Past Events 2022

April 28, 2022
Texas Homeland Security Council
Kevin Clement, Executive Director, Strategic Partnerships, represents the BTI Institute at the Texas Homeland Security Council’s Quarterly Meeting.
Location: Department of Public Safety, Austin, Texas.

April 13, 2022
Seminar: Emerging and Unexpected Threats
The BTI Institute hosts a seminar addressing new and emerging terrorist threats posed by advances in Improvised Explosive Devices, Fire as a Weapon, Chemical, Biological and Radiological Threats, and Cyberattacks.
Location: the Harris County Department of Education, 6300 Irvington Boulevard, Houston.

April 5-7, 2022
2022 Port of the Future Conference
The BTI Institute and the College of Technology host the 3rd Annual Port of the Future Conference (www.PortoftheFutureConference.com) in Houston, TX. The Port of the Future Conference focuses on creating and revitalizing our Nation’s ports, infrastructure, and processes in land, sea, air, and cyber domains. Corporate leaders, government officials, and prominent researchers provide their vision and perspectives for future ports, projected trends, emerging challenges, promising research and new, cutting-edge technology in the maritime sector.
Location: Marriott Marquis, 177 Walker Street, Houston, TX.

March 23/24, 2022
Seminar/Workshop: Family Assistance Centers and Planning
In coordination with the Houston Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attack Program and the City of Houston, the BTI Institute hosts a seminar addressing new and emerging terrorist threats posed by advances in Improvised Explosive Devices, terrorist attacks on Critical Infrastructure, Fire as a Weapon, Chemical, Biological and Radiological Threats, and Cyberattacks.
Location: the Harris County Department of Education, 6300 Irvington Boulevard, Houston.

March 9, 2022
Seminar: Scene Security, Coordination, and Operational Communications
In coordination with the Houston Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attack Program and the City of Houston, the BTI Institute hosts a seminar focused on Command and Control of terrorist incidents and active attacks using case study of the Mumbai Terrorist Attack (Mumbai, India, November 2008) and speakers involved in the tactical response to the San Bernardino Terrorist Attack, San Bernardino, CA (2 December 2013); the Austin Package Bomber, Austin, Texas (March 2018); and the Harvest Music Festival, Las Vegas, NV (1 October 2017).
Location: Harris County Department of Education, 6300 Irvington Boulevard, Houston.

March 2, 2022
Seminar – Emergency Medical Services and Rescue Task Force
In coordination with the Houston Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attack Program and the City of Houston, the BTI Institute hosts speakers who led the Emergency Medical Response during the Harvest Music Festival Shootings, Las Vegas, NV (1 October 2017); the Sutherland Springs Church Shooting, Sutherland Springs, TX (5 November 2017); Dallas Police Shootings, Dallas, TX (9 July 2016); and a presentation of the Pre-Staged Task Force Model.
Location: Harris County Department of Education, 6300 Irvington Boulevard, Houston.

February 25, 20022
Seminar - Hospital Surge and Security
In coordination with the Houston Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attack Program and the City of Houston, the BTI Institute hosts a seminar featuring speakers who led the emergency medical response at hospitals in the aftermath of the El Paso Walmart Shooting, El Paso, TX (3 August 2019); the Dallas Police Shootings (7 July 2016); and the Harvest Music Festival, Las Vegas, NV (1 October 2017).
Location: Harris County Department of Education, 6300 Irvington Boulevard, Houston.

February 17, 20022
Seminar - Emergency Public Information and Warning
In coordination with the Houston Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attack Program and the City of Houston, the BTI Institute hosts a seminar on Emergency Public Information and Warning featuring Public Information Officers involved in the response to the Dallas Police Shootings, Dallas, TX (7 July 2016); San Bernardino Terrorist Attacks, San Bernardino, CA (2 December 2013); the Congregation Beth Israel Hostage Incident, Colleyville, TX; and the Santa Fe High School Shooting, Santa Fe, TX (18 May 2018).
Location: Harris County Department of Education, 6300 Irvington Boulevard, Houston.

January 25, 2022
Seminar - Medical and Behavioral Health and Community Recovery
In coordination with the Houston Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attack Program and the City of Houston, the BTI Institute hosts speakers who led Behavioral Health and Community Recovery efforts in the aftermath of the Pulse Nightclub Attack, Orlando, Florida (12 June 2016); the Santa Fe High School Shooting, Santa Fe, TX (18 May 2018); the Harvest Music Festival Shooting, Las Vegas, NV (1 October 2017); the Sutherland Springs Church Shooting, Sutherland Springs, TX (5 November 2017); and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
Location: Harris County Department of Education, 6300 Irvington Boulevard, Houston.

January 14, 2022
Seminar - Threat Assessment and Coordination
In coordination with the Houston Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attack Program and the City of Houston, the BTI Institute hosts a seminar on “Threat Assessment and Coordination” featuring speakers who led the homeland security and law enforcement response to the: Mohammad Cartoon Festival Terrorist Attack, Garland, TX (3 May 2015); the Austin Package Bomber (March 2018); Chelsea (New York Theater District) Bombing (September 2016); and the Long Beach Terrorist Plot (April 2019).
Location: Harris County Department of Education, 6300 Irvington Boulevard, Houston.

Past Events 2021

November 18, 2021
Webinar: Assessing Maritime Transportation Systems from a Consequence-Based, Cyber-Informed, Engineering Strategy
Speakers include Gerard Wall, Center of Excellence Workforce Training and Education Program Manager, MARAD; Captain John Stauffer, San Jacinto College; Marco Ayala; and Rick Schwab, Senior Director, Delgado Community College Maritime and International Trading Center.

November 3-5, 2021
2021 Maritime Risk Symposium
The BTI Institute and the University of Houston College of Technology hosted the 2021 Maritime Risk Symposium, a virtual event. Speakers included Lucinda Lessley, Acting Administrator, U.S, Maritime Administration; RADM Michael Ryan, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Cyber Command; RADM Lars Saunes, Royal Norwegian Navy (retired); Vice Admiral Michael Conner, U.S. Navy (retired); and RADM Michael Timmie; Commander, District 8, U.S. Coast Guard.

November 2-4, 2021
2021 Maritime Risk Symposium
Hilton University Houston, Houston, TX

October 21, 2021
Webinar: Developing the Futurre Maritime Workforce - An International Propeller Club Initative
Speakers include Dr. Cheryl McCloud, Global Compliance and Logistics Manager, Staples, Inc.; RADM Joel R. Whitehead, USCG (Retired); John Hark, Director, Bertling Logistics; Kelly Hendry, President, Hendry Maritime Industries; and Thomas Damsgaard, Vimar Global Consulting.

September 23, 2021
Webinar: Developing the Futurre Maritime Workforce - An International Propeller Club Initative
Speakers include Dr. Cheryl McCloud, Global Compliance and Logistics Manager, Staples, Inc.; RADM Joel R. Whitehead, USCG (Retired); John Hark, Director, Bertling Logistics; Kelly Hendry, President, Hendry Maritime Industries; and Thomas Damsgaard, Vimar Global Consulting.

August 26, 2021
Webinar: Blue Sky Maritime Coalition
Speakers include David Cummins, President, Blue Sky Maritime Coalition; Rich Byrnes, Chief Infrastructure Officer, Port Houston; Jennifer States, Vice President, Washington Maritime Blue; Christine Rigby, Climate Specialist, Vancouver-Fraser Port Authority.

May 18-21, 2021
DHS COE Summit 2021
Virtual

May 5, 2021
OPERATION GOLDEN TRIANGE: Full-Scale Exercise
The BTI Institute conducted the full-scale capstone exercise assessing the Unified Regional Response to a Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attack throughout the three-county (Hardin, Jefferson, and Orange) region of South East Texas. The day-long exercise, involving over 300 responders and volunteers, provided local leaders an opportunity to assess the capabilities, plans, policies and procedures of law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, public works, area hospitals, communications, and other emergency management assets. It focused on the decision-making, coordination, and integration of response efforts by local, regional, state, and federal agencies.

May 4-6, 2021
BTI Institute Annual Meeting
Online

March 15-18, 2021
2021 Port of the Future Conference 
https://www.portofthefutureconference.com/

Past Events 2020

July 23, 2020
Port of the Future Webinar Series
"Business Resumption in a Global Pandemic Environment"

March 9-12, 2020
Port of the Future 2020 Conference
The BTI Institute is partnering with the University of Houston College of Technology to host the Port of the Future 2020 Conference.
Houston, TX

March 15-18, 2020
Virtual
https://www.portofthefutureconference.com/

February 4, 2020
External Advisory Board Telephonic Meeting
A telephonic meeting of professional thought-leaders.

Past Events 2019

August 6-7, 2019
CBP Innovation Summit
Washington, D.C.

July 30 - August 2, 2019
COE Summit 2019
The BTI Institute and the entire DHS COE network is hosting the 2019 COE Summit.
Details are here.

 July 30 - August 2, 2019
COE Summit 2019
The BTI Institute and the entire DHS COE network is hosting the 2019 COE Summit.
Details are here.

 July 23-24, 2019
CBP Trade Symposium
Details are here.

June 26, 2019
The BTI Institute will host the 2019 Annual PI Meeting in Washington, DC.

April 26, 2019
CLOSES
The BTI Institute announces a competitive research opportunity. Click here for details.

April 17, 2019
Policy in Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure
Dr. Chris Bronk discussed the changing challenges and policies involving the cybersecurity of our critical infrastructure. Click for the video and presentation.

March 26-27, 2019
Border Security Expo 2019
BTI hosted a vendor booth during the 2019 Border Security Expo. Read More. 

February 27, 2019
Brown Bag: Blockchain - Transforming Global Supply Chain Security.
A lunch and learn on the revolution that is Blockchain. Read the article here. 

January 31, 2019
Brown Bag: Combating Human Trafficking.
A lunch and learn on the roles of the legal and medical professions in combating human trafficking. Read about the event.

Past Events 2018

August 15, 2018
Bomb-Making Material Awareness Program
The Department of Homeland Security is presenting the Bomb-Making Materials Awareness Program (BMAP) to a limited audience.

June 7, 2018
Hershberg - Research Presentation
Presentation on Central American Migration and U.S. Communities. Location: Catholic Charities (2900 Louisiana St., Houston, TX 77006) Time: 11 am
Registration and Details [link]

May 30-31, 2018
COE Summit 2018
This event is sponsored by the national network of university-led U.S. Department of Homeland Security Centers of Excellence (COEs), an extended consortium of hundreds of universities conducting research and education to address homeland security challenges.
https://cina.gmu.edu/coe-summit-2018/

Past Events 2017

December 04-05, 2017
2017 Research & Education Showcase
The 2017 Research & Education Showcase will be Monday and Tuesday, December 4-5, 2017 at American University.
Location: Washington, D.C.

September 25-29, 2017
Continuity of Operations Training in Border Regions  
The BTI Institute will conduct training in FEMA Continuity of Operations (COOP) planning and program management courses for requesting jurisdictions in the Gulf Coast and Border Regions in Summer-Fall 2017. 
Location: Zapata, Texas

July 24-28, 2017
Continuity of Operations Training in Border Regions  
The BTI Institute will conduct training in FEMA Continuity of Operations (COOP) planning and program management courses for requesting jurisdictions in the Gulf Coast and Border Regions in Summer-Fall 2017. 
Location: El Paso, Texas

June 23-27, 2017
Continuity of Operations Training in Border Regions  
The BTI Institute will conduct training in FEMA Continuity of Operations (COOP) planning and program management courses for requesting jurisdictions in the Gulf Coast and Border Regions in Summer-Fall 2017. 
Location: Beaumont, Texas

March 27, 2017
BTI Institute Ribbon Cutting Showcase  
The Borders, Trade, and Immigration Institute Ribbon Cutting Showcase commences at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 27, 2017, with a reception following our guest speaker presentations. Both the showcase and reception are free and open to the public. Join us to learn from BTI’s project leads in person about how our projects help transform the study of transnational movements to promote economic and social development. 
Location: Houston Room, Student Center - South

March 6, 2017
Visit by DHS Representatives  
The BTI Institute hosted a visit by Dr. Susan Coller-Monarez, DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary (Strategy and Analysis) and Dr. Jason Ackleson, Director of Strategy, Office of Strategy, Plans, Analysis, and Risk.
Location: Greater Houston Area

March 1, 2017
Homeland Security Symposium #7
The Science of Interviewing and Interrogation  
For the first time in more than 50 years, the US and UK governments have initiated research programs aimed at developing ethical, evidence-based methods of interview and interrogation that improve the amount of accurate information elicited by investigators. Scientifically validated approaches for developing rapport and trust, eliciting information, and assessing credibility will be described. A team of researchers and practitioners will offer an integrative perspective on the theory, validation, and application of these science-based methods. 
Location: The University of Texas at El Paso, Mike Loya Building - Room 131

February, 2017
Centers of Excellence Directors’ Retreat
The Borders, Trade, and Immigration Institute hosted a one-day retreat for the directors of Department of Homeland Security Centers of Excellence.
Location: Greater Houston Area

January 10 & 18, 2017
Training on Prevention of Human Trafficking
The BTI Institute and the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston hosted training on the topic of Human Trafficking Indicators for members of the hospitality industry.
Location: Greater Houston Area

Past Events 2016

December 1, 2016
Homeland Security Symposium #6
Game Theory & Adversarial Reasoning: Potential Law Enforcement Applications
Game theory provides an alternative to conventional decision making processes that allows us to reason about the responses of intelligent adversaries to security policies and resource allocations. Game-theoretic models can leverage the understanding that law enforcement officials have of adversary capabilities, goals, and historical patterns to improve decisions in complex homeland security and policing environments and to effectively predict and react to the behavior of adversaries in different situations. The focus of the symposium will be on introducing the fundamental principles of these technologies, and providing examples where we bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world practitioners.

November 18-19, 2016
Children Displaced Across Borders: Bridging Policy, Practice, and Diciplinary Approaches to Further Human Rights 
Practitioners, attorneys, advocates, researchers, and students in both Houston and in Wales will come together to discuss challenges faced by immigrant, refugee, asylee, and trafficked children and youth. 
Location: The Rockwell Pavilion

October 26, 2016
Homeland Security Symposium #5
The Structure, Behavior, and Influence of Salvadorian Gangs and their Implications for the Rule of Law in the U.S. and El Salvador 
Flyer 
Meet the Researchers 
Webcast 
The presentation will review the scope and nature of the gang problem in El Salvador and the United States, and assesses their capacity to respond to these problems using findings from three separate studies. 

August 24, 2016
Integrating North America: Building a Modern, Efficient and Flexible Border 
Register
Speaker: The Honorable Alan Bersin, Assistant Secretary for International Affairs and Chief Diplomatic Officer, Office of Policy, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
A key aspect of the NAFTA agreement’s success was the construction of a border management system that is modern, efficient and flexible. Cooperation on this score, however, remains uneven though recent years have brought support for an improved border management system. This lecture addresses the progress and remaining challenges in the cross-border regions of the U.S., Mexico and Canada, while providing a vision for the future.
Location: Doré Commons, James A. Baker III Hall, Rice University. 

August 10, 2016
Homeland Security Symposium #4
Gangs, Terrorism, and Radicalization
What can street gangs tell us about radicalization and extremist groups? This symposium examines the important similarities and differences across criminal, deviant, and extremist groups. Drawing from research on street gangs, Dr. Scott Decker discusses issues such as levels of explanation,organizational structure, group process, and the increasingly important role of technology and the internet in the context of radicalization. There are points of convergences across these groups, but it is important to understand the differences between these groups.

June 23, 2016
Homeland Security Symposium #3
DNA Barcoding, High-Throughput DNA Sequencing, and Forensic Science: Recent Advances and Future Prospects 
Identifying the biological and geographic origins of forensic samples is one of the central challenges to modern forensic science. For some applications, such as identifying whether imported caviar comes from a legal source, it is important to identify the species that the specimen came from and if possible the population to which the specimen belonged. In other cases, such as tracking the prior movements of a laptop, trace evidence such as pollen samples can be used to identify the geographic regions where an object has previously been.

May 25, 2016
Request for Proposals
Request for Proposals for Borders, Trade, and Immigration Research 
The Borders, Trade, and Immigration Institute is looking for proposals for new research. BTI seeks to address a number of research questions related to the themes of Border Security, Legitimate Trade & Travel, and Immigration that are of interest to the public and relevant federal, state, and local agencies. 

May 19, 2016
DHS S&T Center of Excellence Technology Showcase
Center of Excellence Technology Showcase 
The DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) Office of University Programs and Stevens Institute of Technology invite you to attend the Spring 2016 Centers of Excellence(COE) Technology Showcase May 19, 2016 open 9:00 am- 4:00 pm. 

August 27, 2016
Homeland Security Symposium #2
Crossing Borders: People, Crime and Enforcement Flows 
Meet the Researchers
Webcast
This seminar is a three-part conversation on global migration trends, human smuggling operations, and the data pertaining to criminal organizations venturing into new markets. It will explore the current conditions that are impacting or shaping human mobility at the global level, report on the evidence that researchers have identified as connected to human smuggling and trafficking, and analyze what the data say about transnational criminal trends. 

March 31, 2016
Homeland Security Symposium #1
Research on Investigative Interviewing and Interrogation: How Evidence-Based Practice Can Improve Outcomes
This presentation will review the current state of research on investigative interviewing methods. Rapport based interviewing will be discussed, particularly the effective use of rapport-building skills and how to measure rapport in an investigative interview. The presenter will also discuss the limitations of research on investigative interviewing and the importance of collaborations between scientists and practitioners in improving the use of evidence-based interviewing.