Technologically Speaking

In this episode, we explore how identities are verified online and how S&T is working to keep personal information safe in a digital world. Host Brittany Greco sits down with two S&T biometrics experts, Arun Vemury and Jon Prisby, to discuss the evolving landscape of identity fraud, digital credentials, and the real challenges and innovations behind keeping our identities secure—both in person and online. With hundreds of document types and clever counterfeiters, you’ll hear about: Why verifying IDs is harder than you think, and real stories about document security New technologies like mobile driver’s licenses and selective disclosure that are making identity verification safer and more private How artificial intelligence is transforming fraud detection and what the future holds for digital trust Curious about how these changes might affect you? Listen to the episode and get the inside scoop on the future of identity security!

In this episode, we’ll introduce you to Ernest Wong, S&T’s Technical Lead for Position, Navigation, Timing and Space Systems. He and host Brittany Greco discuss vital efforts underway at S&T to facilitate and secure the increasing amounts of infrastructure and technology being deployed into space. You’ll hear about: (DHS Audio by Science & Technology Directorate/Released) How S&T and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency are working together to secure critical infrastructure in orbit and beyond—someday as far away as the surface of the moon. What S&T is doing to identify emerging risks and trends in space systems, helping anticipate threats before they impact the homeland. Real-world impacts that cyberattacks on space assets have on critical infrastructure on the ground, including power outages affecting millions across the U.S. What’s on the horizon for space (hint: data centers).

We’re kicking off Season 6 with a timely conversation with Helen Mearns, Deputy Director of S&T’s Chemical Security Analysis Center. She shares with host Brittany Greco all about the lab’s vital work in safeguarding the country from chemical hazards. In this episode, you’ll learn how CSAC: Tackles everything from detecting synthetic opioids to combatting food adulteration. Designs large-scale experiments and modeling tools to inform immediate emergency response efforts. Prepares key stakeholders for major event security, including the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, and this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

Host Brittany Greco and Air, Land, and Ports of Entry Program Manager Saadat Laiq have an important conversation about new technology solutions to assist Department of Homeland Security component agencies and frontline responders secure our borders and points of entry. They discuss everything from the Big Wing drone to Multi-Energy Portal cargo scanners to S&T’s aviation security portfolio and keeping an eye on ships at sea. And how to how to cross a body of water on a bike!

In this episode, host Brittany Greco sits down with S&T Senior Standards Advisor Renee Stevens for a lively discussion about how setting standards for technology development can actually be a matter of life, death, and national security. You’ll hear how the faith that we put in everyday things (like seatbelts) is directly related to the faith and confidence we put in millimeter wave technology at airport checkpoints, law enforcement ballistic helmets, computers, and the security of artificial intelligence systems. Stevens explains how proper standards-setting protects everyone, from first responders in the field to the American public.

Emergency Prevention and Response Director Luke Watko joins host Dee Saini to talk about how S&T gathers and prioritizes first responders’ technology needs and drives innovation to help them safely answer every call. You’ll hear about tech that helps firefighters find their way out of complete darkness, another that allows colleagues to pinpoint their location to within a centimeter if they are in trouble, and how artificial intelligence and virtual reality can support agency operations. Watko also shares how his journey from an Arizona mining town to the Air Force landed him at S&T and how responders on the front lines during the pandemic influenced the trajectory of his career.

In the first Season 5 episode of Technologically Speaking, host Dee Saini chats with Russell Becker, director of S&T’s Office for Interoperability and Compatibility, about the technologies in place that power our communities’ emergency response channels. Learn about challenges agencies face when responding to emergencies that cross jurisdictional lines, or that require multiple agencies to respond, and what S&T is doing to help responders stay connected and keep lines of emergency communication open.

S&T and its National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) recently joined the U.S. Fire Administration and the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) for a workshop to address best practices and research needs for fighting lithium-ion battery fires. In this minisode, which was recorded at the FDNY Training Academy on Randall’s Island, you will hear from each agency about firsthand experiences firefighters are facing with electrification and how New York City serves as a model for other jurisdictions nationwide. In addition, S&T Acting Under Secretary Julie Brewer and NUSTL Division Director Orly Amir share how this issue is driving S&T research to support our first responders.

Host Brittany Greco has a fascinating discussion with Emily Saulsgiver, deputy director of S&T’s International Cooperative Programs Office (ICPO), which cultivates relationships with the partners that we need to advance science and technology around the world. ICPO identifies areas of mutual interest for cooperation, fosters scientific exchanges, and works with global counterparts to address shared challenges and spark innovation. Emily also lets us in on some of the lessons she’s learned along the way about the protocols of international negotiations and the best way to get to know a new country, and she answers an existential question: if you live out of a suitcase, is it easier to pack or unpack?

Technologically Speaking host Deepak Saini sits down with Program Manager Brent Talbot to talk about the science behind electromagnetic pulses, known as EMPs, and geomagnetic disturbances. He lifts the lid on the work S&T is doing to think through ways to protect against these energy waves that can knock out the electricity and render mobile devices inoperable. Hear how his background in signals intelligence and a love for solving puzzles led him down a path to S&T, where he works every day to anticipate the next big thing in technology to protect the homeland from emerging threats.

Technologically Speaking host Deepak Saini sits down with Silicon Valley Innovation Program Managing Director Melissa Oh to discuss the unique ways S&T engages with the startup community, the vision behind driving innovation in the private sector to benefit the nation’s security, and how being positioned inside Silicon Valley enables her to bridge the private-public sector divide. Hear how Melissa’s career journey was marked by 9/11 and how some of the innovative technologies SVIP is working on directly support the needs of DHS components. Most importantly, learn how SVIP is serving as a model of excellence for other government agencies to create an entry point for startups that might not otherwise consider working with government.

S&T Senior Science Advisor Dr. Laura Parker joins Technologically Speaking’s Brittany Greco for an insightful interview on the science behind explosives detection, the way the technology is used at the airport, and potential advancements for the future that will make the screening process easier. She explains how a career in explosives equipped her with the expertise in chemical detection necessary to help address the fentanyl problem and the scientific nexus between explosives and fentanyl detection.

Season 4 of Technologically Speaking launches Wednesday, August 7! We’re gearing up for another great round of conversations with experts from across the DHS Science and Technology Directorate. Tune in and subscribe today!