With the rise of AI and other emerging technologies, exploring trends and anticipating threats is a top security priority, from federal to local levels. Towson University professor Suat Cubukcu, Ph.D., recently received a nearly $170,000 grant to further his research on terrorism, policing, disinformation and malign use of unmanned technologies.

The National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology and Education Center (NCITE) awarded Cubukcu $169,993 for his new project, “Interoperable Counter-UAS Systems: Building a Unified Operating Environment for Drone Threats.” In its seventh research year, the center has welcomed TU into their consortium as part of its goal to expand NCITE’s scope across a three-point strategic framework, examining threat actors, tactics and targets.

Cubukcu, an assistant professor in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, is also the director of TU’s Integrated Homeland Security Management Master's program, and teaching courses on countering drone threats.

With experience consulting for the U.S. State Department-funded projects and nearly a decade of teaching and research, he analyzes high-risk regions of the world and tech‑driven threats, helping agencies understand how malign non-state actors adapt, especially emerging technologies like drones. This award is the second NCITE grant received by TU and Cubukcu, who won the first in 2024. 

In Cubukcu’s project, TU partners with Orion Policy Institute, a non-profit think tank, to provide the Department of Homeland Security and its partners with a data schema, governance model and implementation roadmap for consolidating fragmented counter-drone systems into an integrated decision environment. This research will support faster, better-coordinated, and more effective responses to drone incidents. 

Learn more about this program.