• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

CINA.

  • About
    • Mission
    • People
  • Research
    • Research
    • Projects
    • RFPs
  • Education
    • Resources
    • Internships
  • Publications
    • Newsletter Archive
    • Director’s Blog
  • News & Events
    • News
    • CINA Director’s Blog
    • Digital Archive
    • Events
    • Work with Us
  • Contact
  • Search Toggle
  • Skip to content

Annual Report: COE Summit 2019 Student Grand Challenge

Jan 08, 2020

As part of the 2019 DHS Centers of Excellence Summit, 30 students from across the COE network participated in a student Grand Challenge to develop groundbreaking, interdisciplinary counterunmanned aerial systems (UAS) strategies for the Homeland Security Enterprise. Thanks to generous support by General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), students from eight Centers of Excellence and their Minority Serving Institution partners attended a series of webinar briefings by UAS and counter-UAS experts from American Military University, the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, and the National Urban Security Technology Laboratory. Participants then convened for an intense two-day session of on-site work in interdisciplinary teams to identify an emerging threat to homeland security posed by unmanned aerial systems and develop a strategy to counter it. Second place was awarded to a pitch entitled Drone-based MIR Laser Induced Thermal Imaging for Identification of Chemical Substances, presented by Ha Anh Vu Le (BTI) – University of Houston; Annette Colón Mercado (ALERT) – University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez; Danielle Dobbs (MSC) – SUNY Maritime; Jin Lee (CINA) – George Mason University. First place was awarded to the project Automated Drone Integrated Information System (ADIIS), presented Emily Belk (ALERT) – Northeastern University; Tristan Goers (ADAC) – University of Alaska Anchorage; Keshav Kasichainula (BTI) – University of Houston; Trinity Reed (CIRI) – Southern University and A&M College; Emiliano Ruiz (CAOE) – University of Texas at El Paso. Participants in the Student Grand Challenge also participated in a student poster competition, networking breakfast, and DHS human capital roundtable discussion, all designed to cultivate the next generation of homeland security professionals, acquainting them with DHS strategic challenges, expert perspectives and information on careers in government service. George Mason University student Jin Lee described the experience as “a chance to solve a challenging, real-world problem with people from different backgrounds, while networking with other students and professionals in the homeland security field.” Beth DeFares (MSC), who co-chaired the organizing committee with CINA’s Stu Mackenzie, commented: “Outcomes from the Grand Challenge demonstrated the analytical capabilities of the COE students to think quickly and to form innovative and sound approaches under pressure. The event also highlighted their professional confidence and keen ability to articulate and communicate their ideas.”

 

*The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.

CINA Now

Events

All Events

Publications

The Key to Deobfuscation is Pattern of Life, not Overcoming Encryption

Published: Oct 4, 2025

The Organized Activities of Ransomware Groups: A Social network Approach

Published: Mar 14, 2025
All Publications

News

CINA Distinguished Speaker Series with Colton Seale: Interviewer Mindset

CINA  |   April 3, 2025  |   Posted In:
  • Digital Archive
  • Uncategorized

CINA  |   March 6, 2025  |   Posted In:
  • Uncategorized
All News

Science and Technology Directorate’s Office of University Programs
CINA at George Mason University Logo
Copyright © 2025 All Rights Reserved | CINA Is A Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence led by George Mason University
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • YouTube