Research Proposal Requests

The Institute for Homeland Security at Sam Houston State University is seeking research proposals that address critical challenges and offer innovative solutions in the following priority areas. Our focus is on the energy, healthcare, chemical, transportation, and wastewater sectors, with an emphasis on how these research topics impact these vital industries. We encourage proposals that not only align with the outlined priorities but also introduce novel insights or creative approaches to emerging challenges. While the topics below represent our highest areas of focus, we welcome any proposal that addresses related issues and advances our mission.

Research Areas of Interest:

• Artificial Intelligence: The increasing use of AI in critical infrastructure protection presents both opportunities and challenges. We are particularly interested in AI applications for threat detection and risk management across energy, healthcare, chemical, and transportation sectors as these technologies become more widespread.
• Cascading Effects: Research is needed to better understand the cascading effects of disasters, where a primary event triggers secondary disruptions. These ripple effects can lead to significant challenges, particularly in chemical processing, wastewater management, and energy distribution systems.
• Critical Infrastructure Workforce Development: There is a growing disconnect between traditional educational programs and the evolving needs of critical infrastructure employers. We seek proposals that focus on workforce development in industries such as energy and healthcare, identifying strengths and areas for improvement in preparing the future workforce.
• Cybersecurity Threat: The rising frequency of cybersecurity attacks on critical sectors like healthcare and energy requires immediate attention. Research into best practices for preventing and mitigating these threats, particularly ransomware and data breaches, is critical for maintaining operational integrity.
• Emerging Threats: We encourage research that anticipates and addresses emerging threats in sectors such as transportation, energy, and water management. These threats present new risks but also opportunities for innovation, requiring adaptable strategies and ongoing analysis.
• Enhancing Infrastructure Security and Efficiency through IT/OT/ICS Integration: The integration of Information Technology (IT), Operational Technology (OT), and Industrial Control Systems (ICS) can significantly enhance the security and efficiency of critical infrastructure. Research is needed on how this integration can improve operations in the energy, chemical, and wastewater sectors.
• Ensuring Continuous Operations and Mitigating Risks in Lifeline Sectors: Ensuring uninterrupted services in lifeline sectors like electricity and water is crucial. We seek proposals that assess vulnerabilities in these areas and propose strategies to mitigate risks and enhance operational continuity, particularly in wastewater management and energy delivery.
• Navigating Regulatory Compliance and Financial Pressures in Critical Infrastructure Management: Proposals that explore the regulatory and financial challenges faced by small to medium-sized organizations in sectors like healthcare and chemical processing are of high interest. This includes addressing compliance with regulations from bodies like OSHA and CMS while maintaining financial stability.
• Security Risk Assessment: Conducting comprehensive security risk assessments is essential for protecting both physical and informational assets in critical sectors like transportation and energy. Research in this area will focus on identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring effective security controls.
• Social Network Analysis (SNA): Social Network Analysis can offer insights into how organizations in sectors like healthcare and chemical industries can optimize team structures and processes for enhanced operational efficiency and compliance.
• Water and Wastewater Management: The water and wastewater sectors face unique challenges related to process safety, regulatory compliance, and systemic vulnerabilities. We are seeking proposals that address threats to this infrastructure and propose solutions for improved management and safety practices.

Proposal Submission: