DS 17 Less Than Lethal

Problem Statement

 

The Department of State needs a repeatedly deployable less-than-lethal security system that can be standardized across all U.S. embassies to ensure the safety of the facility and those who work there. DoS is currently using canister-based tear gas as their only Less-Than-Lethal security system at U.S. embassies abroad. However, the current system has many flaws. Components that trigger the firing of the tear gas are hazardous and thus difficult to transport internationally, as well as create a burden when it comes to disposal. Additionally, the canisters are single–use and require a Marine to physically go out and reload the system, putting them at risk and pulling them away from other vital duties in the event of a security threat.  As tear gas is the only available LTL system, it leaves the Marines with few choices to respond to large crowds or attackers at different points of escalation.  

Solution

 

Our solution is a multilayered approach to escalating aggression. Our response utilizes exciting and explored systems, while introducing our new innovative OC nozzle system. 

Meet the Team

Adonis Ortiz

Adonis Ortiz (pronouns: he/him/his) is a senior double major in Political Science and International affairs with a minor in pre-law. Adonis was on the JMU debate team for two years, where he was the team’s Vice President, nationally recognized as a first-year Debater of the Year, and led his team to a national championship in 2022. Adonis also has participated in other activities such as the EU Schuman challenge at JMU, where he presented to EU members to help find solutions for the Afghanistan conflict; campaigned for city council members in New York including Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, and for President Joe Biden in the 2020 elections; interned and worked as a temporary employee at the Hispanic Federation as a Policy analyst and Legislative Assistant for six months. Adonis is passionate about creating common ground and plans to pursue a career in domestic policy with the goal of potentially running for office in New York.  

Bonnie Pohland

Bonnie Pohland is a junior pursuing dual bachelor’s degrees in International Affairs and Economics with a minor in Russian Studies. Bonnie’s recent accomplishments include: producing a 3,500-word research paper titled U.S. Support for Ukraine: A Critical Component of U.S. Grand Strategy; representing JMU in the 2023 Mid-Atlantic Model European Union simulation and receiving an award for Best Delegate; studying abroad in Lithuania and Latvia for a Russian language immersion program; and completing two internships. In addition to her dedication to research and deep interests in international diplomacy, global trade, and national defense, Bonnie believes in the importance of service. She has served on the JMU Club Taekwondo Executive Board as Treasurer, Social Media Manager, Social Co-Chair, and instructor in self-defense seminars for fellow students. She is also an inaugural member of the College of Arts and Letters Student Advisory Council which seeks to represent student interests and connect alumni with students.  

Isabella Santo

Isabella Santos is a junior studying International Affairs and Political Science, with minors in Asian Studies and Economics. During her sophomore year, she was the youngest participant in James Madison University’s Washington Semester Program, where she interned for the then Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, Central Asia, the Pacific, and Non-Proliferation. She has been selected to attend two international conferences representing JMU and was invited to speak on a student panel addressing university leaders from around the world in Hiroshima, Japan in August 2023. Through experiences with internships, leadership roles in extracurriculars, and sessions of simulated diplomacy, Isabella has committed her undergraduate career to public service. After graduating in May 2025, Isabella plans to pursue a career in foreign policy and national security in the federal government

BriAnna Thweatt

BriAnna Thweatt is a junior double majoring in Writing, Rhetoric, & Technical Communications as well as Media Arts & Design and a minor in Honors. During her first year on campus, BriAnna became involved with the university’s yearbook The Bluestone, and then was promoted to Copyeditor during her junior year where she oversaw a full staff of writers for the year. BriAnna also was a news writer for JMU’s newspaper The Breeze and a member of the University Program Board. Also, for a semester, BriAnna led an undergraduate student-run journal titled RhetTech for her major. After graduating BriAnna hopes to break into the journalism field whether it be print, digital, or broadcast.