Threat Investigations and Analysis: A Conversation About Diplomatic Security Careers

Wednesday, 09 Oct 2024 at 5:30 pm – Cardinal Room, Memorial Union

The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) leads worldwide security and law enforcement efforts to advance U.S. foreign policy and safeguard national security interests. Careers include special agents, security engineering officers, security technical specialists, and diplomatic couriers.Mr. Paul R Houston is a Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) and the Assistant Director of the DSS, Directorate of Threat Investigations and Analysis (TIA) at the U.S. Department of State. In this role, Mr. Houston manages all source information analysis and dissemination for the protection of U.S. government equities, interests, and personnel around the globe. Mr. Houston is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Minister-Counselor and a DSS Special Agent.Mr. Houston received a BA degree in political science and international business at the University of Iowa and a master’s degree in national security policy and international economics from the University of Kentucky’s Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce.The conversation about DSS careers will be moderated by Dr. Karen Kedrowski, director of the ISU Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics.Please note: this event will not be recorded.
The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) leads worldwide security and law enforcement efforts to advance U.S. foreign policy and safeguard national security interests. Careers include special agents, security engineering officers, security technical specialists, and diplomatic couriers.Mr. Paul R Houston is a Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) and the Assistant Director of the DSS, Directorate of Threat Investigations and Analysis (TIA) at the U.S. Department of State. In this role, Mr. Houston manages all source information analysis and dissemination for the protection of U.S. government equities, interests, and personnel around the globe. Mr. Houston is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Minister-Counselor and a DSS Special Agent.Mr. Houston received a BA degree in political science and international business at the University of Iowa and a master’s degree in national security policy and international economics from the University of Kentucky’s Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce.The conversation about DSS careers will be moderated by Dr. Karen Kedrowski, director of the ISU Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics.Please note: this event will not be recorded.

Stay for the entire event, including the brief question-and-answer session that follows the formal presentation. Most events run 75 minutes.

Sign-ins are after the event concludes. For lectures in the Memorial Union, go to the information desk in the Main Lounge. In other academic buildings, look for signage outside the auditorium.

Lecture Etiquette

  • Stay for the entire lecture and the brief audience Q&A. If a student needs to leave early, he or she should sit near the back and exit discreetly.
  • Do not bring food or uncovered drinks into the lecture.
  • Check with Lectures staff before taking photographs or recording any portion of the event. There are often restrictions. Cell phones, tablets and laptops may be used to take notes or for class assignments.
  • Keep questions or comments brief and concise to allow as many as possible.