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.
Collaborative ReportsCollaborating 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 PresentationsFollowing 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. ConsultingDuring 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:
Some of my consulting examples include:
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Media ArticlesWant 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
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
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.