Penn State awardpresented at GEOINT 2015 Symposium 

Washington, D.C. (June 24, 2015)—This afternoon at the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation’s (USGIF) GEOINT 2015 Symposium, the 2015 Lt. Michael P. Murphy Award in Geospatial Intelligence was presented to Geoffrey D. Krassy, an air interdiction agent for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (DHS CBP). David Alexander, director of the Department of Homeland Security Geospatial Management Office, presented the award to Krassy on the Government Pavilion Stage in the GEOINT 2015 Exhibit Hall. 

The Murphy Award is named for Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a distinguished Penn State alumnus. Murphy was killed June 28, 2005, by enemy forces during a reconnaissance mission in Afghanistan. For his selfless leadership and courageous actions, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. The Murphy Award recognizes achievement by a Penn State graduate who is serving or has served in the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. Intelligence Community. Recipients are chosen based upon demonstration of exceptional contributions to the discipline after completing Penn State’s graduate certificate in geospatial intelligence.

"Geoff’s experience as a Special Operations Pilot combined with his education achievements in geospatial science resulted in a uniquely insightful and practical study addressing the optimal placement of radar to detect low-altitude, ultralight aircraft crossing the U.S. border,” said Dr. Todd Bacastow, professor of practice for geospatial intelligence at Pennsylvania State University. “Geoff’s work offers invaluable lessons into how automated geospatial analysis might be used by the defensive planner."

Since 2007, Krassy has served as a CBP air interdiction agent along the U.S. southern border. He also served on the project team that integrates fixed wing patrol aircraft remote sensing capabilities into a common geospatial picture, maximizing the seamless transfer of data between, and interoperability of, DHS air, marine, and, ground forces. Krassy recently achieveda master of professional studies in homeland securityfrom Penn State and holds a bachelor’s degree in history from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Penn. Following graduation from King’s College in 1989, Krassy served as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force with Special Operations Forces in the European and African theaters.

“We at USGIF are truly honored to support this award, given in the name of Medal of Honor recipient Lt. Michael Murphy,” said USGIF CEO Keith Masback. “Further, having the award presented annually at the GEOINT Symposium serves as an important reminder to our attendees about the consequences of the work performed by GEOINT professionals every day. Geoff Krassy exemplifies the very best our profession has to offer and is richly deserving of this meaningful recognition.”

The generosity of USGIF, the DigitalGlobe Foundation, and faculty, staff, and friends of Penn State fund the Murphy Award.

About USGIF

USGIF is a nonprofit educational foundation dedicated to promoting the geospatial intelligence tradecraft and developing a stronger GEOINT Community with government, industry, academia, professional organizations, and individuals who develop and apply geospatial intelligence to address national security challenges. USGIF executes its mission by building the community, advancing the tradecraft, and accelerating innovation. The GEOINT Symposium is hosted annually by USGIF.

For more information, please visit www.USGIF.org and follow USGIF on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.


CONTACT:

Kristin Quinn 
Editorial Director 
United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation
703-793-0109, ext. 115
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