Morgan State University Obtains $1.2 Million in Federal Science, Technology Grants
NSF and NIH Funding Boosts Morgan’s School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
BALTIMORE — Morgan State University’s (MSU’s) School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences (SCMNS) has announced the receipt of four federal grants totaling more than $1.2 million, awarded in the spring and summer of 2020. The funds are supporting important research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields ranging from pharmatechnology to advanced computing to meteorology to computer science instruction. Collectively, the grants indicate steady progress toward Morgan’s goal of attaining an R1 (“very high research”) designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. MSU was elevated to an R2 (“high research”) Carnegie classification in December 2018.
“Receiving four grants by four different faculty members testifies to the quality of the faculty and their devotion to the
Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, was named Federal Employee of the Year during the program sponsored by the Partnership for Public Service, a nonprofit think tank that promotes good government and federal employees.
His selection and the honoring of other government scientists amounted to an understated, if unintended, rebuke to a Trump administration known for undermining science when it doesn’t fit the preferred political narrative.
While there has “always been some degree of political friction” in the numerous high-profile public health efforts he has participated in, Fauci, without mentioning President Trump during a telephone interview, said the current level of politics in science “definitely supersedes any of the other ones.”
All the honorees “represent the many exceptional federal employees who have proudly and passionately dedicated their lives to making a difference for our country and our world,” said a statement by Max
BERLIN, GERMANY – MARCH 01: In this photo illustration artwork found on the Internet showing Fancy Bear is seen on the computer of the photographer during a session in the plenary hall of the Bundestag, the German parliament, on March 1, 2018 in Berlin, Germany. German authorities announced yesterday that administrative computers of the German government, including those of government ministries and parliament, had been infiltrated with malware. Authorities said they suspect the Russian hacker group APT28, also known as Fancy Bear. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Russia’s 2020 hacking campaigns might have included a successful data breach at the US government. In the wake of a CISA notice warning of a cyberattack on an unnamed federal agency’s network, Wired and security company Dragos have obtained evidence suggesting Russia’s state-backed APT28 group, better known as Fancy Bear, was behind the hack.
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana schools are slowly making a dent in more than $200 million of federal aid meant to help local districts manage financial hardships spurred by the coronavirus.
Since May, nearly $22 million of Indiana’s share of federal CARES Act aid has been issued to school districts around the state, according to the Indiana Department of Education. State officials say millions more are expected to be given out in the coming months.
The financial help is intended to buy remote learning technology, equipment for sanitizing school buildings, protective equipment, staff training and emotional support for students.
State Superintendent Jennifer McCormick cautions the federal aid isn’t as much as it seems, adding that no one is going to “get rich” with the extra money.
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK:
— Trump at military hospital; new cases among allies emerge
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana schools are slowly making a dent in more than $200 million of federal aid meant to help local districts manage financial hardships spurred by the coronavirus.
Since May, nearly $22 million of Indiana’s share of federal CARES Act aid has been issued to school districts around the state, according to the Indiana Department of Education. State officials say millions more are expected to be given out in the coming months.
The financial help is intended to buy remote learning technology, equipment for sanitizing school buildings, protective equipment, staff training and emotional support for students.
State Superintendent Jennifer McCormick cautions the federal aid isn’t as much as it seems, adding that no one is going to “get rich” with the extra money.
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HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK:
— Trump at military hospital; new cases among allies emerge
A warning that unidentified hackers broke into an agency of the US federal government and stole its data is troubling enough. But it becomes all the more disturbing when those unidentified intruders are identified—and appear likely to be part of a notorious team of cyberspies working in the service of Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU.
Last week the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency published an advisory that hackers had penetrated a US federal agency. It identified neither the attackers nor the agency, but it did detail the hackers’ methods and their use of a new and unique form of malware in an operation that successfully stole target data. Now, clues uncovered by a researcher at cybersecurity firm Dragos and an FBI notification to hacking victims obtained by WIRED in July suggest a likely answer to the mystery of who was behind the intrusion: They
The measure was introduced earlier this year to offer business protection from potential COVID-19 litigation. Opposition groups feel as though the measure could limit responsibility as businesses reopen amid an ongoing pandemic.
Image: iStock/halfpoint
As businesses begin to reopen, many companies are introducing measures to ensure public safety amid the pandemic, including limited indoor capacities, mandated mask guidelines, temperature checks, and more. At the same time, a number of employers have been sued by the families of employees who contracted the coronavirus. This risk of coronavirus-related litigation has spurred members of Congress to introduce legislation.
Sen. John Cornyn introduced the Safeguarding America’s Frontline Employees to Offer Work Opportunities Required to Kickstart the Economy (Safe to Work Act on July 27. On Thursday, the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC), announced its support of the legislation, stating that the bill protects businesses from coronavirus-related litigation as companies reopen.
MONTREAL — Quebec is getting ready to introduce the federal government’s COVID-19 contact tracing application in the coming days as infections in the province remain on the rise.
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Premier Francois Legault told reporters Tuesday in Quebec City the app will be deployed after officials concluded it would take too long to introduce the made-in-Quebec application they had hoped for.
Quebec reported 799 new COVID-19 cases and seven more deaths linked to the novel coronavirus on Tuesday, along with a spike in hospitalizations.
The province has had problems with contact tracing, with health officials in Montreal reporting difficulties tracking down people who were potentially exposed.
Health Minister Christian Dube said Quebec officials looked more closely at the smartphone application during a meeting with Ontario counterparts 10 days ago. While Ontario isn’t fully satisfied, Dube said he hopes Quebecers will use it in large
Tetra Tech, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTEK), a high-end consulting and engineering firm, announced today that it has further expanded its advanced analytics business with the addition of BlueWater Federal Solutions, Inc. (BlueWater), a leading information technology systems and services firm. Based in Chantilly, Virginia, BlueWater has built a high-performing team of more than 350 employees who bring specialized expertise in cybersecurity, mission-critical systems design, and development and operation of federal enterprise systems for U.S. government clients, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Energy, and Department of Defense.
“Our ability to integrate high-end technology and analytics in the delivery of customized water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure solutions is a key differentiator for Tetra Tech in the marketplace today,” said Dan Batrack, Tetra Tech Chairman and CEO. “The addition of BlueWater builds on our strategy to grow our advanced analytics business with expanded capabilities in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity solutions, and mission-essential