Whether the issue is crisis management, weather forecasting or terrorism analysis, the emerging authority might be found at the top of the hill on Austin Bluffs Parkway. That’s where UCCS’ National Institute of Science, Space & Security Centers is located, and where it’s evolving from a small research group focused on military issues to a multidisciplinary hub of expertise.

One of its strengths, said Executive Director Michael Perini, is the institute’s ability to morph quickly to respond to shifting demands of space systems, homeland security risk management, trauma and health concerns and the work force. Perini, former director of communications at Northern Command and a retired Air Force colonel, recently spoke about the institute.

Question: What is NISSSC?Answer: It started in 2002 when the Air Force Office of Scientific Research identified $4 million in funding for critical issues of future architecture, policy and management that had to do with ground- and space-based network and information security.We offer a variety of training certificates that can be applied to degree programs. The institute also conducts an array of research, such as small satellite design with the Air Force Academy, space situational awareness, Web-based trauma intervention for caregivers and veterans’ psychological issues.

Q: How many people have earned certificates from the institute?A: In our homeland defense certificate program, there are currently 148 graduate certificate holders with an additional 43 that will graduate by Sept. 30. Of those, 150 are Northern Command personnel. The centers also work with Air Force Space Command personnel, government agencies and the private sector. The institute also has bestowed certificates in space programs.

Q: Can the institute compete with other colleges and universities in these areas?A: We want to be the go-to team, the clearinghouse, and if we don’t have the expertise, we know where to find it. Right now the big thing we’re seeing is the cyber area. Because the institute started in the cyber area, we have 19 faculty members directly involved in cyber, and we have been able to expand the college’s research. With Air Force Space Command getting the cyber function assigned there, that’s significant for us.

Q: What’s next?A: We have two projects in the works. First, there’s a need for senior CEO-level executives across the country to get education in homeland security, space, science. Second, we want to launch a lecture series on significant issues that will help maintain our relevancy and connections.

For information on the institute, visit www.nisssc.org.

—Questions and answers are edited for space and clarity. Call the writer at 636-0238.

Spc. Robert Hull Marko Photo by