The rising angst over the apparent advance in artificial intelligence, or AI, called to mind the limerick (“Daisy…” etc.) that HAL, the state-of-the-art computer in the film “2001, A Space Odyssey” was reduced to repeating when HAL’S human soul mate (Dave) attempted to unplug him/it (?). HAL survived, but it did not go well for “Dave”.
Shortly after the audacious 2008 Mumbai, India terrorist attack which took 160 lives, a Seattle Police Department Assistant Chief mused that a similarly trained team could paralyze a city like Seattle for a “considerable” time. Mumbai illustrated how a team of well-trained bad actors could exact considerable damage.
Center of Excellence for Clean Energy: Helping to lead the way in alternative fuels for our future By Nancy Aird On October 24, 2022, Nancy Aird (staff for CoE HSEM) attended the Hydrogen in Focus Conference held at Centralia College hosted by the Center of Excellence for Clean Energy and Twin Transit. Monica Brummer, Director of Coe Clean Energy, is leading a coordinated, strategic approach to clean energy workforce development for the region. She works with regional partners to define energy efficiency, jobs, and skills standards and create a regional clearing house for energy efficiency job openings. The conference [...]
RESILIENCE FOR NEXT EARTHQUAKE: Video Game promoting preparedness By Nancy Aird Lewis & Clark students and professors created a video game called Cascadia 9.0 (https://www.cascadia9game.org) to promote preparedness incorporating technology. The players navigate through an earthquake devastated city looking for their corgi dog that escaped during the earthquake. The game teaches what you should do in case the infrastructure is disrupted by the player making correct survival choices. For example, should you drink unpurified water? What happens during aftershocks and gas leaks? The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is our nation’s largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian [...]
Women with Disabilities: Barriers and Bias in the Workplace By Kellie Hale Women with disabilities will often experience an array of barriers and biases in the workplace. They often experience an imbalance in hiring and promotion opportunities, limited access to training and retraining opportunities, and unequal pay rates. Women with disabilities in the workplace tend to be ignored in conversations about economic decision-making. The unemployment rate amongst women with disabilities is 9.4%. For women without disabilities, the unemployment rate is 4%. What do these percentages indicate? It means that, compared to their non-disabled counterparts, “Women with disabilities are more [...]
Securing the Supply Chain Summit 2022: Building Resilience through Sustainability On October 18, 2022, the Centers of Excellence for Homeland Security-Emergency Management and Global Trade and Supply Chain Management held their sixth summit, which focused on “Building Resilience through Sustainability.” This was the first time in three years that we were able to host a hybrid in-person and virtual event at Highline College. Forty people attended in person, and thirty people attended virtually. Attendees represented industry, public and private agencies and organizations, faculty and students from our community colleges pathway programs, and Center of Excellence staff. Josh Gerstman, Vice [...]
A Legacy of Excellence gala for Dr. Michele L. Johnson On Saturday, October 22, 2022, Nancy Aird (Data Research Specialist for our Center) attended the Legacy of Excellence Gala to celebrate Dr. Michele Johnson at Pierce College. Pierce College has been creating quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners for the last 55 years. During the gala, attendees were shown inspiring videos and performances emceed by Dr. Warren Brown. Dr. Johnson has worked at Pierce College for 45 years. During her time working, she has focused on pursuing student success. Dr. Johnson will be retiring on December [...]
Resilience for the Next earthquake: ShakeAlert early warning system ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning system offer an alert to everyone. It does not predict earthquakes but indicates that an earthquake has begun and shaking is imminent. Sign up at: https://www.shakealert.org/ The Great Shakeout Earthquake Drills just occurred on October 20, 2022 at 10:20 a.m. to remind everyone that the “Drop, Cover, and Hold” drill is a recommended safety action during an earthquake. Most earthquake related injuries and deaths result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects caused by the ground shaking.
SBCTC Climate Solutions Program During the 2021-2022 legislative session, Washington State legislators approved $1.5 million for expanding climate solutions education across our 34 community and technical colleges. The community and technical college system of Washington is positioned to be a key resource in helping achieve climate solutions by offering relevant educational opportunities in a variety of academic programs, leading in green workforce development, and by working toward a climate action plan for the 34 campuses to redesign our institutions with a commitment to sustainability and equity. For more information and funding guidance check out: https://www.sbctc.edu/colleges-staff/grants/climate-solutions
Education and Climate Priorities for WA state in 2023 Gov. Jay Inslee outlined his climate policy package for the 2021–2023 biennium. “Climate change is a health issue, an economic issue and an equity issue. We must address these very real threats to our state, and we cannot wait. The time to act is now. These proposals would reduce nearly 30 million metric tons of emissions by 2030 — a 35% reduction from current projections. And these standards and investments — with justice at their core — will grow clean energy jobs in Washington.” - Gov. Jay Inslee Inslee’s legislative and budget proposals would create a [...]
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