Civic Engagement – Page 6 – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

Safety in the Skies: My Experience as a TSA K9 Decoy Volunteer (Part One)

By Mayra Sofia Soto

They say a dog is a man’s best friend, but they can also be a flier’s best friend. I learned this while volunteering as a K9 decoy at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and it was truly one of the coolest experience I’ve had!

This program is part of TSA’s Passenger Screening Canine (PSC) initiative. It’s designed to enhance passenger safety by using canine assisted detection to help prevent the unauthorized entry of explosive materials into airports. These highly trained K9 teams and their handlers work together in real-world environments to detect potential threats before they happen. Volunteers like me help create realistic scenarios that prepare these teams for the real thing.

Before beginning, I received a safety briefing which covered everything I needed to know. Volunteers are given instructions on what to wear, what not to do, and how to behave. The idea is to look and act like a real airline passenger. All details regarding the type, placement, and quantity of training aids used during training are classified information.

My job is easy! Blend in like any other traveler. The day was divided into three training phases:

First, I walked through the security lane as if I were preparing to go through TSA screening;
Then, I meandered through the terminal hallways and blend in with big groups of people.
Finally, I sat in the boarding gate waiting area as passengers do before a flight.

Throughout each phase, the K9 teams used their sense of smell to detect any concealed training aids. When a dog identified a training aid, they would signal their trainer/handler that something was amiss.

The dogs were rewarded with their favorite toys to reinforce positive behavior.

But it’s not just the dogs having training, the handlers are learning too. They practice interpreting their dog’s signals and ensure their K9 stays focused and well-behaved in the airport. Many of these dogs begin training around one year old and continue working until they retire. Recently, a K9 retired at 11 years old!

This experience gave me a new appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that goes into keeping travelers safe. The K9 teams and their handlers are highly skilled, and it was inspiring to see them in action.

Although the volunteerism was just a small action on my part, there is a sense of pride that comes with contributing to the safety of our airports and airlines, while also learning more about our security systems in practice. It is, in short, a perfect education for a student wanting to go into a law-enforcement career!

LEAP Offers Half-Day FBI Collegiate Academy

The LEAP Center is always looking for new ways to offer opportunities for SHSU students, and this fall, the Center has partnered with the FBI to offer a “Collegiate Academy.” The program, which takes place on Wednesday, November 12, offers up to 50 students an exposure to the FBI, its operations, its investigations, and potential careers with the agency.

Hosted by the FBI’s Houston field office, the program will offer (1) an FBI career panel, (2) a deep dive into art-related crime, and (3) live demonstrations. This unique opportunity is designed to offer transparent views of the FBI’s work, encourage an understanding of its mission, and potentially recruit students for careers in the FBI. It is one of many FBI-focused programs offered by SHSU’s LEAP Center.

LEAP Students Meet With FBI Agent Christopher Combs

Students from all majors are eligible to apply, but it is a competitive process. Only students with a 3.0 GPA (cumulative and SHSU) will be considered, and the FBI only considers students who are legally in the United States. Both SHSU and the FBI are involved in the selection process, with an SHSU committee selecting on various criteria (GPA, involvement in LEAP programs, career goals, organizational activities), and the FBI running background checks on students for clearances. Students should submit a professional resume using the model offered by Career Success Center and LEAP (which can be found at the bottom of this page) and submitting it while filling out the application.

LEAP Students Hear From FBI Director Christopher Wray

Students who apply to the program should have a good faith belief that they can be free from class and work obligations on Wednesday, November 12. Professor Yawn will send a note requesting an excused absence on behalf of accepted students, but it is the Professor’s discretion to decide whether to accept such an absence and whether to allow makeup work.

Pre-Law Society Students Hear From Former FBI Asst Director Frank Figliuzzi

The LEAP Center will rent a bus and provide transportation, with a departure time between 7:00am-7:15am. The program lasts from 9am-Noon, followed by a lunch. Students will likely be back at SHSU’s campus by 4pm.

Students needing more information should contact Professor Mike Yawn. The deadline to apply is October 24, but earlier submissions will be given preference. To apply to the program, fill out the linked form.

The Future of Emergency Response: Technology in Action

Real Time Crime Centers, bomb diffusion, robot dogs, and so much more! Today the LEAP Center had the opportunity to work with Blaine Pyles and Darren Parker from the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Bomb Squad to present the latest technology in emergency response: Spot, the robotic dog.

The LEAP Ambassadors and I, along with fellows students, enjoyed lunch with Mr. Parker and Mr. Pyles before the presentation. There, we learned about Parker’s time at SHSU, the use of high-pressure water cannons to set off bombs, and the use of Spot in crisis negotiations.

After the engaging lunch, we made our way to the presentation room, drawing interested stares from students and allowing Spot to make robotic friends.

And after being greet by one of our volunteers, Bailey Hopkins…

….Professor Mike Yawn gave a short introduction to the full house at the Future of Emergency Response presentation.

The introduction educated us on the use of Real Time Crime Centers as being good methods for actively recording and catching suspects of crimes. Information on the function of ALPR’s (Automatic License Plate Readers) was also shared. We learned how they assist in the processing of license plates, allowing officers to easily find those with warrants.

With that closing, it was time for Spot to have the “Spot” light.

He, along with his “handlers,” Mr. Parker and Mr. Pyles, provided an overview of his capabilities, which includes: picking up objects; dragging objects; “seeing” through cameras, which are transmitted to apps for the handlers to see; and even setting off combustible devices through the shooting of projectiles.

There was an audible reaction when Spot entered the room, and after permission to photograph was obtained, students took advantage of their phones. Spot did a series of pet tricks: pushups, a dance, a 360, sitting, and he even played dead.

Spot was also able to demonstrate his door-opening abilities, and he picked up a student’s backpack, giving us a glimpse of how he might operate in a crisis situation.

Mr. Pyles and Mr. Parker also discussed how Spot can assist with chemical emergencies: he can be equipped with a chemical reader, providing evidence of the levels of toxins in an environment.

Overall, the experience was a fun and educational way to learn all the different ways technology is transforming all aspects of law enforcement, and I even had a chance to control Spot at the end!

Thank you to Mr. Pyles and Mr. Parker for sharing such amazing technology with us all!

Transforming Criminal Justice Education at HSCJIT 2025

There are times when the fields of political science and criminal justice intersect. Today was the case for such an event when Professor Mike Yawn, the director of SHSU’s LEAP Center, was asked to present to the High School Criminal Justice Instructor Training (HSCJIT) Conference held annually on SHSU’s campus and sponsored by the University’s excellent College of Criminal Justice and organized by the wonderful Doris Pratt.

Designed for high-school teachers in the fields of criminal justice, law enforcement, and forensic science, the conference features presentations by experts in myriad disciplines, including: criminal investigations, victimology, forensic DNA, cybercrime, forensic psychology, corrections, and serial murder.

Indeed, Yawn’s session came on the heels of Dr. Mitchel Roth…

…who discussed his research on serial murderers…

…and, following a 15 minute break, Yawn discussed the interdisciplinary use of technology, with an emphasis on first responders.

Covering topics such as smart businesses, smart health devices, smart cities, and Real Time Response Centers, Yawn presented for approximately half-an hour to the 40-plus educators present.

The audience was polite and managed to stay awake (!) during Yawn’s presentation, which involved how technology can be used across major sectors of contemporary life. From ALPRs tracking our vehicles’ movements to the facial recognition of animals so that lost pets can be found.

The teachers really came alive, however, when the Arson and Explosive Squad of the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office came out to describe their jobs. The “bomb squad,” as they typically known, are licensed police officers–Darren Parker and Blaine Pyles–who specialize in explosives and arson.

Their work can take them to political events, where much explosive-sweeping is required, to large sporting events, to hostage situations and, of course, arson.

They have various equipment to assist with this, including separate robotic assistants, battering rams, state-of-the-art communications, drones, and more. The robotics were the hit of the show…

…but so were the bomb technicians, Parker and Pyles, who approach their job in the spirit of service, with courage, compassion, and competence, qualities on display throughout their presentation.

Indeed, following the event, many of the educators, Professor Yawn, and Parker and Pyles discussed future opportunities for collaboration–a way to benefit the public, higher education, and K-12, a win-win-win.

Many thanks to the College of Criminal Justice (and Ms. Doris Pratt), Darren Parker and Blaine Pyles, and the many high-school educators–all of whom are shaping the next generation of leaders.

The LEAP Center would like to thank LEAP Ambassadors Michelle Moya and Olivia Discon, who stepped up for this event; LEAP Center student worker Gabila Flores, who helped with photos and the blog; and volunteers Bailey Hopkins, Jacob Wessels, and Sofia Soto.

Bridging Military and Civilian Divides: Lessons from Admiral Kirby and the World Affairs Council

One of the most valuable aspects of the LEAP experience is the chance to learn from leaders who have dedicated their lives to public service. The World Affairs Council regularly provides such opportunities, and at the Royal Sonesta in Houston, we had the privilege of hearing from Admiral John Kirby.

Admiral Kirby began his career in the United States Navy as a Public Affairs Officer, which eventually led him to serve as Press Secretary for the Pentagon and later as Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council. Having worked under both the Obama and Biden administrations, Admiral Kirby has long been at the center of national security, communications, and public affairs.

The evening’s conversation, emceed by Sandiya Bayot…

…and introduced by WAC Board Chair Ken Tubman (President of PPA Resources)…

…and moderated by our good friend Ronan O’Malley, touched on a wide range of issues: foreign affairs with superpower nations, military missions and operations, the role of the media, and the importance of sharing information responsibly.

One of Admiral Kirby’s first reflections was on the difficulty of his role: explaining tough decisions to the American people. He emphasized that while he could not alter the facts or decisions already made, his responsibility was to provide clarity about why those decisions were in the nation’s best interest and how different choices might have carried heavier consequences.

On military matters, Admiral Kirby spoke about the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Afghanistan, and broader concerns about military culture. Regarding Russia, he explained how U.S. intelligence delayed some of Vladimir Putin’s plans and stressed the importance of declassifying information when possible. By making certain intelligence public, the U.S. can share insights with allies and citizens without compromising sources.

Reflecting on Afghanistan, he noted how the Vietnam War left a strained relationship between the press and the military. Later, steps were taken to rebuild trust, such as embedding reporters with platoons during the Bush administration. This gave journalists firsthand experience and allowed them to write more accurate, informed accounts for the American people.

Even with these improvements, Admiral Kirby expressed concern that military service is increasingly becoming “a family business,” passed down through generations. While traditions of service are admirable, he worries this could widen the divide between those who serve and the broader public. For him, bridging that gap remains essential.

A recurring theme throughout the evening was the power of stories and information. Admiral Kirby explained that every story matters, and sharing them connects the military to the people it serves. Stories, he said, keep the world turning.

The conversation then turned toward media and technology. Admiral Kirby noted that while the rapid spread of information makes misinformation difficult to contain, it also provides powerful opportunities when used correctly. He drew comparisons across history: President Kennedy mastering live television, Roosevelt using photography, and Lincoln embracing the telegraph. For today’s leaders, the revolutionizing force is technology and social media, and Admiral Kirby stressed the importance of adapting to it.

One of his most powerful points was that, regardless of political party, Americans ultimately want “information, not confirmation.” Rational decision-making, he reminded us, depends on honest, clear information.

On a personal note, I had the chance to meet Admiral Kirby before the event. As we arranged for a group photo, he asked me about my studies and future goals. When I shared that I wanted to become an attorney and later involve myself in politics, he responded with a smile: “You’ve got it, go get ’em!”

That moment reflected what made the entire evening so meaningful. Admiral Kirby has a rare ability to connect with people, whether addressing an audience of hundreds or speaking one-on-one. His insights were powerful, but it was his ability to inspire and make each person feel included in the conversation that left a lasting impression.

This event will remain one of my favorites from the World Affairs Council.

LEAPing into College: A Freshman’s Take on the LEAP Program

By Allison Plunk

Being a part of the LEAP program isn’t just about preparing for a career in law –it’s about learning to see the world through a new lens. I came to understand this during a presentation in Professor Yawn’s UNIV 1101 Pre-Law class, where LEAP Ambassadors Olivia McCaughan and Michelle Moya outlined the program and highlighted the wide range of opportunities it offers.

Through LEAP, students gain access to experiences that prepare them for the future—ranging from civic engagement, like volunteering at the Main Street Program’s Scare on the Square (which I look forward to participating in this October), to hearing from special guest speakers, to interning in Washington, D.C., Austin, and local government. I was especially delighted to learn that LEAP is not limited to students pursuing law school, but is open to anyone interested in making a difference in their community through civic work. LEAP members don’t volunteer to meet a quota, but rather to get involved in ways that are meaningful, impactful, and connected to their communities.

My first-year experience has also been shaped by UNIV 1101, a pre-law course designed to introduce students to the field. Professor Yawn’s daily quizzes extend a vast array of subjects, from LSAT prep to Emotional Intelligence to LEAP Ambassadors Olivia Discon and Michelle Moya’s Parasailing trip. True to law school style, at the end of each short quiz, students are called on to announce their answers to the class! On a whole, Univ 1101 has proven to be a very detail-oriented class, reminding our group of prospective lawyers the importance of every detail, even those that seem menial.

This focus on preparation carried into another highlight of my week: attending my first Pre-Law Society meeting alongside several of my UNIV 1101 classmates. We learned about several prospective law schools, including the University of Houston Law Center, South Texas College of Law, and Texas Tech Law, directly from their admissions representatives. We even received Pre-Law Society t-shirts, signifying our official place in the program! I also had the chance to meet our organization’s leaders as they reviewed the agenda and introduced our guest speakers.

As Michelle Moya explained, the Pre-Law Society is just one branch of the broader LEAP program. I’m eager to explore each branch throughout my four years at Sam Houston, confident that every experience—whether in the classroom, the community, or beyond—will bring me closer to the leader and lawyer I aspire to be.

Olivia McCaughan, Allison Plunk, and Michelle Moya

Outside the Classroom; Inside the CIA

LEAP Ambassadors enjoy learning in the classroom, a fact made evident by a collective 3.81 GPA. But the special part of the program is the learning outside of the classroom, where we work to expand our professional networks, learn new information, and venture outside our comfort zones. Such outcomes were on full display at the World Affairs Council‘s “Inside the CIA” event featuring Michael Ard.

A former CIA Analyst now teaching international affairs at Johns Hopkins University, Ard took us on a far-ranging tour of the CIA and the world in a discussion facilitated by everyone’s favorite moderator, Ronan O’Malley.

The CIA oversees 11 centers and undertakes, according to Ard, four major activities:

Analysis
Collection
Covert Action
Counterintelligence

Obviously, these actions involve sensitive operations, and Ard noted that this can lead to conflict with the rest of the world, the Congress, and, most notably, the President. The President relies heavily on the CIA, and when operations do not go well, it can lead to negative consequences for the Chief Executive, which can, in turn, lead to strained relationships. Nixon, in particular, was distrustful, a fact punctuated by Ard, when he quoted Nixon: “What are those clowns in Langley doing? Reading the newspaper?”

But it wasn’t just Nixon: JFK felt burned after The Bay of Pigs disaster in Cuba; Congress was disillusioned during the Church Hearings in the 1970s, when many of the CIA’s activities came to light; and George W. Bush, according to Ard, was sorely disappointed in the CIA’s investigation into Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) in Iraq.

Speaking of which, during Q&A, the audience asked whether the Bush Administration put pressure on the CIA to find what it wanted to find: WMD. Ard said, “No.”

He encouraged the audience to read the Silberman-Robb report, noting that the biggest problem in Iraq was that Hussein wanted some countries (his regional enemies) to believe he had WMD, and he wanted us to believe he didn’t. This caused him to act with much furtiveness, which was then interpreted as guilty behavior. It wasn’t correct, he noted, but it was a reasonable conclusion.

Ard was also asked whether any movies get the CIA right. The former analyst noted he doesn’t watch a lot of movies, and he was generally dismissive (“they’re movies”), but he noted that “Argo” had the right feel, and “The Sum of All Fears” captured some of the banter among analysts.

Following the event, Dr. Ard put on his professorial hat, and spoke to us as students for a while.

Even as he noted the challenges associated with recent budget cuts, he was encouraging, prompting us to dream big, take opportunities, and to be assertive in putting our goals into action.

Next Stop, Italy! World Affairs Council’s Culinary Passport Series

by Jacob Wessels

LEAP students added another country to its World Affairs Council culinary passport: Italy. While Italy is most known for pizzas, pastas and their ketchup-despising attitude, it is also known as the wine capital of the world. We learned more about wine and its profound impact on people’s lives.

In true European fashion, there was plenty of snacking to be had, rather than a full-course meal. A variety of cheeses and meats ensued, and we spent time conversing in the beautiful Italian Cultural and Community Center.

The speaker for the evening, Ferdinando Favara, has grown up appreciating this aspect of Italian culture his whole life. His family, who has longstanding roots in the wine industry, have a vineyard in Sicily–which we came to learn is on the up-and-up in terms of regional “quality”. Favara helped his grandmother in the wine fields starting at just 14 years old.

Ferdinando spoke about how wine helps to bring people together. His “philosophy”, so to speak, is that wine creates stories, keeps stories alive, and connects people in a vital way. While LEAP students didn’t personally indulge in any wine tasting, it was fun to partake in the storytelling and learn about the many intricacies that come with a high-quality experience. Much like the efforts of the LEAP Center!

He also talked about the deep history of wine which started 3,000 years ago in Sicily. Sicily, which is the largest island in the Mediterranean, uses a terrace-type farming technique. It uses this form of farming because it has the largest active volcano in Europe! Our discussion then traveled to Piemonte, once the land of the King of Italy. While on the verbal excursion, we learned the king entrusted his vineyard to one of his servants (who was rumored to be one of his lovers!), a legacy that lives on today. This region is home to one of the oldest vineyards in all of Italy.

LEAP students truly appreciated attending another World Affairs Council program which has helped broaden our understanding of the world around us. While we didn’t engage in the wine component of the evening, we definitely appreciated Italy’s culture, history and significance in the wine industry.

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