The anniversary consisted of two events - a reception with the theme of Homeland Security and a round-table panel and discussion titled "The Role of Cybersecurity in Protecting the Nation's Infrastructure" that was held the next day.
The discussion revolved around how researchers and research universities can train future workers to be capable of defending resources in a digital world and resolve issues faced by current agencies.
"Cybersecurity is a challenge that affects us all," Dr. M. Katherine Banks, the director of TEES, was quoted saying, "It is critical that we raise public dialogue on this topic by bringing together our engineering experts with public policy leaders."
Moderating the panel were Dr. Valerie Taylor, the senior associate dean for academic affairs and Royce E. Wisenbaker, a professor at Texas A&M University. Along with Dr. Pierce Cantrell and Dr. Daniel Ragsdale from TAMU, the panel included Dr. John Launchbury - the program manager for Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and Dr. Victor Piotrowski - the program director for the National Science Foundation. US Rep. John Ratcliffe attended.
The reception was hosted by Chancellor Sharp, Dean Banks, and the Center on Competitiveness. Featured at the reception were demonstrations by Dr. John Valasek (UAS Surveillance), Dr. Robin Murphy (Infectious Diseases), Dr. Jim Wall (electronic Warfare Technology), and Dr. Tracy Hammond (Mobile Technology for Military). The research displayed attracted people from Capitol Hill, nonprofit organizations, and federal agencies.
“For 100 years, the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station has performed groundbreaking engineering research and developed technology to address state and national problems,” TEES website states.
TEES partners with industry, communities, and academic institutions to improve the quality of life and promote development in the economy. They create new technology and help resolve problems in health and environment.
To further research, TEES has centers in specialized areas such as education and training, energy systems, healthcare, information systems and sensors, safety and security, and materials and manufacturing. They gain funding from federal agencies including the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, and NASA.
“In addition, as an institute of higher education, we work to improve student performance in math, science and technology,” says TEES website.
Their mission is “to produce and transfer the highest quality, relevant engineering and technology-oriented research by leveraging capabilities statewide in order to:
- Improve economic development and quality of life in Texas and the nation
- Enhance educational systems
- Support interdisciplinary fundamental and applied research
- Transfer technology from research and development activities to useful applications
- Commercialize promising technologies.”
(Dr. Hammond's poster for her presentation to Mr. Sobolik and the TEES reception)
With up to 2,000 soldiers jumping from planes at a time, this difference is even more important for keeping large amounts of paratroopers safe.
Furthermore, the hands-free navigation allows for soldiers to stay alert to their surroundings – which on the battlefield is absolutely necessary and important.
Dr. Hammond has also done research with GeoTrooper for more recreational reasons. Dubbed HaptiMoto, the vest can also be used to help guide motorcyclists safely to their destinations.
SRL congratulates TEES for celebrating its 100th birthday! Here’s to 100 more!
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