American Internet pioneer Vinton Cerf, George Mason University Professor Edward Maibach, and Admiral James Fogo III, USN (Ret.) will provide keynote interviews during the 15th annual STAR-TIDES Capabilities Demonstration, which runs from Monday-Wednesday, April 18-20, at Merten Hall on the Fairfax Campus.
STAR-TIDES (Sharing to Accelerate Research—Transformative Innovation for Development and Emergency Support) is a global knowledge-sharing network coordinated through Mason's Center for Resilient and Sustainable Communities (C-RASC). STAR-TIDES brings together thousands of members from around the world to help build sustainable resilience, support domestic and foreign disaster relief, and promote human security and economic opportunities. Members have also recently formed a team to enhance rural broadband connectivity.
Under the theme of “Sustainable Resilience in a World of Interconnected Disruptions,” this year’s demo returns to a traditional open field that will let exhibitors and attendees have meaningful interactions with companies, government officials, faculty, students, and visitors alike.
“STAR-TIDES is a great opportunity for students and researchers to network with people and organizations devoted to improving resilience and human security by helping communities respond to disasters, adapt to the effects of climate change, improve digital connectivity, and improve health and well-being," said Kathryn B. Laskey, Professor, Systems Engineering and Operations Research, Volgenau School of Engineering, and Director, Center for Resilient and Sustainable Communities, College of Engineering and Computing. "The event will combine open-field exhibits of exciting technologies that help people, along with a set of fantastic keynotes.”
The event also contains three integrating focus areas: Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS), Logistics in Stressed Environments, and Shelter-in-Place (SIP) Continuity of Operations (COOP). Exhibits will include STAR-TIDES core infrastructure areas such as energy, housing, water, food, information and communications technology, and health, along with transport and logistics, and geospatial information systems.
On April 18 at 4 p.m. in Merten Hall, Room 1201, Mason President Gregory Washington will provide introductory remarks and Vint Cerf will speak on the future of an Internet that works for all. Cerf, often called the “father of the Internet,” also holds an honorary doctor of science from Mason, which he was awarded in 2000. A reception follows at 5 p.m.
On April 19, at 9 a.m., Matthew Morin speaks on cyber resiliency, and at noon Maibach, director of Mason's Center for Climate Change Communication, will talk about climate change communication. Exhibits will be open that day from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on the Merten Lawn.
On April 20, at 9 a.m., Lt. Col. Robert Darling will speak on crisis leadership, early warning, and mitigation, and at noon Fogo will address the maritime dimensions of STAR-TIDES. Exhibits will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Merten Lawn.
Attendance is free, but people are asked to register by Sunday, April 17, at go.gmu.edu/STreg.
For more information, visit star-tides.net.