Thomas J. Carey, Ed.D., specialist professor of homeland security, and graduate student Matthew Pringle, presented their research “Harnessing Emerging Technologies in Emergency Management” at FEMA’s Higher Education Roundtable at New Jersey City University on March 28. The presentation focused on using global information systems and drone technologies in homeland security.
Pringle showcased his research on COVID-19 and wildfire GIS applications. He also shared the spotlight with classmate Orlando Ferreira Neto, whose research, “Can a low-cost drone survey replace a high-cost LiDAR survey for building information modeling of a flood risk assessment?” focused on the use of drones in the homeland security space.
Carey highlighted the value of implementing technology inside and outside the classroom using various types of experiential learning activities. “High-impact learning can be achieved through the coupling of technology as the driving factor in supporting the pedagogy of experiential learning,” he said.
Carey also discussed how drones are utilized in each of the four phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. He concluded his part of the presentation with a discussion on all-terrain vehicles and robotics.
At the conclusion of the roundtable, Martin Walker, Ph.D., dean of the College of Professional Studies at New Jersey City University, recognized Pringle for his dedication and hard work inside and outside the classroom. Pringle currently serves as the president for the homeland security honor society, Order of the Sword and Shield Honor Society, Omicron Sigma Sigma, and is a volunteer firefighter for the town of Belmar, NJ.
Through a series of thematic roundtable discussions, FEMA Region 2 looks to promote a dialogue to engage its academic and other partners in achieving the agency’s objectives. The theme for this roundtable series was “The Future of Emergency Management.” FEMA Region 2 consists of New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and eight Tribal Nations. In meeting their goals, Region 2 continues to engage with federal agencies, local offices of emergency management, subject matter experts, private sector representatives, and institutions of higher education to discuss the future of emergency management. Carey is the FEMA 2 Liaison for the Criminal Justice Department and is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) credentialed by the International Association of Emergency Managers.