Diversity

We study disaster to reduce the risk they pose through customized mathematical models. Models, abstract and simplified conceptualizations of the real world, play a central role in both science and decision-making, but they are also prone to bias and misrepresentation. We take a proactive approach to the inclusion of diverse voices provided by different scientific disciplines, the tremendous practical knowledge assembled by practitioners, and the often-ignored perspectives of communities at risk, particularly historically marginalized communities. We celebrate the diversity of lived human experiences and the way they influence how we perceive, model, navigate, understand, and ultimately change the world around us. 

We understand that everyone joins our research group with a different skill set, individual motivations, and ideas for how to make progress on reducing disaster risk.  We excitedly welcome this diversity in skills, motivations and experiences. Acknowledging that science has a long track record of exclusivity, we also realize that making progress towards diversity and inclusion requires continued engagement from each one of us and a commitment to confront the sometimes uncomfortable topics of racism and discrimination as they arise. This statement is meant to serve as a constantly evolving framework by which we can express our ideas for improvement in a safe environment.