Homeland Protection

A vital mission of the U.S. government is to secure the nation from the many threats it faces. We support this mission by assessing, prototyping, and deploying innovative technology that helps reduce the nation's vulnerability to terrorism, facilitate recovery from disasters, protect infrastructure, and improve the health of civilians.

The ERSA system uses cameras to track aircraft flying too close to the capital’s no-fly zone.

Biological and Chemical Technologies
Counter-Weapons of Mass Destruction Systems
Homeland Protection Systems
Homeland Sensors and Analytics
Human Health and Performance Systems
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Systems

We view molecular-scale phenomena as critical to many future and emerging national security challenges. To address these challenges, our group develops tools that collect, manipulate, and process materials and information derived from the molecular domain.

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blue speech waves with middle of wave highlighted orange.

Signs of COVID-19 may be hidden in speech signals

Jun 29

An image of a person (only their hands are shown) using a sewing machine to sew a blue surgical mask.

Steady demand for PPE may encourage local businesses to start up production

Jun 8

A photo of a lidar map ofa 400 sq mile area, with roads highlighted red, the ground blue, and a navigational route is green.

With lidar and AI, road status clears up after a disaster

Apr 13

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a photo of boston harbor with several boats on the water; each boat has an orange box drawn around it as a 'detection'

analytics

Waterways Automated Vessel Information

Our video analytics are helping to improve waterway security.

During a wildfire in southern California, emergency responders shared real-time information on the NICS interface, such as the size of the fire, unit locations, and the rate of the fire’s spread.

disaster relief

Next-Generation Incident Command System

Emergency agencies around the world are using NICS to coordinate rapid and organized response to disasters.

Researchers test the prototype standoff microwave imaging system. The antennas emit radio signals that reflect off the person standing in front of the array; the system processes the reflections to create the image on the monitors in the background.

advanced imaging

Video-Rate Standoff Microwave Imaging System

The system can rapidly and discreetly detect threat items concealed under clothes or hidden in bags of people in crowded public spaces.

Commercial unmanned aerial systems, like the one pictured above, are increasingly flown in urban areas; if used for illicit purposes, they can pose dangers to civilians.

UAS

Urban Counter-UAS Operational Prototype

The prototype is enabling DHS to test technologies that can counter the threats posed by commercial drones.

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"Whether it’s understanding the best type of antenna to use or figuring out how to navigate life as a new mother, there is no shortage of resources I can reach out to when I need advice."

Jessica Kesner

Mechanical Engineer

Homeland Protection

Counter-Weapons of Mass Destruction Systems

I take a lot of pride in the algorithms and software that we are developing. These capabilities are driving monitoring systems that have the potential to save lives.

Ronald Duarte

Software Engineer and Algorithm Developer

Homeland Protection

Homeland Sensors and Analytics

Ronald Duarte, Software Engineer and Algorithm Developer

The management here trusts that we can take on any challenge we set our minds to, giving us the leeway to tackle topics that may be outside of our comfort zones.