In November 2024, MSEE researchers from RA3-FA2 and DTRA technical points of contact visited the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in San Antonio, TX to exchange information and research results relevant to the prompt defeat of chemical, biological, and pharmaceutical warfare agents.  Matthew Blais, Institute Scientist at SwRI, hosted the DTRA and MSEE team alongside SwRI researchers Shawn Blumberg, Kristen Favela, and Bill Williamson.

The two-day visit consisted of technical presentations from both SwRI and MSEE researchers and tours of SwRI’s numerous cutting-edge facilities.  The visit helped confirm the results and efficacy of MSEE’s basic research on prompt defeat of chemical warfare agents, shed light on additional threats and defeat technologies, and develop a pathway for future information exchanges.  As shown through previous interactions with SwRI at the MSEE-hosted Simulants Workshop and technical meetings, this partnership helps expand the MSEE knowledge base and identify transition opportunities for our basic research efforts.  Information gathered from this exchange will help inform future research directions as MSEE looks towards its first option period.