Structurally Sound - Institute for Homeland Security

What safety or security concerns do  you  have? Would you enjoy a gamified cybersecurity exercise, or would you be worried if your boss came by with a checklist? This week, we talk with Dr. Robert Emery and John Suarez about collaborative risk management techniques, strategies for reducing "oblivious" cybersecurity threats and resources for disease outbreaks at the  Texas Epidemic P...

Preparing for pandemics and outbreaks comes down to logistics and planning. That's challenging enough for major healthcare providers, let alone rural hospitals. This week, we chat with Dr. Corri Levine and Kara Marshall from the Special Pathogens Excellence in Clinical Treatment Readiness & Education Program at the University of Texas Medical Branch about resources and nuts-and-bolts approache...

In the wake of Hurricane Beryl, we sit down with Space City Weather's Eric Berger and Matt Lanza to discuss forecasting and communication challenges for meteorologists and emergency planners. We also touch on artificial intelligence forecasting, emergency planning and the importance of investing in a resilient energy grid. You can find their work at  Space City Weather  and  The Eye...

This week, we chat with Dr. Thomas Watson, Senior Fellow for Homeland Security at The Center for Climate and Security about integrating modern artificial intelligence into the Texas electrical grid. https://ihsonline.org/research/sponsored-research After that, we explore digital professional training and education with  Bryce Allen, Emergency Manager, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. Could...

You've been in an industrial accident nowhere near a road. EMTs arrive and determine they need something from the ambulance. No problem - just send the drone. This week, we talk with Dr. Javier Ramos about how first responders are embracing drone technology, plus some of their risks and complications. We also chat with Griselda Muñoz about plans and policies to prevent workplace violence.

How can Texas preserve its energy security while juggling competing interests in traditional and green energy? Could we adapt our existing energy infrastructure to convert natural gas into powdered carbon and clean hydrogen? In the first of a new series of episodes on sponsored research at the Institute for Homeland Security, we chat this week with  Benjamin Dierker , the executive director o...

In this rain-delayed episode, Grant and Marcus explore communication infrastructure and how to safely navigate the shark-infested waters of digital and social media. Marcus unpacks some of the strategies from his media literacy class, including the importance of corroboration and transparency, plus some healthy skepticism of Canadian brisket. We discuss preserving communication in practical ways a...

Our show will be back soon, but the extreme weather around campus has delayed our recording sessions as the county emergency management and school personnel activated the crisis response planning to keep things safe for all.

The Sky is the Limit for Drones & Agribusiness with Dr. Art Wolfskill Drone technology could revolutionize American agriculture, adding precision and efficiency to a critical industry. Professor of Agricultural Sciences, Art Wolfskill, joins us to explore the potential and challenges of that evolving tech, as well as growth and opportunities in agriculture industries.  Also - get ready fo...

In this episode we visit Griselda Munoz, a manufacturing sector HR professional, and Heberto Villarreal from IHS.  Griselda unpacks some research she conducted about workplace violence and relays her personal experiences.  The full  paper   can be accessed on our  website .

Healthcare is one of the most dangerous professions as over 80% of frontline workers are exposed to workplace violence each year.  Our guest, Scott Lynn, unpacks some  recent research  about healthcare industry workplace violence along with some strategies to address the problems.  Shelby Payne also joins the show to share her experiences in healthcare along with practical advi...

When a hurricane or other disaster knocks out critical infrastructure, it isn't magically restored. It takes the grit and creativity of people like Mike Landry to get the water running again. In this episode, we chat with the transportation entrepreneur about his career and essential jobs during and after recent hurricanes.  Links:   https://ihsonline.org/events/2024-ciprna-conferen...

What does it mean to consider water as critical infrastructure?  We talk with Sam Houston State University professor, Dr. Jeremiah Asaka, and Reyna Loosmore, Water & Wastewater Sector Project Manager from IHS to unpack the facets of this lifeline sector.   Join IHS at the  Critical Infrastructure Protection and Resilience North America Conference March 12-14 in Lake Ch...

Emergency preparation comes down to good communication and logistics. What about moving a space shuttle across town, or restoring power after a wildfire? We're joined by Dr. James Madia, a senior manager of security business operations and compliance at Southern California Edison, to chat about his career arc and experiences from law enforcement to security management and a doctorate.

Success doesn't happen overnight. It takes careful planning and broad collaboration to build a company, a university or even a nation. This week, we're joined with retired General David Glaser to discuss his work rebuilding Afghanistan, securing borders and responding to disasters at home, as well as his current role as chief strategy officer at Sam Houston State University.

Happy New Year! Mike, Grant, and Marcus reflect on the first few months of Structurally Sound in this short holiday special. Have a great idea for a podcast topic? Send us a tip at  IHS@shsu.edu ! If we run with your idea you'll win swag from the Institute for Homeland Security, department of mass communication and a coin from a recent guest.

Let's say you've got a team in harm's way on the other side of the world. Do you have a plan for getting them out safely? When his people needed an emergency evacuation from Libya, Clyde Loll did. He shares lessons learned from his 40+ year career, including the importance of building relationships and trust, and explores highlights from a reflection paper on his career. We also chat with Garreth...

You've heard of FEMA, usually  after  a disaster. Have you heard of CISA? This week, Julio Gonzalez, Supervisory Protective Security Advisor at CISA, chats with us about preparedness and prevention before a crisis. He also shares smuggling stories from the high seas and insight into a recent cyberattack.  Email us! IHS@shsu.edu and julio.r.gonzalez@cisa.dhs.gov

Artificial intelligence, blockchains, quantum computing - complex emerging technologies promise to reshape critical infrastructure in the coming years. We're joined by Nick Reese, an emerging technology entrepreneur, and Robert Crane, a project manager at IHS, for strategies on embracing new tech while staying one step ahead. Enter promo code PODCAST for free enrollment in the  Emer...

Robert Crane joins Structurally Sound and recounts early influences that shaped his career toward critical infrastructure. We also talk about his experiences with the Coast Guard and DHS and consider the vulnerabilities of overreliance on GPS.

Gray Wars, Digital Privateers and Inter-Generational Collaboration: Reflections on the IHS Thought Leaders Conference How can businesses manage risks and build relationships in an era of global cybersecurity risks, potential gray wars and mistrust between industry and government? A recent IHS Thought Leaders Conference tackled that question. Mike and Grant reflect on the conference with Dr. Nadav...

The Structurally Sound team chats with Dr. Nadav Morag and Scott McHugh about the unfolding crisis in Gaza. Dr. Morag is chair of security studies at Sam Houston State University and a former captain in the Israeli Defense Force; Scott McHugh is a program executive at the Institute for Homeland Security and a longtime expert on public and private intelligence and security.

Welcome to Structurally Sound. In this episode we meet our hosts, Michael Aspland, Grant Threatt, and Marcus Funk. Michael and Grant recount the beginnings of the Institute for Homeland Security at Sam Houston State and introduce listeners to the podcast.