National Security Higher Education Advisory Board Meets at FBI Headquarters

The National Security Higher Education Advisory Board (NSHEAB), comprised of 19 university presidents and chancellors, met last week at FBI Headquarters. Created in 2005 by FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III, the NSHEAB meets regularly to discuss national security matters that intersect with higher education.

“The National Security Higher Education Advisory Board promises to help universities and government work toward a balanced and rational approach that will allow scientific research and education to progress and our nation to remain safe,” said Dr. Graham Spanier, President, The Pennsylvania State University.

FBI Deputy Director John S. Pistole opened the meeting, followed by introductory remarks by NSHEAB Chairman Spanier and Assistant Director Daniel Lee Cloyd, FBI Counterintelligence Division. Members then engaged in a panel discussion on weapons of mass destruction and biosecurity.

Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) Director Lisa Porter presented a briefing on IARPA’s mission to invest in high-risk/high-payoff research programs that have the potential to provide the United States with an overwhelming intelligence advantage over future adversaries. FBI General Counsel Valerie Caproni discussed how the newly implemented Domestic Investigations and Operations Guide and the Attorney General’s Guidelines for Domestic FBI Operations affect investigations on college campuses. The meeting concluded with a discussion by Supervisory Special Agent Richard F. Tamplin, FBI Criminal Investigative Division, about college sports gambling.

The Board is scheduled to meet again in February 2010.