University of Southern Mississippi Projects
1. A Simulation Environment for Planning, Training, and Assessment of Emergency Response and Evacuation Capabilities at High Consequence Sports Events (Dr. Lou Marciani) - Active
Effective emergency security management of large-scale spectator sports events is vital nation wide because of the potential for mass causalities and detrimental economic impact. The objective of this project is to develop a robust evacuation simulation system to evaluate and support emergency response, stadium evacuation operations, and the subsequent traffic flow at high consequence sports events. At the completion of this project, the new evacuation simulation system will be accessible to universities, professional and amateur sports organizations nationwide. This project has been endorsed by the NCAA and NFL.
2. Real-time Detection of Chemicals and Biological Pathogens in Fluids (Dr. Gordon Cannon) - Active
The goal of this project is to produce a simple-to-use, portable detector system that is able to sense in real time various pathogens and toxic chemicals that pose potential threats to both Mississippi and the nation as a result of acts of terrorism, accidental events, or acts of nature.
3. Enhancing the Effectiveness of Local and Regional Communities in Planning and Training for Improvised Explosive Device Threats and Attacks on Sport Venues (Dr. Lou Marciani) - Active
The objective of the research project underlining this SOW is to address the needs for the development of affordable and advanced technological tools and methodologies to assist local and regional planners in preparing and responding to IED threats and attacks, especially on sports venues. The goal of this project is to set the foundation to enhance and integrate complementing but individual technologies and methodologies that have been successfully developed at University of Southern Mississippi (USM), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and Engineering Research and Development Center (ERDC) in order to establish an environment of rapid and efficient local and regional preparedness through planning and training to respond to IED threats and incidents in sports venues. The activities of this research project should increase the readiness of local and regional level planners and first responders in preparing for and responding to IED threats and attacks, especially those at sports venues.