Following Burawoy's lead, I try to practice Public Sociology that supports individuals and communities. Below I describe my service and volunteering activities and how I collaborate with practitioners. Also there is a link to a public google drive folder that has sets of reports and resources on long-term recovery. 

Long-term recovery resources

PictureWith the LTRG in Mayfield, KY 2022
​

Getting disaster recovery going is a confusing time for both local officials and local nonprofits and community leaders. I offer my experience and connections across the US to interested communities as they develop their plans. Feel free to reach out to me to learn more.

​Also, this google drive folder provides various documents related to long-term disaster recovery that may be useful for community organizations. These include:
  • research reports from our projects
  • social vulnerability and disaster risk analysis for different communities (if you are interested in having one made for your community, please email!)
  • long-term recovery plans and protocols (including examples from cities across the U.S.)
  • guidebooks and readings from nonprofits on doing long-term recovery work

Collaborative Reports

Collaborating with GeoHazards International, I provided focus group and survey research to support the develop of guidance on earthquake protective actions. Protective actions are those actions taken just when the ground starts shaking that can save lives. The new reports by GHI (found here) describe the different actions and implementation strategies across the world. 

I've also collaborated with the Stephenson Disaster Management Institute at LSU for recent evacuation behavior studies. These help local officials and emergency managers predict population evacuation during hurricanes and plan for shelters and traffic. 

Public Reports and Presentations

Following research activities, we develop reports to give back to the communities. We provide open meetings where we discuss drafts of the reports first, and then revise based on participant feedback. These include several completed by a graduate seminar who did service learning to assist two disaster-affected communities. 

I've also attended local meetings and conferences to provide research results and data to practitioners, such as local public health and emergency management staff. 

Consulting

During the past few years, I have used my skills on several projects for research, nonprofit, and service organizations. I work with community members and organizational representatives on:
  • Design and analysis of electronic surveys
  • Organization, conducting, and analysis of focus groups
  • Content analysis of organizational and public policy documents
  • Telephone interviews
  • Evaluation of program and training outcomes
  • Condensing of academic literature into practical templates for organizations and communities

Some of my consulting examples include:
  • Design and analyze electronic surveys of professional risk management communicators to understand obstacles to communicating earthquake protective action messages to the public across the world (in collaboration with GeoHazard International).
  • Design electronic surveys of the public in India, Peru, and Turkey to understand what earthquake protective action messages they receive and from where. This information was used to develop best practices in risk messaging (in collaboration with GeoHazard International)
  • Document analysis of emergency management policies and guidelines in relation to access and functional needs concerns (in collaboration with EAD & Associates).
Picture
ASA awards ceremony for Outstanding Student of Applied Research.

Select Media Articles

Recovery after disaster can take years, and nonprofits play many pivotal roles. 2022. The Conversation

Want to Help after a Disaster? Consider Waiting a Bit 2018 The Conversation.

Working with the Cajun Navy. Optimizing the Use of Volunteers in Disaster Response. 2018. NSF Press Release

Nonprofit Coordination and Managing Donations: Hidden Keys to Recovery 9/15/2017 Natural Hazards Center

Harnessing Generosity of Communities to Rebuild Better 12/4/2017 Center for Disaster Philanthropy

Time, Thought is Needed so Flood Recovery Efforts Don't Become New Disaster 12/7/2017 The Fayette County Record 

​

Research Posters

Picture
My poster skills are growing exponentially! And I love it - get to be creative and colorful and communicate science in such fun ways! I've made ones for myself, for CDRA, and for my adviser. 

Conferences 

Picture
CDRA at 2011 Natural Hazards Workshop.
I've presented regularly at sociological and hazards related academic conferences. I also attend practitioner conferences across Texas and the US.