ALERT | Awareness and Localization of Explosive-Related Threats

ALERT Co-Director Provides Insight on Marathon Bombing Devices April 20, 2013

ALERT Co-Director Jimmie Oxley speaks with Rhode Island News Team 10 about the type of explosive devices used in the Boston Marathon Bombings.

Pressure cooker bombs, like the ones reportedly used in the explosions near the finish line at the Boston Marathon, are a common and simple way to make an explosive device, according to a University of Rhode Island chemistry professor.

“It only takes a small amount of black powder to ignite a powerful blast,” said Jimmie Oxley, who also is a member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Center for Excellence for Explosives, Detection, Mitigation and Response.

She said if you put it inside a common kitchen pressure cooker, you’ll have a weapon. The steel container will make fragments which are what do the most damage.

“If you feel the sharpness of those edges, if that hits you, you can see why it takes off an arm. If it was a pressure cooker, it would create frag,” Oxley said.

Oxley said of all terrorist weapons, a homemade bomb is the most accessible…

National Research Council seeks Applications for Research Associateships December 6, 2012

Per the National Academies:

The National Research Council of the National Academies announces the 2013 Graduate, Postdoctoral and Senior Research Associateship Programs to be conducted on behalf of federal research laboratories and affiliated institutions in over 100 locations throughout the United States. These programs provide opportunities for Ph.D., Sc.D., or M.D. scientists and engineers of unusual promise and ability to perform research on problems largely of their own choosing, yet compatible with the research interests of the sponsoring laboratory. Initiated in 1954, the Associateship Programs have contributed to the career development of more than 12,000 scientists and engineers ranging from young researchers and recent Ph.D. recipients to distinguished senior scientists.

Annual Application Deadlines: Feb. 1st, May 1st, Aug. 1st, & Nov. 1st

For more details on the awards and application process, please visit the NRC website via the “Read More” link below:

3Qs: Train safety on track, but at what cost? May 9, 2011

news@Northeastern interviews Prof. Carey Rappaport on the fea­si­bility and effec­tive­ness of a nation­wide rail secu­rity system and dis­cusses poten­tial public reaction.

Open Call for Proposals has Concluded March 9, 2011

CT Segmentation Project has ended the open call for proposals.