Fall 2023 Semester Close Out
With final presentations completed, we're thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of Hacking for Diplomacy at James Madison University and Rochester Institute of Technology for the Fall 2023 semester! The journey has been nothing short of inspiring, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each one of you who played a pivotal role in supporting H4Diplomacy. Your commitment fuels the success of our program, and we eagerly anticipate your continued involvement in the semesters to come.
For a detailed recap of the final presentations at both universities, we invite you to relive the moments by watching the full recording of the events by clicking the link below:
James Madison University Final Presentation Recording
Rochester Institute of Technology Final Presentation Recording
Interested in having graduate and undergraduate students work on a problem with you?
We are recruiting DOS employees for H4Diplomacy's Spring 2024 semester. Submit a problem to get started:
Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security Gentry Smith addresses the JMU students before they present their final presentations at State Annex 20.
JMU Outcomes
Longer Lifespan, Stronger Security
Sponsored by DS/C/ST/FSE/FSB
DOS problem sponsors: Matthew Fister, Stephen York, and Varnell Butler
DOS senior leader: Edwin Gwira
Industry mentors: Noel Myers, Edge Creek Power
Total interviews conducted: 50
This team was tasked with finding a way to better estimate the life cycles of x-ray machine and explosive detection itemizers in use at embassies and consulates around the world. Their goal was to save DS money by avoiding replacement of still-functional machines and to increase security by replacing malfunctioning machines faster. The team identified the root of the problem to be a lack of available data on machine performance. They propose reviewing and updating the policy in 12 FAH in order to standardize and automate the reporting of key x-ray and itemizer metrics that will ensure they are replaced in a timeframe that is backed by data.
Mystery Risks
Sponsored by DS/C/ST/CMP
DOS problem sponsors: David Pfister and Lucinda Selk
DOS senior leader: Samuel S. Jackson
Industry mentors: Angela Estes, ID Technologies, and Bruce McBride, Department of State
Total interviews Conducted: 71
This team was tasked with finding a way to detect the invisible threats - radioactive, chemical, and biological - that pose serious health risks to DOS personnel at overseas posts and on expeditionary operations. Their proposed solution is a layered system of wearable devices that monitor for various health risks. They proposed a suite of commercially available devices that could interact together to create an overlapping network of health checks so that when a threat is detected, appropriate measures can be taken promptly.
Caught on Camera
Sponsored by DS/C/ST/FSE/TDB
DOS problem sponsors: Chris Richardson
DOS senior leader: Glenn Harms
Industry mentors: Nick Miller, Amazon Web Services, and Patrick Shea, Department of State
Total interviews Conducted: 52
This team was tasked with finding a way to improve DS' High Definition Video Surveillance System (HDSVS) policy to more efficiently facilitate the transition from analog to digital video surveillance equipment at overseas posts. Their final product is a comprehensive report that outlines the efficiency of practices used by embassy personnel pertaining to camera surveillance. Their report provides recommendations to update SVS policy language to give more flexibility to on-site personnel, update the curriculum for Marine Security Guards to better understand SVS systems, and improve video analytic processes by categorizing footage by priority level.
Taking Inventory
Sponsored by DS/C/ST/STO
DOS problem sponsors: Scott McGowan
DOS senior leader: Anthony Hickey
Industry mentors: John Lee, Safire Technology Group
Total interviews Conducted: 39
This team was tasked with finding a way to better account for security technology assets at overseas posts to reduce the rate at which assets get incorrectly marked as "missing" during annual inventories. Their proposed solution is to utilize geomapping to tag the exact location of assets within a compound, and to supplement DS' computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) with augmented reality capabilities that would allow logisticians to find assets more quickly. They also propose a year round inventory schedule to keep the location of assets as accurate as possible in CMMS.
Less than Lethal
Sponsored by DS/C/ST/FSE/TDB
DOS problem sponsors: Michael McCranie
DOS senior leader: D'Vetrio Baugh
Industry mentors: Dave Leichtman, Microsoft
Unique interviews conducted: 42
Total interviews conducted: 67
This team was tasked with finding a way to improve DS' less-than-lethal security systems to bolster the security of overseas posts in the face of large-group attacks. Their proposed solution is to replace compound one-time-use tear gas deployment systems with a multi-layered security system. This system includes a continuous-dispersal chemical deterrent and an acoustic deterrent system mounted at the chancery's front entrance.
RIT Outcomes
High Latency, Higher Stakes
Sponsored by DS/C/ST/SSI
DOS problem sponsor: Nathan Lingenfelter
DOS senior leader: Shawn Milligan
Industry mentors: Adam Macaluso, U.S. Marine Corps
Unique Interviews Conducted: 61
Total Interviews Conducted: 67
This student team was tasked with finding a way to more quickly transmit high-definition video data via the Security Management System Enterprise (SMSe) network from overseas surveillance systems back to domestic command centers. Their goal is to make incident response and after action reporting more effective. Their proposed solution is to leverage machine learning to identify the most important sections of surveillance video feed needed for incident response and after action reporting, and send only the necessary clips to command centers, greatly reducing the amount of data that is transferred.
Rochester Institute of Technology students present their discovery interview findings during their final presentations.
Overwatch: Designing the Next Generation of C-UAS Interface
Sponsored by DS/C/ST/SSI/CUAS
DOS problem sponsors: Roshan Daniel and Nicholaus Markowski
DOS senior leader: Ennis Elvord
Industry mentor: Eitan Danon, Chainalysis, Inc.
Unique Interviews conducted: 81
Total Interviews Conducted: 110
This student team was tasked with improving the user interface/user experience of Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) operators who protect overseas offices from drone threats. Their proposed solution is to conduct regular feedback surveys with C-UAS operators to understand how they interact with systems, and to use the data collected to create a modular interface that allows operators to customize their displays to fit their personal preferences and the needs of their post.
User Behavior Analytics
Sponsored by DS/CTS/CMO/MIR
DOS problem sponsor: Danh Nguyen-Huynh
DOS senior leader: Robert Eickenberg
Industry mentors: Bob Labanz, U.S. Army, and Danny Potocki, Finis Ventures
Unique Interviews conducted: 60
Total Interviews Conducted: 96
This student team was tasked with finding a way to detect anomalies in user behavior on DOS networks in order to identify threatening actors. Their proposed solution is to conduct an analysis of typical user behavior such as the user's working hours and access patterns. They suggest using this data to train a user behavior analytics tool that can automatically shut off or limit access to suspicious users when anomalies are detected.
Outsmarting Smart Devices
Sponsored by DS/CTS
DOS problem sponsors: Joshua Ellwein and Jose Moreno
DOS senior leader: Michael Wofford
Industry mentors: Lillian Herrera, CISA, and Joseph Calamari, Quadrint, Inc.
Unique interviews conducted: 85
Total interviews Conducted: 104
This team was tasked with finding a way to prevent personnel from bringing unauthorized smart devices into Controlled Access Areas. Their proposed solution addresses both security culture and physical means of prevention. They recommend DS establish an umbrella standard for both security education and physical controls based on the standards of the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Intelligence Community.
Critical Communication
Sponsored by DS/CTS
DOS problem sponsor: Brian Rapier
DOS senior leader: Michael Wofford
Industry mentors: Rob Mennell, Synertex, and Frank Reyes, Maximus
Unique interviews conducted: 47
Total interviews Conducted: 63
This team was tasked with finding reliable and secure alternative lines of communication for security response teams at overseas offices to use during threat incidents. Their proposal is to supplement on-site communication network infrastructure with duplexers and short range repeaters to fill any potential network dead zones. They developed a detailed deployment plan and budget to prototype at an overseas office.
A special nod of appreciation goes to the exceptional individuals who went above and beyond, shaping this semester into a resounding success. Our sincere thanks to Ron Stuart, Gharun Lacy, Tamika Abbott, Glenn Harms, Ralph Gaspard, Rahim Theriot, Fiona Gettinger, Meghan Twomey, Andrew McHale, and our esteemed Department of State personnel and industry mentors. Your unwavering guidance has left an indelible mark on our student teams, fostering growth and innovation.
