The Center for Emergency Management and Homeland Security Policy Research at The University of Akron is a partnership between the university and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency.  A relatively new structure, the Center is the culmination of over a decade of working relationship between professors Grant and Hoover and state and local emergency response and emergency management personnel.  Dr. David H. Hoover and Dr. Nancy Grant are co-directors and bring their relative areas of expertise to bear on the research training and other projects in the Center.   Following the passage of the SARA Title III: Emergency Response Planning and Community Right-to-Know in 1986, Drs. Hoover and Grant were involved in training around the state of Ohio to inform Medical, professionals public health professions and public safety responders about the dangers of and methods of preparing for potential hazardous materials disasters.   Much of these efforts found their way into a co-authored book entitled: SARA Title III:  Intent and Implementation of Hazardous Materials Legislation. 

Subsequent research on the developing and expanding role of fire chiefs as department heads and fire officers as managers, Drs. Grant and Hoover co-authored Fire Service Administration.  Their research has included after action reports on the crash of United flight 93 in Shanksville Pennsylvania on 9/11/2001, The Medina Steam Engine Explosion in Ohio in 2002 and the Fort Worth Tornado in 2000.  They have presented nationally and internationally in the areas of emergency management and public safety.

Dr. Hoover also serves as the Director of the Training Center for Fire and Hazardous Materials that brings the University, government and industry together into one comprehensive regional center to integrate educational programs, fire and hazardous materials training and other applications of fire and safety technology. The center coordinates seminars and workshops presented by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Division of State Fire Marshal and other related organizations. Training in all phases of hazardous materials containment and fire prevention and control is provided under contract to various municipalities, industries and agencies. The programs are supported by the faculty of the Fire Protection Technology degree program in association with other state and nationally recognized professionals.  The Training Center has been in successful operation for over 15 years and is currently expanding its activities.

Dr. Grant has served as department chair of Public Administration and Urban Studies, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Acting Dean of University College.  Additionally, she is charge of the internship and assistantship program in the department, which is in keeping with the service-learning nature of her courses. 

©Center for Emergency Management and Homeland Security Policy Research - - Contact Claudia J. Coleman (330) 252-0113