Roxanna Saberi’s trial in Iran and subsequent release as well as continuing concerns about terrorism around the world have put an NDSU security expert in high demand.

Jarret Brachman, associate research fellow at the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, served as a local media resource throughout Roxana Saberi’s detention. Local radio networks, including KFGO, MOJO 104 and AM 1100 featured multiple on-air interviews with Brachman for expert analysis and updates on the situation.  

Brachman also was the keynote speaker at the Office of Naval Research’s Distinguished Lecture Series on April 14. Brachman’s presentation, “Al-Qaida.com: Terrorist Use of New Technology,” focused on recent technological innovations in the Al-Qaida organization’s recruitment and media initiatives. More than 200 attendees represented multiple U.S. government agencies at the event.

On May 9, Brachman spoke to the state convention of the North Dakota Reserve Officer Association about identifying future terrorist and security challenges to the United States. The association’s members include current and former military officers and their spouses from across all of the uniformed services.

On May 14, Brachman discussed recent innovations in terrorist use of technology for the SECURE360 Conference held in St. Paul, Minn. SECURE360 is sponsored by the Upper Midwest Security Alliance and includes members from across the government and private sectors.