ALERT | Awareness and Localization of Explosive-Related Threats

ALERT Researcher Awarded Grant for Breast Cancer Detection Innovation February 22, 2016

ALERT bulk sensors and sensor systems researcher, Professor Jose Martinez-Lorenzo, has been named an Innovation Commercialization Seed Fund winner by the Massachusetts Technology Transfer Center (MTTC). Professor Martinez-Lorenzo is one of nine individuals to each receive $40,000, two other winners are also based at Northeastern University. The awarded parties were announced earlier this month. MTTC […]

DHS Funds Contact Sampling Task Order February 22, 2016

The ALERT Center of Excellence has been awarded a $1.2 million dollar task order contract from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the creation of standardized procedures and methods to measure the efficiency and performance of contact sampling for trace explosives detection. Contact sampling refers to the sampling, or “swabbing” of individuals, baggage, and […]

The Associated Press features ALERT Researcher Otto Gregory’s work February 17, 2016

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (AP) — A University of Rhode Island professor has developed a sensor that detects the kind of explosive used in the Paris bombings, to try to stop future attacks.

Professor Otto Gregory compares his sensor to a dog’s nose, the gold standard in explosives detection. It “sniffs” the air for vapors emitted from explosives.

DHS S&T hosts “The Nose Knows” Twitter Chat 12/17, 12pm December 17, 2015

Join the @dhsscitech #STTechTalk “The Nose Knows” Thursday December 17th at noon EST. Tune in and chat about improving canine explosives detection.

ADSA13 Presentations Now Available December 17, 2015

We are pleased to announce that the ADSA13 Workshop presentations are now available for download.

ALERT researchers work to develop robust Canine Training Aids December 16, 2015

Because of their volatility, explosives are rarely used pure, they are often mixed with other materials such as polymers. Explosives are exposed to polymers for a variety of reason: (1) when they are “plasticized” for shaping; (2) when they are encased for safe handling, (e.g. dog training aids); and (3) when they are collected for forensic evidence or storage. ALERT has focused on finding the best materials for developing devices such as these.

ALERT and Gordon-CenSSIS Scholars Program Begins November 30, 2015

This year we have selected 16 students to participate in the ALERT and Gordon-CenSSIS Scholars Program for the 2015-2016 year at Northeastern University! The program is designed to provide freshmen engineering students the opportunity to get involved in ALERT and Gordon-CenSSIS research projects, K-12 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) outreach programs, and professional development […]

ALERT Students Received Top Award at URI’s Internet of Things Hackathon November 30, 2015

On Friday, November 13th, 2015, students at the “Internet of Things Hackathon,” at URI were divided into teams, assigned a problem to solve with modern technologies, and given the rest of the weekend to compete for the top prize. Three students from ALERT were teamed up to develop an idea for a product that could […]

Logan Jackson, former ALERT REU, named Rhodes Scholar November 23, 2015

We at ALERT would like to congratulate our former REU and Gordon Scholar, Logan Jackson, on being named a Rhodes Scholar. This award is all the more meaningful in that it is the first time in history that a Northeastern University student has received this prestigious scholarship.

DHS I&A Internship Program Announcement October 28, 2015

Do you desire to protect American interests and secure our Nation while building a meaningful and rewarding career? If so, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling.