The increasing frequency and intensity of environmental hazards such as floods, wildfires, and mudslides pose significant risks to California communities. To address these risks, an interdisciplinary research team from the University of California, Irvine has come together to study and develop solutions for these complex issues. With experts from diverse fields including environmental science, engineering, urban planning, and social sciences the team aims to tackle the root causes of these disasters and work towards building resilience in these communities. Through collaborative efforts, the team seeks to bring about positive change and alleviate the impact of natural disasters on vulnerable populations.
Brett Sanders, Ph.D.
Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
His research focus on compound urban and costal flooding hazards, performance of flood control infrastructure, and simulation tools to support decision-making.
Doug Houston, Ph.D.
Professor of Urban Planning and Public Policy
His research investigates urban and environmental sustainability, community health and perceptions and impacts of environmental hazards.
Omar Pérez Figueroa, Ph.D, M.S
Postdoctoral Fellow, Civil and Environmental Engineering
His research interests focus on understanding how community-based movements and marginalized communities address environmental inequalities, with a special focus on water issues.
Jochen Schubert, Ph.D.
Research Specialist, Civil and Environmental Engineering
His leverage fine-resolution geospatial data and novel processing methods to support flood hazard mapping and communication, with the aim of promoting urban and regional resilience to flooding.
Ariane Jong-Levinger, M.S
Graduate Student Researcher, Civil and Environmental Engineering
She is focused on modeling the interconnected influences of wildfire, storms, and flood management infrastructure on post-fire flood and debris flows.