Researchers from Penn State's International Center for the Study of Terrorism (ICST) are launching a groundbreaking new study of the motivations and behaviors of terrorist actors. The collaboration is part of a three-year international research program known as Understanding the Arc of Terrorist Involvement. The program will bring $1.3 million to Penn State for two research projects on the psychology of terrorism.The projects are sponsored by the US Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate and coordinated through the United Kingdom Home Office and Department of Homeland Security. (more)
Listeria contamination in cantaloupes is just the latest public health threat to emerge in the nation. Being prepared for food-borne outbreaks and other public health crises is challenging the professionals responsible for protecting public health. To be successful on the job, they need up-to-date medical and public health knowledge. Delivered online through the Penn State World Campus, the public health preparedness option in Penn State's homeland security master's degree program can help these professionals. (more)
The International Center for the Study of Terrorism at Penn State is sponsoring a free lecture, "Ten Years since 9-11," by Arif Alikhan, distinguished professor of homeland security and counterterrorism at the National Defense University, from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9, in Sutliff Auditorium at the Lewis Katz Building on Penn State's University Park campus. (more)
Penn State undergraduate students who want to expand their career opportunities now have a new online option. The homeland security minor is Penn State's first online minor. It will enable students to acquire specialized knowledge and skills for jobs in the homeland security field, which the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects will grow by as much as 20 percent in the coming decade for occupations in emergency management, first response, law enforcement, and state, local and federal government. (more)
Philip J. "P.J." Crowley, former assistant secretary of state for public affairs, has been named as the 2011-2012 recipient of the General Omar N. Bradley Chair in Strategic Leadership. While in residence, Crowley will conduct classes at Penn State University Dickinson School of Law and School of International Affairs, Dickinson College and the U.S. Army War College. Crowley's research and teaching interests will focus on national security policy, public diplomacy, and the impact of the global media environment on conflict, policy and politics. (more)
Last Wednesday, the Penn State Beaver Office of Continuing Education and the Office of Student Affairs hosted representatives from a variety of United States Homeland Security agencies to provide students, faculty, and staff with information about the purpose and structure of the agencies as well as available career opportunities. (more)
Facebook's leaking of personally identifiable user information to advertisers through some of its popular applications is just the latest sign of the vulnerability of information in the age of social networking. To help address this and other emerging security risks, Penn State is offering an Information Security and Forensics Program that provides learners with the knowledge and skills to protect sensitive information and to determine the causes of security breaches. The program is part of Penn State's Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security degree and is delivered entirely online. (more)
At a time when two of the nation's largest egg producers have issued a 550 million egg recall because of reports of potential salmonella contamination, it is clear that the issue of vulnerability in America's agricultural and food production systems remains a vital concern. Salmonella bacteria, like other human disease-causing organisms, can cause physical harm and death, as well as economic devastation. Safeguarding the nation's agriculture and environment from natural and intentional threats is the goal of Penn State's new online agricultural biosecurity education program. (more)
Penn State is a founding member of a new consortium centered on training naval systems engineers for the Navy's civilian acquisition, engineering and science workforce. Established by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) through a five-year, $7.5 million contract, the Naval Engineering Education Consortium (NEEC) comprises 15 colleges and universities, along with the American Society of Naval Engineers and the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. (more)
A new summer course at Penn State Harrisburg will teach educators and guidance counselors about skills their students need for careers in security and intelligence. (more)