Andrew Huse, File Photo

San Diego State and eight other universities two weeks ago joined the Southwest Border Security Consortium, which aims to develop and promote policy solutions affecting the U.S.-Mexico border.

Bob Welty, director of homeland security projects for the SDSU Research Foundation, said the policies developed by SBSC are still in the formative stages. It will address and create policies in the areas of agriculture, bioscience, public health, transportation security and regional and cultural issues pertaining to the border.

Welty said the nine universities involved have “specific subject matter expertise” to contribute to the collaboration.

“We will be working closely together to optimize that expertise as specific policy,” Welty said.

The SDSU Visualization Center will play a central role in SBSC, Welty said. Using multiple display screens, the center allows for simultaneous analysis and visualization of scientific data.

He said the center will be focusing its skills in wireless and broadband communications, large data set imagery processing and regional support.

SBSC will also offer students the opportunity to research new methods to protect the border and implement educational and training programs for students.

There are pla ns for SBSC to hold seminars and workshops on issues affecting border security.

SDSU was asked to join the consortium because of its efforts to improve homeland security in the San Diego region, Welty said.

He said that in the past, SDSU has worked with government agencies and emergency responders. He said he hopes SBSC will continue these efforts on a broader scale.

The other universities will share expertise with fellow members of the consortium about issues ranging from border security to homeland security initiatives, he said.

“We expect to leverage (their) knowledge to strengthen our collective positions as universities involved in border security issues,” he said. “We expect the added visibility provided by the consortium will help support expansion of the efforts of the Visualization Center and SDSU in this critical area.”