TSA Federal Security Director Michael Young Honors ALERT
On Wednesday, August 28, 2013, ALERT researchers and personnel were honored with the presentation of an award by Ohio Transportation Security Administration Federal Security Director Michael Young for ALERT’s efforts in the Video Analytic Surveillance Transition (VAST) project. The presentation, followed by a luncheon, was attended by the Northeastern University Senior Vice Provost, Mel Bernstein, the Dean of Northeastern University’s College of Engineering, Nadine Aubry, and TSA Program Analyst, Edward Hertelendy.
ALERT’s VAST project, conducted in partnership with Siemens Corporate Research, TSA, and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), is developing video analytics methods at CLE to address existing airport security concerns. As ALERT director Michael Silevitch explained, “The ability to access real-time data from the Cleveland airport enabled the ALERT researchers to test their methods and optimize performance. That, coupled with the collaboration of our industrial partner Siemens, was essential in developing tools that would be useful to people in the field.”
When recognizing the partnership between ALERT and the TSA, Dean Aubry expressed that ALERT is a model center to the College of Engineering. “We are proud to be able to do user-inspired research, but the challenge is to take that research and apply technology transfer to impact society and the security of our airports, and that’s what you are doing.” In her closing remarks, the Dean emphasized collaboration’s value for academia and industry.
Senior Vice Provost Bernstein reminded the attendees that the award ALERT was being honored with was not only an award for the outstanding work being done but also for the commitment to the mission of advancement for the common good. “The model program between ALERT and the Cleveland airport is quite impressive,” he said. “The fact is that this may not have been the easiest thing to do, but it speaks to the opportunity, talent, the willingness of the Northeastern side, and the understanding that TSA has to be able to make this kind of investment. This is what we had hoped would happen in the early days of DHS, and this is one great example”.
While presenting the award to the ALERT team, Michael Young mentioned the recent successes of the VAST partnership and the notability of the project through both industry and academia. He briefly explained his history with the ALERT Center of Excellence and noted that this award is about collaboration. The award states, “In recognition of your technological research and innovation in support of TSA-Cleveland in developing advanced algorithms for CCTV Surveillance Systems.” Director Young then proceeded to present the ALERT team with TSA Challenge Coins to show appreciation and recognize the work and support of each individual team member.
This award reflects ALERT’s ability to positively impact critical problems faced by Homeland Security Enterprise. ALERT looks forward to continuing this valuable partnership with the Transportation Security Administration over the years.
