If you’re a fan of science (who isn’t?!), then you probably like learning new things. Well, did you know that January 4 is National Trivia Day? At the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), we’re always striving to learn new things. In honor of Trivia Day, take a moment and learn some fun facts about S&T. And as an added bonus, it can count towards a new year’s resolution to read more!
One way we pursue a safer and more resilient nation is through the work of our five National Laboratories. These world-class facilities provide research, development, testing, and evaluation capabilities in support of long-term and day-to-day requirements. Can you guess which description goes with what facility?
- Chemical Security Analysis Center (CSAC)
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC)
- National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL)
- Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC)
- Transportation Security Laboratory (TSL)
- Has supported more than 100 federal law enforcement cases for the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
- Its blast-resistant facilities are equipped to evaluate explosives detection and imaging equipment against an extensive library of domestic, foreign, and homemade explosives.
- Earned DHS its first ever U.S. patent in 2011 with the Citizen’s Dosimeter invention – a small, high-tech plastic card that can rapidly measure radiation exposure.
- Offers a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week informational response capability and typically responds to 70 to 80 requests per year.
- Is the only laboratory in the nation that can conduct initial diagnostic testing for foot-and-mouth disease in cattle.
Another great aspect of S&T is our frequent team-ups with colleagues across DHS and throughout the government. Partnership is a key part of accomplishing our national security missions. Can you match the S&T innovation with the partner involved in the project?
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC)
- United States Coast Guard (USCG)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
6. Assessed new law enforcement operations driving skills course to improve officer safety on the road.
7. Operationally field-tested enhanced rescue helicopter hoist gloves with high-performance fabrics that will better protect responders.
8. Conducted multiple large-scale chlorine release experiments as part of Project Jack Rabbit, a groundbreaking research program on toxic inhalation hazards of industrial chemicals.
9. Funded First Aid for Severe Trauma (FAST)TM program to provide basic emergency medical training for high school students through the American Red Cross.
10. Developed Rapid DNA, a fast and easy biometric capability to verify families separated by crisis.
11. Released guidance to improve critical infrastructure resilience by standardizing requirements for position, navigation, and timing equipment.
12. Provided revolutionary water cannon tool for disabling improvised explosive devices to every bomb squad in America.
So, how many did you get right? (Check below to see.) These are just a few examples of our research and development collaborations that are making the country and world more secure. There are many more efforts on the horizon for 2021 and beyond, which align with the goals laid out in S&T’s five-year Strategic Plan. We will continue to build trusted relationships with our stakeholders and provide capabilities that align to mission needs. We will also further strengthen our partnerships through a “whole of government” approach to create a unified but dynamic system in which innovation can thrive. Stay tuned for exciting updates in the year to come by checking back often to our website and following DHSSciTech on social media (where you can also find some additional trivia questions)!
Trivia Answers:
- NBACC
- TSL
- NUSTL
- PIADC
- CSAC
- FLETC
- USCG
- DTRA
- FEMA
- USCIS
- CISA
- FBI