeldman@sunyopt.edu First responder training Providing courses and advanced, equipped space in which to train local and regional public safety personnel. Contact: John Perrone, Monroe Community College, 585-279-4220; jperrone@monroecc.edu Richard F. Gorko, Niagara County Community College, 716-433-1856 Ext.16, gorko@niagaracc.suny.edu Edward S. Baker, Schenectady County Community College, 518-381-1319, bakeres@gw.sunysccc.edu Anthony Palmiotti, SUNY Maritime, 718-409-7341, apalmiotti@sunymaritime.edu Geospatial information technology Global Positioning System (GPS) training for state and local law enforcement; enhanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) image processing for local law enforcement. Contact: Greg Truckenmiller, Ph.D., Fulton-Montgomery Community College, 518-762-4651 Ext. 8003, gtrucken@fmcc.suny.edu Homeland security Providing information about operational, tactical and strategic elements of homeland security as well as studies of legal issues and methods of domestic preparedness, including at the local government and school level. Contact: Barry Garigen, Genesee Community College, 585-343-0055 Ext. 6307, bjgarigen@genesee.edu John Perrone, Monroe Community College, 585-279-4220; jperrone@monroecc.edu Richard F. Gorko, Niagara County Community College, 716-433-1856 Ext.16, gorko@niagaracc.suny.edu Edward S. Baker, Schenectady County Community College, 518-381-1319, bakeres@gw.sunysccc.edu Lynn Videka, Interim Vice President for Research, SUNY Albany, 510-439-4960, lvideka@uamail.albany.edu National Center for Geographic Information Analysis (NCGIA) Providing facilities that can rapidly detect patterns of incidents such as terrorist acts and develop and test immersive and virtual reality spaces for access by intelligence personnel. Northeast Regional Forensics Institute Providing advanced forensic training facilities to educate students in current industry standards and procedures, conduct research and validate new techniques.

SUNY CAPABILITIES AND RESOURCES A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM The State University of New York includes: Four premier research-intensive University Centers University at Albany, Binghamton University, University at Buffalo and Stony Brook University that offer a broad array of nationally and internationally ranked programs and specializations. Three Health Science Centers, located in Brooklyn, Stony Brook and Syracuse, that have demonstrated expertise in providing emergency preparedness and response on a daily basis through clinical service, education and research. Four unique institutions - College of Environmental Science & Forestry is one of few colleges in the United States that focuses on natural resources and the environment. - Maritime College is home to the Port and Maritime Security Center providing research and development and undergraduate and graduate courses in maritime security. - College of Optometry is widely recognized for scientific eminence and leadership in the provision of eye care. - The Neil D. Levin Graduate Institute of International Relations and Commerce integrates international relations and commerce curricula with ethics and culture training to prepare students to succeed in an ever-changing global environment. 30 community colleges that provide local centers of educational opportunity across New York state. WORLD CLASS FACULTY SUNY s 30,000 faculty have won awards including the Nobel Prize, Fields Medal, Dirac Medal, the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology. They have pioneered nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, introduced time-lapse photography of forestry subjects, isolated the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, and developed the first implantable heart pacemaker. PARTNERSHIPS The Research Foundation of State University of New York and Battelle Memorial Institute operate the Brookhaven National Laboratory 1 of 10 national laboratories under the U.S. Department of Energy. SUNY is home to three New York State Centers of Excellence. With a focus on critical, emerging technologies, each one of these public-private partnerships advances applied research and the commercialization of new products, many of which support homeland security and national defense initiatives. - The Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences at the University at Buffalo is taking the genetic information provided through the Human Genome Project to understand the basic mechanisms of disease, paving the way for defense against bio-weapons. Contact: Bruce A. Holm, M.D., (716) 645-2994, baholm@buffalo.edu - The Center of Excellence in Nanoelectronics located at the University at Albany is a fully-integrated technology development and deployment, product prototyping, manufacturing support, and workforce training resource for the nanotechnology and nanoelectronics industries. Contact: Alain E. Kaloyeros, Ph.D., 518-442-4533, akaloyeros@uamail.albany.edu - The Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology brings together Stony Brook University and three of the world s leading information technology companies, Computer Associates International, Inc., IBM, and Symbol Technologies, Inc., to create information technology for the wireless world of the 21st century. Contact: Yacov Shamash, Ph.D., 631-632-8380, yacov.shamash@stonybrook.edu THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK The Research Foundation is an essential partner of the State University of New York because it is the vehicle for receiving and managing grants for sponsored research at SUNY. It provides independence and administrative flexibility to respond quickly to the special demands of sponsored programs and forge university-industry-government partnerships that are not easily accommodated through state processes. In FY 2005, the Research Foundation managed over $735 million in grants and contracts in support of more than 8,200 campus based research and training programs. Support for these projects comes from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, NASA, the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, private industry and almost every federal, state and philanthropic supporter of advanced research. THE SUNY ADVANTAGE SUNY s comprehensive pool of intellectual and physical resources and complete suite of programs and services are being brought to bear on the complex challenge of homeland security. Produced by the Research Foundation of State University of New York.