ASU plays key role in Homeland Security project
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has selected Arizona State University, the University of Arizona and a team of other research universities to develop new technologies and training programs that will enhance the nation’s security.
The University of Arizona will lead the research efforts for the new Center of Excellence for Border Security and Immigration, and the University of Texas at El Paso will lead its educational components. Arizona State University will play a key role on the research team. The center will receive $15 million over six years.
The establishment of the center by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security follows more than two years of work assembling a team of U.S. universities, Mexican and Canadian institutions, government agencies, technology companies and national laboratories.
Research at the center will focus on new technologies such as surveillance, screening, data fusion and situational awareness using sensors, unmanned aerial vehicles and other technologies. The center will also provide research on population dynamics, immigration administration and enforcement, operational analysis, control and communications, immigration policy, civic integration and citizenship, border risk management and international governance.
Educational programs will include training programs to develop science, technology and management solutions to prepare the next generation of border security professionals while further enhancing the skills of personnel currently in the field. The center will also provide tools and practices that can be rapidly deployed to end users.
“This partnership demonstrates the Arizona’s leadership in research activities in the area of border security and immigration,” said ASU Vice President of Research and Economic Affairs R.F. “Rick” Shangraw, Jr. “ASU’s active research programs in wireless communications, supply chain management, international conflict and transportation security will make significant contributions to this center of excellence.”
Rick Van Schoik, who is the director of ASU’s North American Center for Transborder Studies will lead ASU’s participation in the Center of Excellence for Border Security and Immigration. Researchers across many units at ASU will be participating in the center.
“ASU has tremendous expertise in areas which directly relate to borders, security and immigration,” said Van Schoik. “This partnership will result in multi-university, multi-disciplinary approaches to long standing and complex challenges.”