Speaker: Dr. Min-Ge Xie, Professor, Statistics Department, Rutgers University
Title: Statistical Cluster Detection and Pervasive Surveillance of Nuclear Materials Using Mobile Sensors

Abstract:
Nuclear attacks are among the most devastating terrorist attacks, with severe loss of human lives as well as damages to infrastructures. It becomes increasingly vital to have sophisticated nuclear surveillance and detection systems deployed in major cities in the U.S. to deter such threats. In this talk, we outline a robust system of a mobile sensor network and develop statistical algorithms and models to provide consistent and pervasive surveillance of nuclear materials in major cities. Specifically, the network consists of a large number of vehicles, such as taxicabs and police cars, on which nuclear sensors and Global Position System (GPS) tracking devices are installed. Real time readings of the sensors are processed at a central surveillance center, where mathematical and statistical analyses are performed. We use simulations to evaluate the effectiveness and detection power of such a network. (Joint work with Jerry Cheng, Fred Roberts, and Rong Chen)

Bio:
Dr. Xie received a B.S. degree in Mathematics from University of Science and Technology of China, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Statistics from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In 1997, he joined Rutgers Statistics as an Assistant Professor. He is now a Professor, and the Director of the Office of Statistical Consulting, Rutgers University. He has published numerous papers, he is the recipient of many research grants, and he serves as editor and reviewer for many prestigious publications.