Fall 2023 JMU Team Progress Updates
Five Hacking for Diplomacy (H4Diplomacy) teams from James Madison University (JMU) just conducted their mid-course presentations. In this issue, you will get a closer look at each team's progress working on Diplomatic Security problem sets. To view last week's newsletter highlighting the 5 student teams from Rochester Institute of Technology, click here.
You're Invited to Final Presentations
We welcome you to join us to learn about the proposed solutions from the 10 Hacking for Diplomacy students from RIT and JMU. Click below to register!
RIT Final Presentations
When: December 5th at 6:30 pm EST
Keynote Speaker: To Be Announced
MU Final Presentations
When: December 8th at 11:00 am EST
Keynote Speaker: Assistant Secretary Gentry O. Smith
James Madison University Team Progress Updates
DS/ST/FSE Longer Lifespan, Stronger Security
Problem sponsors: Stephen York, Varnell Butler, and Matthew Fister
The Longer Lifespan, Stronger Security team is trying to find a way to better assess and predict the lifespans of x-ray and explosive detection equipment that provide security for DOS posts worldwide.
The students have conducted 42 interviews to date. Using the evidence they gathered from their research, they started drafting a policy recommendation that would amend 12 FAH to implement a structured data management framework that will ensure the availability of accurate and consistent information about a machine's expected lifespan.
DS/ST/CMP Mystery Risks
Problem sponsors: David Pfister and Lucinda Selk
The Mystery Risks team is investigating technologies that will help the Countermeasures Program Division detect environmental security risks for personnel at overseas posts
The students have conducted 40 interviews to date. They have narrowed their focus area to the real-time and retroactive detection of radioactive, chemical, and biological threats. They are conducting market research to compare currently available commercial devices to lab-grade technology.
DS/ST/FSE Caught on Camera
Problem sponsor: Chris Richardson
The Caught on Camera team is researching DS' surveillance video system (SVS) and how emerging digital camera technology can be more effectively implemented at DOS posts as older analog cameras are being phased out.
The students have conducted 38 interviews. Their recommendation, in its current state, is to update the SVS policy to include adaptive language that allows more freedom in deciding where to place cameras, so Marine security guards do not have to monitor redundant video feeds.
The Caught on Camera team and Less than Lethal team visited the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group to get first hand experience with embassy security systems and conduct interviews with Marine security guards.
DS/ST/STO Taking Inventory
Problem sponsor: Scott McGowan
The Taking Inventory team is investigating DS' annual inventory process and looking for a way to better account for the hundreds of thousands of dollars of security technology assets that get marked as missing every year.
The students have conducted 30 interviews to date, They are currently working on a proposal for a two-pronged approach to inventory management. This approach includes geotagging assets for searchability and an automated inventory reminder system that would enable DS to transition to a year-round inventory process.
DS/ST/FSE Less Than Lethal
DOS problem sponsor: Mike McCranie
The Less than Lethal team is looking for an alternative to tear gas systems that will improve DS' crowd dispersing capabilities to protect overseas posts when protests turn violent.
The students have conducted 43 interviews to date. They are developing a proposal for a multi-layered security system that uses audio messaging, acoustic technology, and Active Denial Systems to prevent threatening actors from breaching the post's walls.
Submit a Problem for Spring 2024
Interested in having graduate and undergraduate students work on a problem with you?
We are recruiting DOS employees for H4Diplomacy's Spring 2024 semester. Fill out a problem submission form to get started:
