Michael Larrañaga Completes the NPS Advanced Thinking in Homeland Security Initiative (HSx)
Michael Larrañaga completed the Advanced Thinking in Homeland Security Initiative (HSx) at the United States Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) on January 17.
Dr. Larrañaga serves on the Department of Homeland Security’s First Responders and Opioid Working Groups. Previously, Dr. Larrañaga served as an appointed member of the Board of Scientific Counselors for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. As a Managing Principal for Insight Risk, he helps organizations assess, understand, and mitigate risk. Larrañaga earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma State University, master’s degrees from the University of Houston Clear Lake and the United States Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), and a Doctor of Philosophy from Texas Tech.
During the 18-month HSx intensive, Dr. Larrañaga collaborated with homeland security officials from across the nation on current policy, strategy, and organizational design and policy challenges.
Eighteen CHDS students participated in the program. They represent a snapshot of the homeland security profession, including professionals from the fields of emergency management, education, law enforcement, fire service, homeland security, public health, and city/county government.
Located at NPS, CHDS is the nation’s homeland security educator. In what’s commonly referred to as a “Grand Challenge,” HSx participants are required to identify and research a complex issue that has potential to affect homeland security. The techniques they apply in addressing their grand challenge provide a foundation that can be used to understand and solve many different types of issues. These projects often translate into policy and practice. The CHDS is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), National Preparedness Directorate, within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). For information, visit www.chds.us.
ABOUT NPS: The mission of the Naval Postgraduate School is to provide unique advanced education and research programs in order to increase the combat effectiveness of the U.S. and Allied armed forces as well as enhance the security of the United States. For information, visit www.nps.edu.
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