A moderated discussion at Slippery Rock University addressed security in the fields of science. Three industry experts were on campus as part of a multidisciplinary event titled “Securing the Sciences,” Feb. 20, in the Advanced Technology and Science Hall. The event was free and open to the public.
Panelists included:
- Kara Branby, facility security officer for the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University.
- Daniel Efaw, manager of the Global Security Operations Center at the Viatris pharmaceutical company’s global headquarters in Canonsburg.
- Kent Woodward, fellow engineer, asset protection and development, at the Westinghouse Electric Company in Cranberry Township.
Topics included current and common threats to science-focused businesses and the vulnerabilities, sensitivities and asset protection measures to protect these companies.
One of the goals of the event was to inform SRU students about industry trends for those majoring in programs such as physics, chemistry, biology, computing and homeland and corporate security.
“This is an excellent opportunity for our students who are preparing to enter careers that encounter significant security requirements, regulations and operating methods,” said Nicole Dafoe, dean of the College of Engineering and Science. “It also shows just how interconnected the different professionals and fields of study are to one another and how successful careers in the sciences require knowledge and awareness across disciplines.”
Organized by the College of the Engineering and Science and the Computing and Security Department at SRU, the “Securing Science” event could lead to future multidisciplinary discussions on campus around securing education, health care and other fields.
“We’re grateful to have dedicated faculty and participation from industry experts as they come together to educate our students and the public on important issues,” Dafoe said. “Events like this help prepare people to be informed citizens and good stewards in their chosen professions.”
For more information about “Securing Sciences,” contact Brian Wisneski, instructor of homeland and corporate security at brian.wisneski@sru.edu, or by calling the SRU homeland and corporate security office at 724.738.2556.
