Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation

Homeland Security Award Columbus Scholar 2003

Field of Biological, Radiological, Nuclear
Sponsored by The A.J. and Lynda Scribante Charitable Foundation

Frances S. Ligler, D.Phil., D.Sc.

USN Senior Scientist for Biosensors and Biomaterials
Naval Research Laboratory
Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering
Washington , D.C.

Ligler Dr. Ligler is currently the Navy's Senior Scientist for Biosensors and Biomaterials and a member of the Center of Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering at the Naval Research Laboratory. She has pioneered the development of ultra-sensitive antibody-based detection systems for biological agents and other hazardous materials. Her team is well-recognized for the ability to develop a biological sensor from concept to commercial product.

This work has had a profound impact on the development of biosensor-based detection of biological warfare agents over the past 17 years, leading to significant improvements in the nation's capability for early and accurate detection.

William Berger, J.D. - Team Leader, National Self-Defense Institute, Be 'S.A.F.E.R' Program, and Chief of Police, North Miami Beach , FL. Awarded the 2003 $2,500 Homeland Security Award in the Information Sharing field. The Be 'S.A.F.E.R.' program (acronym for Strategic Actions For Emergency Response) is a unique, proven, community-based training tool that humanizes clinical Disaster/Emergency preparedness information. Be 'S.A.F.E.R.' works primarily with local law enforcement agencies to promote community policies for disaster prevention through being vigilant, informed, and communicating with law enforcement, and training officers to facilitate classes for citizens based on the needs of the community.

Michael B. Cantor, Ph.D. - President, WayPoint Research, Inc., Atlanta , GA. Awarded the 2003 $2,500 Homeland Security Award in the Border/Transportation Security field. Dr. Cantor has developed WayPoint, a four-minute, non-verbal test which assesses a person's ability to operate a man/machine system such as driving, pipeline control, piloting aircraft, filling drug prescriptions, law enforcement and baggage handling, among others.

Joany Jackman, Ph.D. - Senior Scientist, The Johns Hopkins University , Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD. Awarded the 2003 $2,500 Homeland Security Award in the Emergency Response field. Dr. Jackman is developing methods to analyze breath for novel markers of infection. This technology uses proteins and lipids secreted by the host in response to pathogens in the lungs to detect signs of infection prior to the appearance of symptoms. This technology will allow rapid triage of individuals at the scene of a potential bioterrorist attack. It will allow emergency medical personnel to focus their resources on the most seriously ill individuals and permit rapid and early treatment. This technology, once fully developed, will reduce the impact of bioterrorism, by improving the outcome and treatment of exposed populations.