San Diego is uniquely situated near an international border and is a gateway to the Pacific Rim. As such it is a model test site with its large port, international airport, nearby nuclear power plant, and huge military presence in a major urban population center.

SDSU's applied research projects actively engage public and private sector partners to test/model Homeland Security initiatives for application in communities nationwide.

• Research
  • BioNet, a DHS-sponsored program to develop techniques for characterization of and response to potential biological attacks
  • The REASoN Program, NASA sponsored research with a focus on securing U.S. borders against smugglers of weapons, undocumented people, and illicit substances
• Demonstrations
  • Operation FairSher,an effort supported by the County Sheriff's department to test wireless communications and applications at the Del Mar Fairgrounds
  • Technology Demonstration Projects, joint SDSU-San Diego Police Department tests of visual, radiological and chemical sensors at the Mardi Gras and Fourth of July events
• Exercises
  • Operation ShadowBowl tested first responder capabilities at Super Bowl XXXVII.
  • Metropolitan Medical Strike Team Exercises involved joint emergency communications and patient location strategies.