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Featured Subject Matter Expert Research Corner

Critical Infrastructure Resilience and Disaster Recovery
Tonya E. Thornton, Ph.D.
Dr. Tonya Thornton is the Director of Grants at the George Mason University (GMU) Schar School of Policy and Government. She is also an Assistant Professor in the Master of Public Administration program and is the Coordinator for its Emergency Management and Homeland Security graduate certificate.

 
Dr. Thornton has recently recorded two podcasts discussing the resiliency in the nation’s 16 critical infrastructure sectors. She has also recorded podcasts discussing disaster response and recovery, and presented a webinar on the role of communication, coordination, and collaboration for critical infrastructure resilience.

Critical Infrastructure Resilience

Critical infrastructure (CI) is not only essential for the successful functioning of governance and society, it is a critical element to homeland defense and security. A power grid functioning at full capacity, an operational and expansive communication network, a streamlined and efficient transportation system, and water infrastructure delivering clean and affordable water free of pollution are all necessary toward ensuring national security. The United States has identified 16 critical sectors that serve as vital assets, systems, and networks. Instability in these systems could have a debilitating impact upon the economic security and vitality of the nation. Prioritizing the physical, operational, and virtual condition of these systems and ensuring their resilience will foster a sense of confidence and promote a culture of sustainability. These podcasts explore these matters and offer potential suggestions to increase critical infrastructure resiliency.

 

Disaster Emergency Response and Recovery

In part one of this two-part podcast, HDIAC analyst Amber Garvey interviews Dr. Tonya Thornton, the Director for Extramural Projects at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government. The discussion begins with Dr. Thornton defining terminology used to describe and classify disasters today.

The second installment of this two-part podcast continues the conversation with Dr. Thornton on disaster emergency response and recovery. In this part of the series, Dr. Thornton discusses the difference between social production of disasters and disaster social constructs, the etiological difference of disasters, and recommendations to ensure optimal response and recovery.

Critical Infrastructure Resilience through Communication, Coordination, and Collaboration

This presentation focuses on the role of communication, coordination, and collaboration for critical infrastructure resilience. The webinar will discuss the increasing importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships – across the public, private, and academic sectors – in promoting resilience within and across the four increasingly interdependent critical infrastructure sectors: energy, transportation, water, and communications.

All Contributions from Tonya E. Thornton, Ph.D.

HDIAC Reports

  • Critical Infrastructure Protection

    Critical Infrastructure Protection is one of the HDIAC’s eight technical focus areas. This SOAR reviews the current state of emerging technologies and methodologies relating to the protection of infrastructure and resources critical to national security. The report takes a look at the evolution of our critical infrastructure protective measures, the physical and cyber threats to our critical infrastructure, and the role government has in working with the owners of the largely privately-owned infrastructure assets.

Podcasts / Webinars

  • The HDIAC Podcast » The Intersection of Energy Security and Resilience

    Dr. Tonya Neaves interviews Dr. J.P. Auffret and Dr. Paul Houser regarding changes in the energy supply chain and implications for national security. The discussion includes an overview of the critical importance of reliable energy, the push toward renewables, emerging threats to the power grid, challenges specific to the Washington, DC region, and considerations for building stronger energy resiliency.

  • HDIAC Webinars » Critical Infrastructure Resilience through Communication, Coordination, and Collaboration

    This presentation focuses on the role of communication, coordination, and collaboration for critical infrastructure resilience. The webinar will discuss the increasing importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships – across the public, private, and academic sectors – in promoting resilience within and across the four increasingly interdependent critical infrastructure sectors: energy, transportation, water, and communications.

  • The HDIAC Podcast » Disaster Emergency Response and Recovery – Part 1 of 2

    In part one of this two-part podcast, HDIAC analyst Amber Garvey interviews Dr. Tonya Thornton, the Director for Extramural Projects at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government. The discussion begins with Dr. Thornton defining terminology used to describe and classify disasters today.

  • The HDIAC Podcast » Disaster Emergency Response and Recovery – Part 2 of 2

    The second installment of this two-part podcast continues the conversation with Dr. Thornton on disaster emergency response and recovery. In this part of the series, Dr. Thornton discusses
    the difference between social production of disasters and disaster social constructs, the etiological difference of disasters, and recommendations to ensure optimal response and recovery.

  • The HDIAC Podcast » Critical Infrastructure Resilience – Part 1 of 2

    Critical infrastructure (CI) is not only essential for the successful functioning of governance and society, it is a critical element to homeland defense and security. A power grid functioning at full capacity, an operational and expansive communication network, a streamlined and efficient transportation system, and water infrastructure delivering clean and affordable water free of pollution are all necessary toward ensuring national security. The United States has identified 16 critical sectors that serve as vital assets, systems, and networks. Instability in these systems could have a debilitating impact upon the economic security and vitality of the nation. Prioritizing the physical, operational, and virtual condition of these systems and ensuring their resilience will foster a sense of confidence and promote a culture of sustainability. This podcast will explore these matters and offer potential suggestions to increase critical infrastructure resiliency.

  • The HDIAC Podcast » Critical Infrastructure Resilience – Part 2 of 2

    Critical infrastructure (CI) is not only essential for the successful functioning of governance and society, it is a critical element to homeland defense and security. A power grid functioning at full capacity, an operational and expansive communication network, a streamlined and efficient transportation system, and water infrastructure delivering clean and affordable water free of pollution are all necessary toward ensuring national security. The United States has identified 16 critical sectors that serve as vital assets, systems, and networks. Instability in these systems could have a debilitating impact upon the economic security and vitality of the nation. Prioritizing the physical, operational, and virtual condition of these systems and ensuring their resilience will foster a sense of confidence and promote a culture of sustainability. This podcast will explore these matters and offer potential suggestions to increase critical infrastructure resiliency.

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