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Joshua M

- Research Program Mentor

PhD candidate at Vanderbilt University

Expertise

Civil Engineering, General Engineering, Community resilience, Risk & reliability, Education

Bio

I am a Ph.D. student interested in how communities can adapt and prepare for adverse events like natural disasters. Disasters are at the intersection of a lot of other fields of study and because of this, my research experiences have exposed me to a variety of fields, ranging from hard sciences like geophysics and seismology to social sciences & education. I also love teaching and disseminating practical information to those who need it. When I am not researching, I am likely to be in the gym/outdoors, reading philosophy/history/psychology books, or trying to pick up a new hobby (Chess currently)

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Survey on views of disaster/natural hazard risk in "X" region

The student will learn to craft survey questions and poll their community about topics related to climate, natural hazard risk, and preparedness strategies to see how people understand the risks in their environment. This can help determine the types of information leaders should focus on promoting when informing the community about a natural hazard risk and what groups & demographics (e.g. 18-35 yrs. old) should be targeted. The student will be encouraged to think critically about why there may/may not be gaps in understanding for different groups. This project will introduce the student to survey development, obtaining permission for human subjects research, statistics, and improve science communication skills

Coding skills

R, Python (Intermediate)

Languages I know

Spanish (Beginner (Speaking)/Intermediate (Reading & Writing))

Credentials

Education

North Carolina A&T State University
BS Bachelor of Science
Civil & Environmental Engineering
Vanderbilt University
PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate
Civil Engineering

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