Student Scholarship Awards

The Maryland Parents Association Student Scholarship Awards are currently accepting applications. The scholarships provide assistance to current undergraduate students in good standing who may be unable to continue their education at the University due to extenuating personal or family financial circumstances. Thanks to the generosity of Chatham and parent donors, scholarships of up to $2,000 per student will be awarded for the 2016-2017 academic year. A minimum of 12 scholarships will be awarded.

Award criteria, instructions, and an online application are available here. Applications must be submitted by 5p.m. on Wednesday, May 11, 2016.

Questions? Contact the Office of Parent and Family Affairs at 301.314.8429 or parents@umd.edu.

Analyst: Homeland Security Preparedness

Obsidian, a Cadmus Company provides clients with solutions to their most important, analytical and policy changes. Obsidian seeks candidates to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Preparedness Assessment Division (NPAD). The mission of NPAD is to advance national preparedness and communicating accomplishments. Its responsibilities include developing the annual National Preparedness Report and the State Preparedness Report, as well as evaluations of program effectiveness and case studies concerning preparedness. Analysts will support the development of these assessments, as well as ad hoc projects and reporting deliverables for senior government officials.

Successful candidates will have experience conducting qualitative and quantitative analysis and will have excellent written and oral communications skills. Candidates must also demonstrate flexibility and the ability to collaborate. This is an entry-level position, and both recent graduates and those with relevant experience are invited to apply.

Responsibilities for the position include:

• Generate assessments, reports, memoranda, and presentations tailored for senior government officials
• Identify and assess preparedness-related data sets
• Coordinate with stakeholders to collect preparedness-related data
• Use qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques to draw conclusions from preparedness data
• Collect technical data and information to prepare customized reports, technical documentation, and training materials for government clients
• Develop stakeholder coordination strategies in support of project objectives
• Provide legislative and policy analysis and research on preparedness-related topics

Qualifications are:

• Degree in National Security, Homeland Security, or Public Policy; OR a degree in a social science, science, engineering, operations research, program evaluation, or other relevant field and a desire to apply those backgrounds to preparedness assessments; OR demonstrated professional experience in a relevant subject area

Required Skills:

• Outstanding research, analysis, and oral and written communication skills
• Familiarity with homeland security and preparedness policy
• Proficiency in relevant software programs including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Presidential Policy Directive 8 (PPD-8) and the National Preparedness System
• Experience conducting preparedness assessments for FEMA or other federal/state/local clients
• Experience with advanced qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques
• Ability to earn DHS Suitability or experience conducting work at a DHS government facility
• Preference given to those with relevant experience in the homeland security field

This is a full-time staff position and includes compensation that Obsidian believes is competitive in the private market. Obsidian offers an excellent benefits package to eligible employees that includes paid time off, health and dental insurance, and a 410K. This is not a management position.

Employment with Obsidian, a Cadmus Company is at-will, which means that the employee and Obsidian each have the right to terminate the relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice. Likewise, position requirements, terms and conditions of employment, compensation, and benefits are subject to change at any time, with or without cause or notice, to the extent consistent with applicable laws.

All applicants for this Analyst position should send a cover letter addressed to Obsidian's Talent Aquisition department that explains the relevant qualifications and interest, and a resume demonstrating relevant experience. Applicants should also include a 1-2 page writing sample that demonstrates the ability to synthesize large amounts of information (on any topic) into a concise, actionable summary.

Candidates selected may be subject to a security investigation and if required, should be able to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.


Obsidian, A Cadmus Company
1776 Eye St. NW, 4th Floor | Washington, D.C. 20006

New Special Topics Course: Black Masculinity in Mass Media

This summer, the African American Studies Department is offering a special topics course in black culture, AASP498M: Black Masculinity in Mass Media: How Blackness has formed (and re-formed) in U.S. Entertainment Culture. It will be held from May 31, 2016 - July 8, 2016.

The goal of this class is to present to new students how entertainment and media product creation throughout the 19th and 20th centuries have directly shaped the forms of leisure activity that they enjoy today. The depictions of Blackness and masculinity in movies and television are in key focus for this course.

For more information, check out the flyer below.

START Winter/Summer Courses

START offers fully online summer and winter courses each year which are open to any current degree seeking student or non-degree seeking individual. Current University of Maryland students may register through Testudo. Non-University of Maryland students must apply as a visiting student.
The Graduate Paper Application is processed within seven business days of receipt. The Current Courses offered are:

Summer:

• Terrorist Financing Analysis and Counterterrorist Finance (BSST370/BSST338Z) Analytical Reasoning

This course provides an introduction to terrorists’ financial activities and counterterrorism finance and sanctions policy. The course examines how terrorist groups finance their operations and also emphasizes current policy approaches designed to curb terrorist financing through the application of U.S. and international sanctions.

Students will explore how multilateral forces, such as the United Nations and Financial Action Task Force counter terrorist finance. At the completion of the course, students will have a better understanding of the key tools, including law enforcement, diplomatic, or intelligence that are deployed to disrupt and deter terrorist finance.

Formerly listed as “From Dollars to Designations: Terrorist Finance and the Methods Deployed To Counter Terrorist Finance”. Credit will be granted only for one iteration of this course. This course will be taught during the full summer term (May 31-August 19) in person, in College Park. There may be an online version as an option for non-College Park located students this summer. Please contact education@start.umd.edu for information about distance learning options.

• Understanding the Principles and Perils of CBRN Weapons  (BSST242) Natural Science Lab

This 4-credit, General Education Lab Science course, co-taught by Dr. Gary Ackerman and Dr. Cory Davenport, and Steven Sin, dives into the science and science policy behind the threat and use of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons. Through the exploration of the scientific method and fundamental principles of the hard sciences, students will bring together multiple scientific fields into one classroom. By the end of the course, students will be able to test hypotheses, use basic statistics, interpret results and apply their new knowledge through discussions of practical applications in the domains of public health, emergency management, epidemiology, and threat assessment. This course will meet in person, in College Park, during the Summer I term.

• The Novel and Countering Violent Extremism (BSST338N)

This course dives into themes of moderation and Countering Violent Extremism found in modern fiction from the Islamic world, with Dr. Jennifer Bryson as an expert guide. This course will meet, completely online, during the Summer I term.  

• Terrorist Hostage Taking (BSST372/BSST338A): Scholarship in Practice

This course will be taught completely online during the Summer II term by Dr. Margaret Wilson, of the Imperial College London. This course will examine different forms of hostage taking and consider approaches to studying behavior, along with the problems inherent in such research. Weekly topics will include issues such as scripts and patterned behavior, victim resistance, what the Stockholm syndrome might really mean. This course explores the tactical choices of terrorist groups, the responses of the other players and how the combinations might impact the end results.

• Experiential Learning in Terrorism Studies (BSST386)

Students interested in earning academic credit for interning at the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) can now do so through the Terrorism Studies program at the University of Maryland. Starting this summer, undergraduates from UMD and other institutions can enroll in BSST386 to earn from 1-5 experiential learning credits for interning with START.

Please contact Marcella Morris for questions about the course enrollment and earning credit for your internship with START (education@start.umd.edu) or Eva Coll for questions regarding the internship program (internships@start.umd.edu).

Winter: 

Topical Three-Credit Course:

• The Rise of the Islamic State (ISIL)

The quick rise of the terrorist group self-described as the Islamic State, also known as the ISIL has surprised policymakers and foreign policymakers worldwide. This course provides a comprehensive look at the Islamic State and will discuss key concepts and terms in Islamic history in an effort to establish an understanding of Islamic jurisprudence, meaning of a caliphate, the five pillars of Islam and Shar’ia law. The course will trace the history of the Islamic State’s rise and will examine the leadership figures/personalities behind the group and look in depth at ISIL’s connection to and divorce from al-Qa’ida. Students will examine how the group finances its operations as well as the rise of its affiliates. Students will also explore the group’s use of foreign fighters and social media to further its agenda and explore the U.S. and global responses to counter the Islamic State. At the completion of this course, students will have an in depth understanding of the Islamic State and a better understanding of the key tools, including law enforcement, diplomatic, or intelligence, that are deployed to counter the group.

Skills Based One-Credit Courses:

• Geospatial Analysis for Terrorism (BSST399F)

Are you interested in learning more about GIS, and how it can be applied to terrorism studies? In this one-credit Winter 2015 course, students will be introduced to Geospatial Information Systems and the technology’s specific applications to terrorism studies. No previous experience with GIS or terrorism data is necessary. Students will leave the course with a firm grasp of GIS technologies and the ways in which they may implemented in terrorism studies.

• Social Network Analysis for Terrorism (BSST399N)

Have you heard of Social Network Analysis (SNA)? Are you interested in learning more about this emerging technique and how it can be utilized to study terrorism? The concept of “network” has become central to many discussions of terrorism and political violence research. However, use of the term is rarely backed with theoretical and empirical analysis of actual networks. This one-credit course will instruct students in the basics of social network analysis and how to apply SNA methods in the field of terrorism studies. Specifically, this course will:

1.    Explore the theoretical underpinnings of the network-related concepts;

2.    Review existing terrorism and political violence research utilizing SNA in order to understand its research applications;

3.    Introduce the basic methods needed to collect and analyze network data;

4.    Practice the process of initiating and completing a network analysis using a terrorism network data set; and

5.    Instruct students on ways to use SNA as a research technique in their own terrorism and political violence research

Global Terrorism Minor Requirements

START has removed BSST332 and replaced it with BSST338V (section 0101) and BSST386 for this fall. This equates to removing one, five credit course, and replacing it with one three credit and one two credit course. This continues the experiential education (i.e. internship) component for the minor curriculum.

Academic Support for International Graduate Students

The Learning Assistance Service at the Counseling Center is offering an academic support group for international graduate students. The students will learn and discuss about:

• American universities' academic rules and systems
• Surviving tips in class participation, presentations, and discussions
• Writing skills and academic integrity in American univesities
• Research skills and writing thesis/dissertation
• Building teaching experiences
• Relationship issues with advisors
• Career development as an international student with a Master's degree or doctoral degree

The group will be meeting on three Mondays: March 21st, April 4th, and April 18th from 4pm to 5:30pm in 2202 Shoemaker. Katherine Koo is the facilitator and if there are any questions, please contact her at katiekoo@umd.edu or call at 301-314-7963.

Federal/Global Semester Fellows Program

Interested in public service, the federal government, or gaining internship experience? Join the Federal/Global Semester Fellows Program. Benefits of joining the program include:

• Taking a fall-semester seminar course on a topic of contemporary concern—taught by expert practitioners who bring in guest speakers (ambassadors, industry experts, etc.)
  

•  Obtaining an extraordinary spring internship at sites ranging from the White House, media outlets, federal agencies, NGOs, private organizations, embassies, research shops, etc.

• Gaining a Scholarship in Practice Credit

• Receiving spring internship credit through our program or through your major

• Earning a notation on your transcript as a Federal or Global Semester Fellow

•  Enjoying year round empowerment activities such as field trips, professional development, conversations with industry leaders, and individual help obtaining internships

Program concentrations include Science Diplomacy, Public Health Policy, Energy and Environment Policy, and many more! There are still spots available. The next applications deadline is April 8^th and there is rolling admission afterwards. No recommendation letter needed unless you wish to add them. For details and an application form, go to either www.federalsemester.umd.edu or www.globalsemesterdc.umd.edu. Fill out one application and rank your choices across the two programs.

Study Abroad with START this Summer in Singapore or Australia and New Zealand (or both!)

In Singapore, we will be studying Counter Violent Extremism program with experts Nanyang Technological Univeristy's International Center for Political Violence and Terrorism Research Center and their researchers, and we are working on putting together a fantastic itinerary. 

Policy Writing and Research Analyst Position

Obsidian, a Cadmus Company, is seeking qualified candidates with experience assessing, analyzing, and writing public policy to support upcoming projects for its homeland security clients, partners, and stakeholders. Successful candidates will have at least one year of demonstrated professional experience in at least one of the following:

·         Policy assessment and analysis

·         Policy-focused research

·         Policy or report writing

·         Operational or contingency planning

·         Or other related experience in the homeland security, public policy, or international relations field

            For this position, responsibilities consist of:

·         Providing policy analysis and research on homeland security and emergency management policy-related topics

·         Distilling complex information from multiple sources into analytical assessments, reports, memoranda, and presentations tailored for senior public and private sector clients

·         Applying and coordinating analytic methodologies and principles

·         Providing concise, clear, and easily-consumable reports based on current and proposed policy

·         Coordinating with stakeholders to collect, analyze, and report on policy-related data

·         Conducting comprehensive analysis of materials and stakeholder feedback to author and adjust policy documents

·         Providing a strong attention to detail and applying writing skills to create reports, assessments, and other written deliverables

Candidates must have a degree in political science, public policy, social sciences, homeland security, emergency management, or other relevant fields. Also, they must have a minimum of five years of professional experience, with one year of relevant professional experience providing writing and research support to policy-related projects; preference given to those with experience in the homeland security space (Master’s Degree can be substituted for 2 years of experience). Candidates selected may be subjected to a security investigation and, if required, should be able to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

All candidates for the Policy Writing and Research Analyst positions must include a cover letter addressed to Obsidian’s Human Resources Department that explains the applicant’s qualifications in regards to the position description and a resume demonstrating relevant experience. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Federal Policy Research Analyst and Writer Position

Obsidian, a Cadmus Company, seeks qualified candidates with experience analyzing and writing public policy to support upcoming projects for its homeland security clients, partners, and stakeholders. Successful candidates will have at least one year of demonstrated professional experience in at least one of the following:

·         Policy assessment and analysis

·         Policy research

·         Professional writing

·         And/or strategic planning in the homeland security, public policy, or international relations fields

For this position, responsibilities consist of:

·         Writing, editing, and proofreading data for use in documents or sections of documents such as manuals, procedures, specifications, special reports and other deliverables

·         Using defined analytic methodologies and principles to distill complex topics from multiple sources into understandable assessments, reports, memoranda, and presentations

·         Conducting policy analysis and research on homeland security and policy-related topics under the direction of a project manager and working in collaboration with other team members

·         Providing strong attention to detail and adherence to a formal writing style guide to create consistent and professional reports, assessments, and other written deliverables

·         Supporting the coordination with stakeholders to collect, analyze, and report on policy-related data

Candidates must have a degree in political science, public policy, social sciences, creative writing, journalism, homeland security, planning, or other relevant fields. Also, they must have a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience providing writing and research

support to specifications, standards, technical manuals, and other policy-related projects; preference given to those with experience in the homeland security space (Master’s Degree may be substituted for two years of experience). Candidates selected may be subjected to a security investigation, and, if required, should be able to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

All applications for the Federal Policy Research Analyst and Writer positions must include a cover letter addressed to Obsidian’s Human Resources Department that explains the applicant’s qualifications in regards to the position description and a resume demonstrating relevant experience. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Interested in a Challenging Internship?

 The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is seeking highly-motivated graduate or undergraduate students interested in careers in public information, education outreach, and communications for summer fellowships.

The OEM Fellowship Program offers students a unique opportunity to work on a variety of issues and take responsibility for important projects. Fellows will have the opportunity to specialize in areas of particular interest and gain exposure to all aspects of OEM planning and operations. Fellow project areas include outreach curriculum design, video production, teaching workshops, social media outreach, and emergency alerting for the public. Check out the flyers below for more information. 

Interested in Emergency Management?

The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is seeking highly-motivated graduate or undergraduate students interested in careers in emergency management, homeland security, public health, and human services for summer fellowships.

The OEM Fellowship Program offers students a unique opportunity to work on a variety of issues and take responsibility for important projects. Fellows will have the opportunity to specialize in areas of particular interest and gain exposure to all aspects of OEM planning and operations. Fellow project areas include public health and medical, human services, community resilience, homeland security, and threat and hazard-based planning. For more information, check out the flyers below.

2016 US Science & Engineering Festival

The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) is hosting a booth for this weekend's K-12 STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) festival. They are offering the opportunity for a handful of START students (interns, FIRE, minor) to join the booth! Dr. Reggie Brothers, head of S&T, will be delivering a keynote and will spend some time in the booth as well.
In the booth you will be joined by some key DHS people, so it will be a great networking opportunity as well as an excellent way to represent START as a DHS Center of Excellence. You will be asked to be a warm, welcoming face, and talk about your love of science/data/investigating/technology/etc.
It is at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Please let Jessica Rivinius know if you are available even if for a couple of hours:

• Saturday, April 16: 9am-1pm
• Saturday, April 16: 1pm-5pm
• Sunday, April 17: 9am-1pm

She will be happy to provide volunteers with a t-shirt and a START mug. 5-10 volunteers needed. Email Jessica at rivinius@start.umd.edu and she will put you in touch with the DHS person coordinating the event.

You are Invited to an Address by Rear Admiral Michael McDevitt

The Trustees of the Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs cordially invites you to an address by Rear Admiral Michael McDevitt, Senior Fellow for the Center of Naval Analyses (CNA) Strategic Studies, on Thursday, April 14, 2016. He will be addressing "What is Going on in the South China Sea? United States Interests and Chinese Behavior." There will be a reception at 5:15pm followed by the address at 6:00pm. The event will be held at the World Trade Center Baltimore. The event is free for members, $10 for guests of a member, and $25 for non-members. If you are interested in the topic or more information, check out the flyer.