Computation Institute Presentation
"A Computational Model of Airport Security Operations: A Dynamic Behavioral Approach"
DATE: December 10, 2009
TIME: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
SPEAKER: Igacio J. Martinez-Moyano, Computational Social Scientist, Argonne National Laboratory
LOCATION: Searle Chemistry Lab, Rm 240, 5735 S. Ellis Ave., The University of Chicago
Description:
Abstract: Governments and airlines around the world pay close attention to airport security as this still represents a central mechanism to deter the use of airplanes as weapons and to prevent harm to passengers, crews, and the general public in the event of an attack. In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is charged with devising the best possible means to securing airports and protecting the public. Working with TSA’s office of innovation, a computational model of airport security operations is being developed. The purpose of this computational modeling project is to proactively identify high-leverage opportunities for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of airport security operations. In this project, we leverage the power of computational modeling to explore the influence and effects of critical dynamic behavioral and social elements of this complex, highly non-linear, and feedback-rich system. The development of the computational model is grounded in existing data, TSA and airport subject matter experts, and relevant social and behavioral theory. The computational model developed, simulation results, insights gained, and future research needs will be discussed.
