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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> <rss version="2.0" xml:base="https://www.start.umd.edu/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:foaf="http://xmlns.com/foaf/0.1/" xmlns:og="http://ogp.me/ns#" xmlns:rdfs="http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#" xmlns:schema="http://schema.org/" xmlns:sioc="http://rdfs.org/sioc/ns#" xmlns:sioct="http://rdfs.org/sioc/types#" xmlns:skos="http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#"> <channel> <title>START News</title> <link>https://www.start.umd.edu/</link> <description></description> <language>en</language> <pubDate>Mon, 25 Nov 2024 08:57:20 +0000</pubDate>    <item> <title>START News: Biosafety & Biosecurity Project, GRAT Portal Update, CBRNE Convergence, and More!</title> <link>https://www.start.umd.edu/news/start-news-biosafety-biosecurity-project-grat-portal-update-cbrne-convergence-and-more</link> <description>     START News: Biosafety & Biosecurity Project, GRAT Portal Update, CBRNE Convergence, and More!         anasier       Mon, 11/25/2024 - 02:53      <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://mailchi.mp/start/start-news-13365251?e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">Click here to see the email version of this newsletter, complete with images.</a> <h3>News</h3> <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/news/university-maryland-hosts-kickoff-event-biosafety-and-biosecurity-project-latin-america" target="_blank">University of Maryland Hosts Kickoff Event for Biosafety and Biosecurity Project in Latin America</a> On November 7, the University of Maryland kicked off Phase II of a European Union-funded project to strengthen biosafety and biosecurity in Latin America, gathering experts from 11 countries and key international organizations. Learn how START’s threat assessments and training initiatives are shaping regional preparedness efforts. <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/news/university-maryland-hosts-kickoff-event-biosafety-and-biosecurity-project-latin-america" target="_blank">Read more ></a> <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/grat/">New Addition to the GRAT Portal! </a> Our latest addition to the Global Responses to Asymmetric Threats (GRAT) portal offers valuable insights into government use of information operations (IOs) against other states and their responses to adversaries’ use of IOs. Explore findings, methodologies, variables, hypotheses, type & geographic focus of operations with our tool. <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/grat/">Access GRAT ></a> <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/news/uwt-program-lead-presents-terrorist-cbrn-plot-interdiction">UWT Program Lead Presents on Terrorist CBRN Plot Interdiction </a> Mr. Markus K. Binder, Program Lead for START’s Unconventional Weapons and Technology portfolio, delivered a closing presentation at the CBRNE Convergence 2024 Conference on patterns of interdiction for CBRN terror plots, sharing key insights from global data on thwarted attacks. <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/news/uwt-program-lead-presents-terrorist-cbrn-plot-interdiction">Learn more ></a> <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/news/instructor-spotlight-max-erdemandi">Instructor Spotlight: Max Erdemandi </a> In our November Instructor Spotlight, we feature Max Erdemandi, lecturer and a dual Ph.D./M.S. candidate at the University of Maryland. Passionate about teaching, Max has developed and led courses on misinformation, radicalization, crisis management, and risk communication, incorporating real-world insights and guest experts into the classroom. Learn more about his journey and the mentors who inspired him along the way. <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/news/instructor-spotlight-max-erdemandi">Read the spotlight ></a> <a href="https://www.wm.edu/offices/wholeofgovernment/wmgic_x_nato/wmgic_x_nato_2024/">Elizabeth Radziszewski Judges WMGIC x NATO Countering Disinformation Challenge </a> START Associate Research Scientist Dr. Elizabeth Radziszewski served as a judge and mentor for the 2024 WMGIC x NATO Countering Disinformation Challenge, where students from over 70 countries proposed policy solutions for NATO on issues like AI, Public Health, Climate Change, and the Russia-Ukraine War. Her participation highlights START’s commitment to empowering future leaders in global security and policy innovation. <a href="https://www.wm.edu/offices/wholeofgovernment/wmgic_x_nato/wmgic_x_nato_2024/">Learn more and watch the videos ></a> <hr /> <h3>Upcoming Event</h3> <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/events/graduate-programs-informational-session-0">Graduate Programs Informational Session</a> December 2, 2024 | 6–7 PM EST An online information session will be held for START's Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Security and Terrorism Studies, Graduate Certificate in Terrorism Analysis, and Graduate Certificate in Insider Risk Management and Mitigation. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/events/graduate-programs-informational-session-0">Learn more and register ></a> <hr /> <h3>Educational Opportunities</h3> <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/education/master-professional-studies-security-and-terrorism-studies" target="_blank">Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Security and Terrorism Studies</a> START offers a fully online Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Security and Terrorism Studies through the University of Maryland. The program examines the roots of terrorism and asymmetric threats, delivered in a synchronous online format. Apply by Jan 3, 2025, for Spring 2025. <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/education/master-professional-studies-security-and-terrorism-studies" target="_blank">Learn more and apply ></a> <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/node/93" target="_blank">Graduate Certificate in Terrorism Analysis</a> START offers a fully online Graduate Certificate in Terrorism Analysis hosted through the University of Maryland Graduate School. The flexible program (1-2 academic years) provides participants – both scholars and practitioners – with advanced education on the causes, dynamics and impacts of international and domestic terrorism. Apply by Jan 3, 2025, for Spring 2025. <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/node/93" target="_blank">Learn more and apply ></a> <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/education/graduate-certificate-insider-risk-management-and-mitigation" target="_blank">Graduate Certificate in Insider Risk Management and Mitigation</a> START offers a fully online Graduate Certificate in Insider Risk Management and Mitigation through the University of Maryland’s Graduate School. The program provides participants with advanced education on understanding, investigating, and managing insider risks and insider threats, and is delivered in a synchronous format using multiple online platforms provided by the University of Maryland. Apply by Jan 3, 2025, for Spring 2025. <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/node/93" target="_blank">Learn more and apply ></a> <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/education/summerwinter-courses" target="_blank">Winter Session Courses</a> Winter Session registration is now open! START's fully online Winter Session courses at the University of Maryland offer flexible learning for students and professionals eager to deepen their expertise in terrorism, security studies, and risk analysis. Apply by Jan 2, 2025. <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/education/summerwinter-courses" target="_blank">Explore the courses and register today ></a> This is a selection of educational opportunities. For a complete list <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/education/about-education" target="_blank">click here</a>. If you have any questions, contact the Education Team at <a href="mailto:education-start@umd.edu?subject=&body=" target="_blank">education-start@umd.edu</a>. <hr /> <h3>START in the News</h3> PODCAST <a href="https://www.npr.org/2026/01/01/1254713682/embedded-a-good-guy-episode-one" target="_blank">A Good Guy: 279 Hours (season 21, episode 1)</a> START Research Director Dr. Michael Jensen is quoted in NPR's Embedded podcast, discussing Sgt. Joshua Abate's court case and insights on the Jan 6 events and their impact on the military. ARTICLES <a href="https://www.airforcetimes.com/flashpoints/extremism-disinformation/2024/11/21/advocates-fear-dismantling-of-dods-extremism-prevention-dei-programs/" target="_blank">Advocates Fear Dismantling of DoD’s Extremism Prevention, DEI Programs</a> START is mentioned in this Air Force Times article on advocates fearing the dismantling of DoD’s extremism prevention and DEI programs. <a href="https://www.militarytimes.com/flashpoints/extremism-disinformation/2024/11/18/veterans-involved-in-jan-6-riot-expect-trump-to-keep-pardon-promise/" target="_blank">Veterans Involved in Jan. 6 Riot Expect Trump to Keep Pardon Promise</a> START is mentioned in this Military Times article on Trump's pardon promise for veterans involved in the Jan. 6 riot. <a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-defense-department-pentagon-hegseth-fox-news-8cd9f065e54a7cbbaceeec8bae9261a6" target="_blank">Trump Pentagon Pick Had Been Flagged by Fellow Service Member as Possible ‘Insider Threat’</a> START is mentioned in this Associated Press article on Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for U.S. Secretary of Defense, following concerns about his past conduct. <a href="https://www.cityandstatepa.com/politics/2024/11/will-be-wild-charges-have-been-filed/400784/?oref=cspa-skybox-hp" target="_blank">From “Will Be Wild” to “Charges Have Been Filed”</a> START's Capitol Insurrection data tool is mentioned in this City & State Pennsylvania article on the Jan 6. insurrection defendant cases in Pennsylvania. <a href="https://www.wdsu.com/article/voter-setbacks-and-gains-2024-election/62766422" target="_blank">Voting Accessibility: Looking At Voter Setbacks and Gains Ahead of the 2024 Presidential Race</a> START is mentioned in this WDSU article on voting accessibility. <a href="https://www.airforcetimes.com/flashpoints/extremism-disinformation/2024/10/29/conspiracies-calls-for-violence-spike-online-ahead-of-election-day/" target="_blank">Conspiracies, Calls for Violence Spike Online Ahead of Election Day</a> START is mentioned in this Air Force Times article on the rise of false conspiracies ahead of the U.S. presidential election. <a href="https://theweek.com/politics/extremism-veterans-military-service" target="_blank">Extremism Is Becoming More Common Among Veterans and Service Members</a> START Research Director Dr. Michael Jensen is quoted in this The Week article on extremism in the military. <a href="https://viterbischool.usc.edu/news/2024/10/the-surprising-ineffectiveness-of-countering-hate-speech-on-reddit/" target="_blank">The Surprising Ineffectiveness of Countering Hate Speech on Reddit</a> START's PIRUS database is mentioned in this USC Viterbi article on the ineffectiveness of counterspeech in changing user behavior within hate-based subreddits—except when the counterspeech is hostile. <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/10/25/g-s1-29609/jan-6-riot-donald-trump-insurrection-marines" target="_blank">The Jan. 6 Riot Included Marines. The Military Is Wrestling With the Consequences</a> START Research Director Dr. Michael Jensen is quoted in this NPR article on how the January 6 insurrection has affected military members, including insights from Marine Sgt. Joshua Abate's case and its implications. <a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/best-of-the-week/honorable-mention/2024/extremism-among-u-s-military-and-former-military-personnel-exposed-in-ap-investigation/" target="_blank">Extremism Among U.S. Military and Former Military Personnel Exposed in AP Investigation</a> START Research Director Dr. Michael Jensen is mentioned in this Associated Press article on extremism in the military. This is a selection of news clips from the past month. For a complete list of START’s media coverage <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/start-in-the-news" target="_blank">click here</a>. <hr /> <h3>Supporting START</h3> <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/about/supporting-start" target="_blank">Help Support START Research and Education</a> The START Consortium is dedicated to generating knowledge of the human causes and consequences of terrorism. Applying rigorous standards to both research and education, START seeks to illuminate one of the most highly politicized and understudied phenomena in the social sciences for students, practitioners and policymakers. Funded primarily through research grants to date, START is seeking to generate an endowment that will provide the flexibility and autonomy to ensure that it can continue to serve as an objective source of data and empirically based analysis into the future. To donate, or for more information, please <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/about/supporting-start" target="_blank">click here</a>. <hr /> </div>      <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">    <time datetime="2024-11-25T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">Mon, 11/25/2024 - 12:00</time>  </div>       </description> <pubDate>Mon, 25 Nov 2024 07:53:19 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>anasier</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="false">36998 at https://www.start.umd.edu</guid> </item>     <item> <title>UWT Program Lead Presents on Terrorist CBRN Plot Interdiction</title> <link>https://www.start.umd.edu/news/uwt-program-lead-presents-terrorist-cbrn-plot-interdiction</link> <description>     UWT Program Lead Presents on Terrorist CBRN Plot Interdiction         anasier       Fri, 11/22/2024 - 10:26      <div class="field field--name-field-investigators field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Investigators</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/people/markus-binder" hreflang="und">Markus Binder</a></div> </div> </div>      <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">Mr. Markus K. Binder, Program Lead for START’s Unconventional Weapons and Technology portfolio attended the CBRNE Convergence 2024 Conference in Orlando, Florida, from October 29 to 30, 2024. CBRNE Convergence is a major international conference series that brings together industry, first responders, policy makers, and academia to review and discuss developments in the fields of CBRN threats and response. On the afternoon of October 30, Mr. Binder delivered one of the Conference’s two closing presentations, titled “Patterns of Interdiction for CBRN Events,” in which he discussed the various modes by which CBRN terror plots are discovered and subsequently interdicted by law enforcement and other State agencies engaged in counterterrorism. Drawing on global data from the START <a href="https://cbrn.umd.edu" target="_blank">Violent Non-State Actors (VNSA) CBRN Event Database</a> covering 1990 to 2024, Mr. Binder sought to draw the attention of policymakers and practitioners to the importance of studying plots that did not result in attacks. Noting that the VNSA CBRN Event database actually records more failed or abandoned CBRN plots (308) than successful attacks (283), Mr. Binder emphasized that these unsuccessful CBRN efforts can still tell us a great deal about such topics as agent choice, agent acquisition paths, targeting choices, and importantly, failure points. Studying these failure points may assist government agencies in efforts to develop more effective measures to divert, detect, and defeat potential CBRN attackers. Focusing particularly on the method by which CBRN plots were discovered, and subsequently interdicted, Mr. Binder drew attention to the high proportion of incidents revealed by chance encounters with law enforcement versus the relatively small numbers of plots revealed by informants, undercover agents, and sting operations. He further noted that the proportion of plots interdicted through surveillance operations, particularly through U.S. government electronic surveillance, is likely to be significantly understated due to the limitations of public reporting with many of the events recorded as “probable cause searches” likely to have been the result of surveillance tip offs. In concluding his presentation, Mr. Binder called on law enforcement officials to make themselves accessible to researchers seeking to deepen understanding of the mechanics of plot discovery and interdiction. Earlier in the day Mr. Binder was an invited panelist for two roundtable discussions of a topic of particular interest to conference goers: Assassinations by State-Actors using CBR agents. The first panel focused on the use of chemicals such as those employed in the failed 2018 assassination attempt on Mr. Sergei Skripal, while the second addressed biological and radiological poisonings. Topics addressed across both panels included the history of CBR assassinations; the potential for novel agents to complicate detection, attribution, and response (to include clean up); the tensions between effective response and investigation of politically sensitive attacks with international intelligence connections; state motivations for this particular mode of assassination; and the relevance of criminal poisonings to developing effective response capabilities. === For a deeper dive into this subject, Mr. Binder will publish an expanded article on his presentation in the December 2024 issue of <a href="https://cbrneworld.com/" target="_blank">CBRNe World magazine</a>. </div>      <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">    <time datetime="2024-11-22T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">Fri, 11/22/2024 - 12:00</time>  </div>       </description> <pubDate>Fri, 22 Nov 2024 15:26:38 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>anasier</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="false">36997 at https://www.start.umd.edu</guid> </item>     <item> <title>University of Maryland Hosts Kickoff Event for Biosafety and Biosecurity Project in Latin America</title> <link>https://www.start.umd.edu/news/university-maryland-hosts-kickoff-event-biosafety-and-biosecurity-project-latin-america</link> <description>     University of Maryland Hosts Kickoff Event for Biosafety and Biosecurity Project in Latin America      <div class="field field--name-field-project-reference field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Projects</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/research-projects/biosecurity-americas-research-practitioner-educationtraining-and-transition" hreflang="en">Biosecurity in the Americas: Research, Practitioner Education/Training and Transition</a></div> </div> </div>         anasier       Thu, 11/21/2024 - 09:05      <div class="field field--name-field-investigators field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Investigators</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/people/brandi-gronczniak" hreflang="und">Brandi Gronczniak</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/people/steve-s-sin-phd" hreflang="und">Steve S. Sin, Ph.D.</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/people/liberty-day" hreflang="und">Liberty Day</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/people/alexandra-williams" hreflang="und">Alexandra Williams</a></div> </div> </div>      <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">The University of Maryland School of Public Policy hosted a high-profile kickoff event on November 7, 2024, to launch Phase II of the Project, "Strengthening Biosafety and Biosecurity in Latin America in line with UNSCR 1540 (2004)." Held at the Adele H. Stamp Student Union, this inaugural event gathered key stakeholders, including experts from the Secretariat of the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism of the Organization of American States (CICTE/OAS), representatives from 11 participating Latin American countries, and personnel from the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) and the School of Public Policy. Funded by the European Union, this three-year project aims to enhance biosafety and biosecurity measures across Latin America. It is aligned with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540, which mandates states to adopt robust frameworks to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, particularly biological threats. The project’s objectives focus on strengthening regulatory frameworks, promoting international compliance, developing comprehensive training and outreach initiatives, and fostering a resilient network of public and private sector stakeholders across the region. START’s Pivotal Role in Regional Threat Assessment and Training Representing START, Dr. Steve Sin, Ms. Liberty Day, Ms. Alexandra Williams, and Ms. Brandi Gronczniak contributed to discussions on biosafety and biosecurity challenges. As a partner organization to CICTE/OAS, START provided critical insights into the regional threat landscape and highlighted its comprehensive threat assessments conducted for the participating countries during Phase I of the project. Dr. Sin underscored the value of these assessments in shaping the project’s implementation strategies, emphasizing how they informed the development of online professional training courses for laboratory personnel and policymakers. These training modules, developed by START, have been lauded by both regional participants and CICTE/OAS experts. As a required component for attendees of in-person training sessions, these online courses offer foundational knowledge in biosecurity and biosafety, enhancing the preparedness of stakeholders across Latin America. By integrating these assessments into the project’s training regimen, START reinforces the initiative’s goal of establishing a baseline of expertise and elevating biosecurity standards regionally. Opening Remarks and University Support The event commenced with remarks from Ms. Violanda Boet, Deputy Executive Secretary of CICTE, who emphasized the strategic significance of the project for Latin American countries as they advance their biotechnology sectors. Dr. Nancy Gallagher, from the University of Maryland School of Public Policy, welcomed the attendees, reaffirming the University’s commitment to collaborating with CICTE/OAS and other partners in the project. She emphasized the critical role that academic research and training institutions play in building regional security capacity. Ongoing Collaboration and Support START and other University of Maryland entities will continue their partnership with CICTE/OAS, supporting the project with research, education, and technical expertise. As the project advances, START’s role in threat assessment and training development will remain crucial to establishing resilient and effective biosafety and biosecurity measures across Latin America. For more information on START’s prior work supporting CICTE/OAS, please visit <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/research-projects/biosecurity-americas-research-practitioner-educationtraining-and-transition">“Biosecurity in the Americas: Research, Practitioner Education/Training and Transition.”</a> </div>      <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">    <time datetime="2024-11-22T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">Fri, 11/22/2024 - 12:00</time>  </div>       </description> <pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 14:05:18 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>anasier</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="false">36996 at https://www.start.umd.edu</guid> </item>     <item> <title>Instructor Spotlight: Max Erdemandi</title> <link>https://www.start.umd.edu/news/instructor-spotlight-max-erdemandi</link> <description>     Instructor Spotlight: Max Erdemandi         anasier       Thu, 11/21/2024 - 08:00      <div class="field field--name-field-investigators field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Investigators</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/people/max-erdemandi" hreflang="und">Max Erdemandi</a></div> </div> </div>      <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">In our November Instructor Spotlight, we feature Max Erdemandi, lecturer and a dual Ph.D./M.S. candidate at the University of Maryland. Passionate about teaching, Max has developed and led courses on misinformation, radicalization, crisis management, and risk communication, incorporating real-world insights and guest experts into the classroom. Learn more about his journey and the mentors who inspired him along the way. Current position? I am a dual Ph.D./M.S. candidate in Communication Science & Social Cognition (Ph.D.) and Quantitative Methodology, Measurement & Statistics (M.S.) at the University of Maryland. My research focuses on the social cognitive and communicative processes that drive extremist phenomena such as dis/misinformation, conspiracy theories, and radical political ideologies. As a quantitative methodologist, I explore innovative ways to measure and analyze these issues by integrating statistical methods, computational techniques, and psychometrics to support policy efforts aimed at mitigating the impact of harmful ideologies on political institutions, social relationships, mental and physical well-being, and information ecosystems. I am in the final year of my doctoral program and actively exploring academic and industry career opportunities. How did you become interested in your field of study? I completed my undergraduate studies at Hacettepe University in Ankara, majoring in American and Cultural Studies, followed by a master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies from Duke University. My master’s research focused on the institutionalization of anti-LGBTQI+ sentiment and discourse in Turkey and its effects on access to healthcare, housing, and other social services. Although I didn’t write about them at the time, I had read extensively about extremist responses to oppressive social and governmental policies. In 2015, I joined Duke’s Social Science Research Institute (SSRI) as a research manager for a multi-million-dollar Minerva project, which applied computational social science to the study of extremism and terrorism. This project led me to the University of Maryland’s National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START), where I worked as a Senior Faculty Specialist on several grant-funded projects within the Counterterrorism & Near Peer Competition portfolio. During my tenure at SSRI and START, I realized I was more interested in the psychological and communicative aspects of terrorism and chose UMD to further explore these interests while sharpening my quantitative skills. What career/academic accomplishment are you most proud of? In addition to my grant work, I am proud of developing and teaching a 300-level course on dis/misinformation and conspiracy theories as agents of radicalization in modern societies through the Global Terrorism minor at UMD/START. Also, I am teaching a large lecture course on emergency and crisis management and risk communication this semester. These are incredibly valuable opportunities that are rarely available to doctoral students, so I am grateful that I get to share my research and expertise with UMD students in the classroom. In addition to my grant work, I’m particularly proud of developing and teaching a 300-level course on dis/misinformation and conspiracy theories as agents of radicalization in modern societies through the Global Terrorism minor at UMD/START. This semester, I’m also teaching a large lecture course on emergency and crisis management and risk communication. Over the summer, I revamped the course syllabus and introduced a guest speaker series, inviting academic and practitioner experts to visit the classroom throughout the semester. Their shared insights and experiences have enriched the learning experience, emphasizing the applied nature of the course and helping students connect theoretical concepts to real-world practices. These are incredibly rare opportunities, especially for a doctoral student, and I’m grateful for the chance to share my research and expertise with UMD students in the classroom. What or who has been most influential in shaping your career? This question takes me back to my senior year of college, when I asked several faculty members for recommendation letters for graduate school. Two professors declined, expressing doubt that I would be accepted into any program. However, my advisor, Dr. Tanfer Emin Tunc, was unwavering in her support and became my biggest champion throughout the application process. Thanks to her encouragement, I was admitted to Duke on a full scholarship, which completely changed the trajectory of my life. My Ph.D. advisor, Dr. Anita Atwell Seate, has been an incredibly supportive mentor as well. She has pushed me to pursue my full potential, from encouraging me to undertake a dual Ph.D./M.S. program to challenging me with tougher comprehensive exam questions, which led to a pass with distinction. I’m also thankful to my START mentors, Dr. Barnett Koven and Dr. Marcus Boyd, who initially encouraged me to pursue my Ph.D. at UMD. When did you first start teaching? I began teaching as a teaching assistant in 2018, but my first experience as an instructor of record was in 2020. Since then, I’ve developed and taught my own courses and contributed to several curriculum redesign projects. My teaching portfolio now spans a diverse set of topics from online terrorism and risk/emergency management to research methods and media theory. I’m thankful to START’s Liberty Day for many of these teaching opportunities! Favorite part of teaching? My favorite part of teaching is working with students from first-generation, immigrant, and queer backgrounds. The student body at UMD is incredibly diverse—not just in the traditional sense, but in terms of lived experiences. I’ve had students who transferred from community colleges, students actively interning at federal agencies, and even students running for local office. Their diverse perspectives and experiences enrich the classroom and make teaching all the more rewarding. Best piece of career advice? It’s never too late to further your education. I started my Ph.D. at age 30, online, in the middle of a pandemic. At times, I felt out of place as the oldest student in my cohort and worried I’d be too old upon completing the program. Now, in my final year, I realize how crucial my professional and life experiences have been to my success. A good example is my ongoing relationship with START, where I continue to teach and coordinate a summer study abroad program in partnership with Macquarie University in Australia. These opportunities have certainly enriched my graduate school experience at UMD. Outside of work, what do you do for fun? Lots! I’ve been living in Washington, DC, for about eight years, and I absolutely love what the city has to offer. When I’m not on campus, you can usually find me dining out with friends, attending a performance at the Kennedy Center, taking long walks around the city, playing volleyball in the DC Pride Volleyball League, or enjoying an espresso martini at The Little Gay Pub. I’m also a gamer and love playing games on my PS5 and Nintendo Switch. I also escape to New York City (thank you, Amtrak!) to watch Broadway shows as often as I can. I have a massive stack of playbills at my apartment! <hr /> Interested in learning more about Max Erdemandi? Visit his <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/people/max-erdemandi">profile</a>. You can also register for his Winter Session 2025 course, BSST338A: Special Topics in Terrorism Studies – Misinformation, Conspiracy Theories, and the Radicalization of Modern Societies. Check out the schedule and syllabus on <a href="https://app.testudo.umd.edu/soc/search?courseId=BSST&sectionId=&termId=202412&_openSectionsOnly=on&creditCompare=%3E%3D&credits=0.0&courseLevelFilter=ALL&instructor=Erdemandi%2C+Max&_facetoface=on&_blended=on&_online=on&courseStartCompare=&courseStartHour=&courseStartMin=&courseStartAM=&courseEndHour=&courseEndMin=&courseEndAM=&teachingCenter=ALL&_classDay1=on&_classDay2=on&_classDay3=on&_classDay4=on&_classDay5=on">Testudo</a>. </div>      <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">    <time datetime="2024-11-22T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">Fri, 11/22/2024 - 12:00</time>  </div>       </description> <pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 13:00:31 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>anasier</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="false">36994 at https://www.start.umd.edu</guid> </item>     <item> <title>START News: Instructor Spotlight, Election Security & Resilience Event, Publications, and More!</title> <link>https://www.start.umd.edu/news/start-news-instructor-spotlight-election-security-resilience-event-publications-and-more</link> <description>     START News: Instructor Spotlight, Election Security & Resilience Event, Publications, and More!         anasier       Mon, 11/25/2024 - 03:57      <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://mailchi.mp/start/start-news-13365226?e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">Click here to see the email version of this newsletter, complete with images.</a> <h3>News</h3> <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3D449a12c6c1%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418694000&usg=AOvVaw1px_nxMnXcnIadakLbNQIC" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=449a12c6c1&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">Highlights From the “Election Security & Resilience” Event</a> On October 8, START co-hosted the “Election Security & Resilience” event with the National Capital Chapter of ASIS International, the Maryland Democracy Initiative, and Axis Communications. The event brought together experts and practitioners to address critical election security issues. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3D5960008664%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418694000&usg=AOvVaw0ridFruVaKU4SjUUEmkqjf" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=5960008664&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">Read the full story ></a> <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3D553d83b9d2%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418694000&usg=AOvVaw2EhEtq5e18cpQ-2BF0f6RF" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=553d83b9d2&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">Instructor Spotlight: Thomas Guarrieri</a> In this first edition of our Instructor Spotlight, we feature Dr. Thomas Guarrieri, who has dedicated his career to advancing research and education in terrorism studies, shaping the next generation of scholars and practitioners while contributing to a deeper understanding of global security issues. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3Dce8b29542e%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418694000&usg=AOvVaw1SeOGtbn93lBsp3s9Jw6vd" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=ce8b29542e&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">Read the interview ></a> <hr /> <h3>Publications</h3> <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3D4dace465c2%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418694000&usg=AOvVaw2PEU5chdKVtmjgDWOfD8H7" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=4dace465c2&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">The Impact of Events in the War in Ukraine on Pro-Russian Narratives: The Case of Weibo and Telegram</a> Elizabeth Radziszewski <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3Dc00c11d283%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418694000&usg=AOvVaw0TJ66jaM5z9E186kbdtiAS" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=c00c11d283&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">Making Sense of a Pandemic: Reasoning About COVID-19 in the Intellectual Dark Web</a> Sean Doody <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3D0fd72bf704%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418694000&usg=AOvVaw0idq6S9_6z1kR8JtaXq3Kg" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=0fd72bf704&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">Advancements in Open-Source Geospatial Technologies and the Exploitation by Bad Actors</a> Megan Rutter <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3D436a8058ca%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418694000&usg=AOvVaw1wVI1uABILGWZznywXULlo" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=436a8058ca&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">Advancements in the Connection Between Internet of Things (IoT) and Geospatial Technologies</a> Madeline Romm <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3D41a8b57a7c%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418694000&usg=AOvVaw2B5HcvJuLRmpMxLp0a4TvZ" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=41a8b57a7c&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">External Interventions: Bluffing and Adaptive Learning in Civil Wars</a> Elizabeth Radziszewski This is a selection of recent publications. For a complete list <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3D2138c1a96c%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418694000&usg=AOvVaw1qaAJgLhIgJhwh01GpNPf8" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=2138c1a96c&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">click here</a>. <hr /> <h3>Upcoming Events</h3> <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3Df95495804a%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418694000&usg=AOvVaw2ZAYBm3o5O9TnM2fbn5BkE" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=f95495804a&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">Global Terrorism Minor Informational Session</a> Oct 30, 2024 | 6 - 7 pm Want to know more about START’s Global Terrorism Studies Minor? Sign up to attend one of our upcoming information sessions! This event is free and open to UMD students, but registration is required. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3D7319799a40%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418694000&usg=AOvVaw34VILawWYn3_Xgd-ofOjYn" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=7319799a40&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">Learn more and register ></a> <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3Dbf220e291b%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418694000&usg=AOvVaw1hHE0a13bAF7qrVExiZT3X" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=bf220e291b&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">Graduate Programs Informational Session</a> Nov 13, 2024 | 6 - 7 pm An online information session will be held for START's Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Security and Terrorism Studies, Graduate Certificate in Terrorism Analysis, and Graduate Certificate in Insider Risk Management and Mitigation. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3D96a2784f07%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418694000&usg=AOvVaw1YDiF57LLZNzXi16u724pe" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=96a2784f07&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">Learn more and register ></a> <hr /> <h3>Educational Opportunities</h3> <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3D6db35b6342%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418694000&usg=AOvVaw3yj9xVECdo2CuljDp16DFZ" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=6db35b6342&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">Global Terrorism Studies Minor Program</a> The Global Terrorism Studies Minor at the University of Maryland prepares future terrorism analysts. Ideal for students pursuing graduate studies or careers in terrorism and counterterrorism. Apply by Nov 1, 2024, for early admittance. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3D9af18e5bfd%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418694000&usg=AOvVaw2BC3-2vbh0SWIVvWQhpaxe" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=9af18e5bfd&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">Learn more and apply ></a> <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3D6a85b0bc9c%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418694000&usg=AOvVaw0vOXn5G7DiQT_h7s25LzLi" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=6a85b0bc9c&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Security and Terrorism Studies</a> START offers a fully online Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Security and Terrorism Studies through the University of Maryland. The program examines the roots of terrorism and asymmetric threats, delivered in a synchronous online format. Apply by Jan 3, 2025, for Spring 2025. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3D8c73418da6%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418694000&usg=AOvVaw0Rrv68GXNcbicTSdHjZFDv" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=8c73418da6&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">Learn more and apply ></a> <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3Dcf5d9f95f2%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418694000&usg=AOvVaw0oZrMsQbnG99eeCsiCNefP" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=cf5d9f95f2&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">Winter Session Courses</a> Winter Session registration is now open! START's fully online Winter Session courses at the University of Maryland offer flexible learning for students and professionals eager to deepen their expertise in terrorism, security studies, and risk analysis. Apply by Jan 2, 2025. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3D3adbb315e0%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418695000&usg=AOvVaw3Yuu-Ia3Lnym9Sc7abpDaZ" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=3adbb315e0&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">Explore the courses and register today ></a> This is a selection of educational opportunities. For a complete list <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3D64f4073081%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418695000&usg=AOvVaw0HSZuQMZ4qw1UTK8qptzmt" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=64f4073081&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">click here</a>. <hr /> <h3>START in the News</h3> <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3D809c4f636c%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418695000&usg=AOvVaw3doEHvKf7RRYioi235Q_2j" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=809c4f636c&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">Election Officials Warn of Bad Actors and Trickery, but It’s Not All Gloom and Doom</a> Coverage of the "Election Security & Resilience" event hosted by START. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3Df675f75ce4%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418695000&usg=AOvVaw1TwfKxI43UVY-fQGTcrnOR" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=f675f75ce4&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">His Country Trained Him to Fight. Then He Turned Against It. More Like Him Are Doing the Same</a> START is mentioned in this Associated Press article investigating the troubling rise of extremism within U.S. military ranks, as veterans' involvement in the January 6 Capitol attack prompts renewed efforts to address domestic terrorism. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3D7a477c35cb%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418695000&usg=AOvVaw1M07Y_FvEtbbpiaeQ2W5kh" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=7a477c35cb&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">The Jan. 6 Riot Included Marines. The Military Is Wrestling With the Consequences</a> START Research Director Dr. Michael Jensen is quoted in this NPR article on military involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3De275a3fa3e%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418695000&usg=AOvVaw1VOdo_odHKlxhAAGzZ5Rhd" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=e275a3fa3e&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">Hate and Rage in N.J. Extremism Has Come to the Garden State. And It Is Surging.</a> START is mentioned in this NJ.com article on the rise of extremism in New Jersey and its impact on the state. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3D9cb1e720cf%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418695000&usg=AOvVaw0pf66Xqik7owHQVCvFucje" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=9cb1e720cf&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">North Carolina Man Linked to Growing Concerns of Extremism Among Us Military, Veterans</a> START Research Director Dr. Michael Jensen is mentioned in this ABC11 article, which highlights growing concerns about extremism among U.S. military veterans. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3Dfb2c35f794%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418695000&usg=AOvVaw2j_nrc6FLxMhfcGsNkpkLG" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=fb2c35f794&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">Takeaways </a><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3Dc6ce4e2c03%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418695000&usg=AOvVaw29Qu3c_xBFN1__NgtRcZIb" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=c6ce4e2c03&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">From the Associated Press’ Reporting on Extremism in the Military</a> START is mentioned in this ABC News article on the Associated Press' reporting on extremism in the military. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3D1c05814258%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418695000&usg=AOvVaw0R9-OD-SMBoh7Y7v7UNgw1" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=1c05814258&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">A Year From Oct 7, Tens of Thousands Dead and Fears of a ‘Forever War'</a> START's Global Terrorism Database is mentioned in this NBC News article examining the human toll and regional instability caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3Db943bc7782%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418695000&usg=AOvVaw0m1bpLfFG8OmeIW5YuJwEc" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=b943bc7782&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">Al-Shabaab Still Deadly 18 Years After Emergence</a> START is mentioned in this Eurasia Review article on how Al-Shabaab remains a significant threat 18 years after its emergence. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3D2b52593749%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418695000&usg=AOvVaw1_7QeJJgBkI9gE_Z6oPEW6" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=2b52593749&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">The US Can Leave Iraq. Really.</a> START’s Global Terrorism Database is mentioned in this The Hill article on the implications of U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq and its impact on national security. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3D85bf960c38%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418695000&usg=AOvVaw3OYHNdAy8HXkS0DY3g4bhE" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=85bf960c38&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">The U.S. Has Had a Long History of Political Violence, but Experts See a New Trend</a> START Founding Director Dr. Gary LaFree is mentioned in this NPR segment with Odette Yousef, NPR's domestic extremism correspondent, discussing extremism and national security. This is a selection of news clips from the past month. For a complete list of START’s media coverage <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3Deea164dcfe%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418695000&usg=AOvVaw3diVpBV-c7B8Z_2ZNUGGrI" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=eea164dcfe&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">click here</a>. <hr /> <h3>Supporting START</h3> <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3D86d5d63f81%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418695000&usg=AOvVaw16vK67QHQANB3dOG970Qt1" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=86d5d63f81&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">Help Support START Research and Education</a> The START Consortium is dedicated to generating knowledge of the human causes and consequences of terrorism. Applying rigorous standards to both research and education, START seeks to illuminate one of the most highly politicized and understudied phenomena in the social sciences for students, practitioners and policymakers. Funded primarily through research grants to date, START is seeking to generate an endowment that will provide the flexibility and autonomy to ensure that it can continue to serve as an objective source of data and empirically based analysis into the future. To donate, or for more information, please <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f%26id%3Dc70d0dfb3f%26e%3D3124bf8638&source=gmail&ust=1732611418695000&usg=AOvVaw2gSkjaJNnhhOOx-v6lKMw6" href="https://umd.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c556bfbd74cfa45624dbc65f&id=c70d0dfb3f&e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">click here</a>. </div>      <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">    <time datetime="2024-10-30T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">Wed, 10/30/2024 - 12:00</time>  </div>       </description> <pubDate>Mon, 25 Nov 2024 08:57:20 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>anasier</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="false">36999 at https://www.start.umd.edu</guid> </item>     <item> <title>Instructor Spotlight: Thomas Guarrieri</title> <link>https://www.start.umd.edu/news/instructor-spotlight-thomas-guarrieri</link> <description>     Instructor Spotlight: Thomas Guarrieri         anasier       Mon, 10/28/2024 - 17:59      <div class="field field--name-field-investigators field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Investigators</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/people/thomas-guarrieri" hreflang="und">Thomas Guarrieri</a></div> </div> </div>      <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">In this first edition of our Instructor Spotlight, we feature Dr. Thomas Guarrieri, who has dedicated his career to advancing research and education in terrorism studies, shaping the next generation of scholars and practitioners while contributing to a deeper understanding of global security issues. In this interview, we learn about his experiences, insights, and the impact of his work in the field. What is your current position? My current positions are Associate Research Professor, Director of Undergraduate Studies for UMD’s Global Terrorism Studies Minor program, and Director of Graduate Studies for the Master of Professional Studies in Security and Terrorism Studies and START Graduate Certificate programs. How did you become interested in your field of study? Even though I’m teaching full time at UMD and directing the undergraduate and graduate programs, I’m still conducting research with colleagues on topics related to terrorist behaviors, CBRN terrorism, radicalization, and counterinsurgency and counterterrorism strategies. When I first joined START as a researcher, I was fortunate to be involved in many projects related to these topics, and that inspired me to continue to research these. What academic accomplishment are you most proud of? Seeing my current and former interns and students publish their own research articles. I have co-authored several peer-reviewed articles with former research assistants, and helping students get their own research published is one of my favorite parts of my job. What or who has been most influential in shaping your career? When I was in graduate school, I took a seminar on terrorism and political violence that inspired me to study these subjects. I also became very interested in statistical computing and quantitative analysis, which led me to apply these methods to terrorism studies. I also have a number of people in my family who serve, or have served, in national security or counterterrorism roles for the U.S., and this has inspired me to contribute to counterterrorism efforts. What was your first course and when did you first start teaching? The first course I taught was an introductory international relations course when I was a graduate student at the University of Missouri. What is your favorite part of teaching? Seeing my students accomplish their goals and have success in their careers after graduating. Many students who have earned the Global Terrorism Studies Minor, the MPS, or one of our graduate certificates have entered important jobs in government agencies, think tanks, NGOs, and other universities. It’s great to see students achieve the goals they set for themselves. What is your best piece of career advice? Don’t count yourself out of a position just because you don’t think you are good enough. Outside of work, what do you do for fun? I play music, go to concerts, play sports, and enjoy movie nights with my wife Danielle and our cat Jovie. </div>      <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">    <time datetime="2024-10-29T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">Tue, 10/29/2024 - 12:00</time>  </div>       </description> <pubDate>Mon, 28 Oct 2024 21:59:44 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>anasier</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="false">36977 at https://www.start.umd.edu</guid> </item>     <item> <title>Highlights From the "Election Security & Resilience" Event</title> <link>https://www.start.umd.edu/news/highlights-election-security-resilience-event</link> <description>     Highlights From the "Election Security & Resilience" Event         anasier       Mon, 10/28/2024 - 18:02      <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">On October 8, 2024, the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) co-hosted the hybrid event Election Security & Resilience with the National Capital Chapter of ASIS International, the Maryland Democracy Initiative, with financial support from Axis Communications. In-person attendees from universities and key agencies, including the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center (MCAC), and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) at the Department of Homeland Security, along with virtual participants, to address the challenges facing U.S. elections. Morning panel sessions focused on safeguarding voting infrastructure, with discussions on physical security vulnerabilities, evolving cybersecurity threats, and the dangerous effects of misinformation. Experts explored key topics, offering insights into these critical issues. In the afternoon, START facilitators led interactive exercises where participants engaged in real-world scenarios simulating election threats. The event underscored the importance of continued collaboration and highlighted the vital role of collective efforts in strengthening the security and resilience of U.S. elections. </div>      <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">    <time datetime="2024-10-29T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">Tue, 10/29/2024 - 12:00</time>  </div>       </description> <pubDate>Mon, 28 Oct 2024 22:02:26 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>anasier</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="false">36978 at https://www.start.umd.edu</guid> </item>     <item> <title>START News: Protogetic Partnership, New Director of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies, Cyber Innovators Challenge, and Researcher Spotlight</title> <link>https://www.start.umd.edu/news/september-2024</link> <description>     START News: Protogetic Partnership, New Director of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies, Cyber Innovators Challenge, and Researcher Spotlight         anasier       Thu, 09/12/2024 - 22:17      <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://mailchi.mp/start/start-news-358377?e=3124bf8638" target="_blank">Click here to see the email version of this newsletter, complete with images.</a> <h3>News</h3> <a href="https://protogetic-umdstart.com/">START Partners with Protogetic</a> START is excited to announce its partnership with Protogetic, The Protective Design Marketplace. This new strategic collaboration will help bring our vital research and data to a wider audience of groups and organizations that can benefit from it. By expanding access to this information, START is broadening its impact and reaching sectors that previously lacked access to this critical data. <a href="https://protogetic-umdstart.com/">Access the databases ></a> <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/news/start-names-thomas-guarrieri-new-director-graduate-and-undergraduate-studies" target="_blank">START names Thomas Guarrieri as new Director of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies</a> Dr. Thomas Guarrieri has been named as START’s new Director of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies. In this newly created role, he will oversee and ensure the successful implementation of START’s undergraduate and graduate curricular education programs. Guarrieri will continue to teach courses at both the graduate and undergraduate level. <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/news/start-names-thomas-guarrieri-new-director-graduate-and-undergraduate-studies" target="_blank">Read more ></a> <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/news/researcher-spotlight-louis-wasser" target="_blank">Researcher Spotlight: Louis Wasser</a> START Assistant Research Scientist Dr. Louis Wasser shares his journey from a PhD program at Yale to working at START, focusing on political conflict and resistance strategies. He reflects on his time in Lebanon as one of the most exciting research-related experiences and talks about his passion for learning, collaboration, and pursuing new challenges. <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/news/researcher-spotlight-louis-wasser" target="_blank">Read the interview ></a> <a href="https://nsin.mil/news/2024-08-22-cyberinnowinners/" target="_blank">START Team Wins Cyber Innovators Challenge</a> START's team was among the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) Cyber Innovators Challenge winners, organized in partnership with the Department of Defense (DoD). The team won $150,000 for an innovative solution focused on modeling and predictive analytics, utilizing their research on terror contagion hypotheses to study and counter cyber hacktivism waves. <a href="https://nsin.mil/news/2024-08-22-cyberinnowinners/" target="_blank">Read more ></a> <hr /> <h3>Upcoming Event</h3> START to co-host event on "Election Security & Resilience" START will co-host an event on "Election Security & Resilience" on October 8 with the <a href="https://www.asis-capital.org/" target="_blank">National Capital Chapter</a> of <a href="https://www.asisonline.org/" target="_blank">ASIS International</a> and the <a href="https://research.umd.edu/mdi" target="_blank">Maryland Democracy Initiative</a>. The day-long event, which will have a series of panels in the morning and an interactive exercise in the afternoon, will focus on physical, cyber, and information threats to the upcoming U.S. elections, and how to build resilience in the face of these threats. The complete agenda and registration form will be published on the START website by September 23. <hr /> <h3>Publications</h3> <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/publication/anti-state-terrorist-plots-and-attacks-united-states" target="_blank">Anti-State Terrorist Plots and Attacks in the United States</a> Michael Jensen, Sheehan Kane, Sean Doody and Elena Akers <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/publication/climate-security-great-power-competition-and-adversarial-geopolitics-southeast-asia-0">Climate Security, Great Power Competition, and Adversarial Geopolitics in Southeast Asia: Conceptualization of Climate Security in Southeast Asia</a> Madeline Romm <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1359178924000776">Gun Ownership and Gun Violence: A Comparison of the United States and Switzerland</a> Wolfgang Stroebe, N. Pontus Leander, and Arie W. Kruglanski <a href="https://nct-cbnw.com/tropical-nights-burning-eyes-chloropicrin-in-hawaii/" target="_blank">Tropical Nights, Burning Eyes: Chloropicrin in Hawaii</a> Markus K. Binder <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/significance/202407/shootings-in-america-the-psychology-of-it-all">Shootings in America: The Psychology of it All</a> Arie W. Kruglanski <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/publication/war-ukraine-understanding-western-tools-short-war">The War in Ukraine: Understanding Western Tools Short of War</a> Salma Bouziani, Egle Murauskaite, Steve S. Sin, Rhyner Washburn, and Elizabeth Radziszewski. Edited by Egle Murauskaite This is a selection of recent publications. For a complete list <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/publications" target="_blank">click here</a>. <hr /> <h3>Educational Opportunities</h3> <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/training/targeted-violence-prevention-veteran-and-military-family-community" target="_blank">Micro-learnings: Targeted Violence Prevention for the Veteran and Military Family Community</a> START and We the Veterans (WtV) developed 11 micro-learnings for the veteran and military family community to increase awareness of the issue of extremism, to provide research-supported facts about extremism, and to offer actionable solutions for all those who care about veteran communities. <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/training/targeted-violence-prevention-veteran-and-military-family-community" target="_blank">Access the resources ></a> <hr /> <h3>START in the News</h3> INTERVIEWS <a href="https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101906363/political-violence-has-been-on-the-rise-well-before-trump-shooting" target="_blank">Political Violence Has Been On the Rise Well Before Trump Shooting</a> START's Founding Director, Dr. Gary LaFree, speaks with Alexis Madrigal in this KQED talk on political violence in American history. <a href="https://www.jimruttshow.com/timothy-clancy/" target="_blank">The Jim Rutt Show: EP 248 Timothy Clancy on the Israel-Hamas War</a> START Senior Researcher, Dr. Timothy Clancy, discusses the Israel-Hamas War with Jim Rutt on The Jim Rutt Show. ARTICLES <a href="https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-military/2024/09/04/marine-corps-requires-immediate-reporting-of-extremism-gang-activity/">Marine Corps Requires Immediate Reporting of Extremism, Gang Activity</a> START is mentioned in this Air Force Times article on how the Marine Corps is taking a stand against extremism and gang activity with new mandatory reporting requirements. <a href="https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-military/2024/08/27/veterans-book-about-involvement-in-jan-6-attack-leads-to-his-arrest/">Veteran’s Book About Involvement in Jan. 6 Attack Leads to His Arrest</a> START is mentioned in this Air Force Times article about a veteran whose book, detailing his involvement in the January 6 attack, led to his arrest. <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/fbi-arrests-marine-veteran-self-182858304.html">FBI Arrests Marine Veteran After He Self-Published Book on His Role in Jan. 6 Riot at Capitol</a> START Research Director, Dr. Michael Jensen, is quoted in this Military.com article about a Marine veteran and author of The American Militia, arrested by the FBI for his role in the January 6th riot. <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2024/08/26/infiltrating-the-far-right">Infiltrating the Far Right</a> START is mentioned in this The New Yorker article on the challenges and risks of infiltrating the far-right extremist movement. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/08/us/white-supremacist-power-grid-attacks.html" target="_blank">Why White Supremacists Are Trying to Attack Energy Grids</a> START is mentioned in this New York Times article highlighting how white supremacist plots targeting the U.S. power grid underscore the urgent need for enhanced security measures. <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/news/start-in-the-news/politicususa-fbi-dir-wray-says-trump-could-have-been-struck-shrapnel-instead">FBI Dir Wray Says Trump Could Have Been Struck by Shrapnel Instead of Bullet</a> START's Founding Director, Dr. Gary LaFree, is quoted in this article on the assassination attempt of former President Trump. <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2024/07/24/capitol-rioters-sentenced-prison-usa-today-investigation/74530483007/" target="_blank">Two Jan. 6 Rioters Named by USA Today Are Now in Prison</a> START is mentioned in this USA Today article on Capitol rioters identified by the FBI. <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-shooting-assassination-terrorism-motive-b2582048.html" target="_blank">Assassination Attempt or Domestic Terrorism? Why Trump’s Shooting Poses a Problem for the FBI</a> START's Global Terrorism Database is mentioned in this Independent article on the motive behind the shooting incident linked to former President Trump. <a href="https://www.vox.com/world-politics/360639/trump-shot-thomas-matthew-crooks-assassination-attempt" target="_blank">Are Assassination Attempts Getting More Common?</a> START's Global Terrorism Database is mentioned in this Vox article on the details and implications of the attempted assassination of Trump. <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/07/14/american-political-violence-rhetoric-trump-shooting/" target="_blank">America’s Grievance-Fueled Politics Poised to Continue After Trump Shooting</a> START Research Director, Dr. Michael Jensen, is quoted in this Washington Post analysis of how political rhetoric and recent violence reflect America's growing political tensions. This is a selection of news clips from the past month. For a complete list of START’s media coverage <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/start-in-the-news" target="_blank">click here</a>. <hr /> <h3>Supporting START</h3> <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/about/supporting-start" target="_blank">Help Support START Research and Education</a> The START Consortium is dedicated to generating knowledge of the human causes and consequences of terrorism. Applying rigorous standards to both research and education, START seeks to illuminate one of the most highly politicized and understudied phenomena in the social sciences for students, practitioners and policymakers. Funded primarily through research grants to date, START is seeking to generate an endowment that will provide the flexibility and autonomy to ensure that it can continue to serve as an objective source of data and empirically based analysis into the future. To donate, or for more information, please <a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/about/supporting-start" target="_blank">click here</a>. </div>      <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">    <time datetime="2024-09-12T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">Thu, 09/12/2024 - 12:00</time>  </div>       </description> <pubDate>Fri, 13 Sep 2024 02:17:06 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>anasier</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="false">36934 at https://www.start.umd.edu</guid> </item>     <item> <title>START names Thomas Guarrieri as new Director of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies</title> <link>https://www.start.umd.edu/news/start-names-thomas-guarrieri-new-director-graduate-and-undergraduate-studies</link> <description>     START names Thomas Guarrieri as new Director of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies         anasier       Wed, 09/11/2024 - 10:53      <div class="field field--name-field-investigators field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Investigators</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/people/thomas-guarrieri" hreflang="und">Thomas Guarrieri</a></div> </div> </div>      <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://www.start.umd.edu/people/thomas-guarrieri">Dr. Thomas Guarrieri</a> has been named as START’s new Director of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies. In this newly created role, he will oversee and ensure the successful implementation of START’s undergraduate and graduate curricular education programs. Guarrieri will continue to teach courses at both the graduate and undergraduate level. Guarrieri joined START as a researcher for the Unconventional Weapons and Technology portfolio in 2017 and accepted the role of Director of Undergraduate Studies in 2019. He began teaching in START’s graduate program in Spring 2023. “Tom has excelled in his leadership of START’s undergraduate minor and been a successful instructor and mentor in our graduate program,” said Amy Pate, START’s Acting Director. “I’m thrilled he has accepted this new role.” “These programs have an amazing selection of innovative courses, excellent faculty, and focus on educating a diverse community of students and professionals, and I’m really excited to be entering this new role,” Guarrieri said. Guarrieri holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Missouri and a B.A. in Political Science and Philosophy from Rutgers University. </div>      <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">    <time datetime="2024-09-11T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">Wed, 09/11/2024 - 12:00</time>  </div>       </description> <pubDate>Wed, 11 Sep 2024 14:53:33 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>anasier</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="false">36927 at https://www.start.umd.edu</guid> </item>     <item> <title>Researcher Spotlight: Louis Wasser</title> <link>https://www.start.umd.edu/news/researcher-spotlight-louis-wasser</link> <description>     Researcher Spotlight: Louis Wasser         anasier       Mon, 09/09/2024 - 10:22      <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">START Assistant Research Scientist Dr. Louis Wasser shares his journey from a PhD program at Yale to working at START’s Geospatial Research Unit (GRU). He reflects on his time in Lebanon as one of the most exciting research-related experiences and talks about his passion for learning, collaboration, and pursuing new challenges. <ol> <li style="line-height: 1.38;">How did you first get involved with START? While getting my PhD in political science at Yale, taking courses, and attending workshops on different aspects of political violence, START was a name that I heard a lot – but my own personal involvement with START is a much more recent development based on multiple strokes of luck, in the form of happy accidents and the kindness of strangers and near-strangers. A former START researcher recommended I subscribe to the newsletter (yes, this one!) to keep my eye out for employment opportunities. Some time later, I saw a job posting in the newsletter and applied, and a current START researcher saw my resume and recommended that I apply to a different START position in the Geospatial Research Unit… and now, here I am! </li> <li style="line-height: 1.38;">How did you become interested in your field of study? I was a junior in high school on 9/11, living three blocks north of the World Trade Center. Like a lot of people my age, I became intensely interested in the causes and consequences of terrorism as a result of that day’s events and all that followed. Over the years, this narrower interest in terrorism grew into a broader focus on the study of different kinds of political conflict — including not just terrorism, but other forms of violent and nonviolent extra-institutional strategies adopted by nonstate actors around the world, as well as institutional strategies for pursuing power such as contesting elections. This is a thread I have followed throughout my academic career, and one I am excited to continue exploring at START. </li> <li style="line-height: 1.38;">Who has been the most influential person during your academic pursuits? So many of my colleagues and teachers from grad school were highly influential on my intellectual development, but my dissertation chair (Elisabeth J. Wood) stands out. Her advice and guidance always combined intellectual rigor, hard questions, high expectations, and kindness in a way that pushed me to be a better scholar and a better person, and I’m extremely grateful for her support throughout graduate school and beyond. </li> <li style="line-height: 1.38;">What’s been one of the more interesting projects you’ve worked on? The appropriate stock answer here is my dissertation, but please do not ask any follow up questions. </li> <li style="line-height: 1.38;">What are you currently working on? Since I’m still somewhat new to START, I’m currently working on some pre-existing projects that began before I joined the organization, including one on the security implications of climate change and another on potential malign uses of geospatial technologies. Looking ahead, I'll be putting together funding proposals that reflect my own research interests, including tradeoffs and synergies between violent and nonviolent resistance strategies. </li> <li style="line-height: 1.38;">Is there a specific research gap that you’re interested in studying? My dissertation focused on the interplay between (violent and/or nonviolent) extra-institutional resistance strategies and institutional approaches including contesting elections. I firmly believe that you can’t study extra-institutional resistance without connecting it to institutional politics, and vice versa, and there remains a lot of work to be done in this area. </li> <li style="line-height: 1.38;">What is the most exciting experience you’ve had due to your research? I lived and worked in Egypt for three years (2007-10) before graduate school, and planned to conduct fieldwork there as part of my doctoral research. The 2013 coup in Egypt threw a wrench into my plans, so I adjusted my approach to do fieldwork in Lebanon, instead. This research into contemporary Lebanese politics ended up being an excellent substantive fit for my dissertation – but Lebanon is also an amazingly fun, beautiful, welcoming country. Plus, the food is excellent! I’d definitely chalk up my time there as among the most exciting and interesting research-related experiences I’ve ever had. </li> <li style="line-height: 1.38;">What is your favorite part about your job? Learning new things, collaborating with bright, interested, and passionate colleagues, and having the opportunity to pursue my own research interests. </li> <li style="line-height: 1.38;">What are your plans for the future? I’m looking forward to continuing to develop my research interests as a part of the START team, and to building a life in the DC area combining my career and personal pursuits. </li> <li style="line-height: 1.38;">Outside of work, what do you do for fun? I’m obsessed with my dog, but to a totally healthy, totally appropriate extent (his shelter name was Handsome, and I kept it because he earned it!). Beyond spending time with my dog, I also enjoy gardening, DIY stuff around the house, playing tennis, and woodworking, among other things.</li> </ol> </div>      <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">    <time datetime="2024-09-09T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">Mon, 09/09/2024 - 12:00</time>  </div>       </description> <pubDate>Mon, 09 Sep 2024 14:22:16 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>anasier</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="false">36925 at https://www.start.umd.edu</guid> </item>  </channel> </rss>