About the series
About the Topic: After 9/11, the Department of Homeland Security was created to help focus and integrate security efforts. Science and technology are a big part of the discussion -- much of it focused on air- and land-based risks. But what about the maritime domain? About 80% of world trade moves by water, which covers 75% of the globe. Are the seas "safe," and how can science help? As S&T Advisor to the Coast Guard (which now is under DHS) and to a new interagency staff, Thomas thinks daily about how science can help improve safety and security on the seas -- and in the process, help protect the global economy and environment.