OVERVIEW
I work for the Research Alliance for Disaster and Risk Reduction (RADAR), a teaching a research centre in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
Disasters, associated with both natural and human-induced hazards, are becoming a global concern. RADAR works to advance capacity building and knowledge generation in the disaster risk field, in the Western Cape, South Africa and the continent. We frame our work on the knowledge that disasters are not inevitable and that they can be avoided by tackling the development problems that underlie them. We focus on understanding the risk environment, the factors driving the risk of disasters and how to address these, as well as strengthening capacity to reduce risk and respond more effectively to disasters when they occur. We do this through applied research, academic programmes and short course training, as well as outreach activities in local communities, particularly informal settlements and other low-income areas. Many of our research projects provide service-learning opportunities for our students and short course participants.
I have been an applied researcher for over 22 years. Although my current focus is on understanding disaster risk and risk reduction, I have also worked in the development field and in a range of subject areas, including HIV/AIDS issues, human security and crime victimisation. Since joining RADAR is 2013, my research has focused on the urban risk environment, particularly the challenges faced by low-income communities, flooding and wildfire, and I have led interdisciplinary post-event reviews of high-impact weather events and fires. I continue to undertake research in vulnerable communities, and work closely with disaster management authorities to strengthen capacity within government to prevent and better respond to disasters.
I convene RADAR's two postgraduate programmes, a Postgraduate Diploma in Disaster Risk Studies and Development, and an MPhil in Disaster Risk Science and Development. I am also a trainer, designing and teaching commissioned short courses for professionals in the field, on the linkages between disasters and development, disaster risk management and resilience.
Disasters, associated with both natural and human-induced hazards, are becoming a global concern. RADAR works to advance capacity building and knowledge generation in the disaster risk field, in the Western Cape, South Africa and the continent. We frame our work on the knowledge that disasters are not inevitable and that they can be avoided by tackling the development problems that underlie them. We focus on understanding the risk environment, the factors driving the risk of disasters and how to address these, as well as strengthening capacity to reduce risk and respond more effectively to disasters when they occur. We do this through applied research, academic programmes and short course training, as well as outreach activities in local communities, particularly informal settlements and other low-income areas. Many of our research projects provide service-learning opportunities for our students and short course participants.
I have been an applied researcher for over 22 years. Although my current focus is on understanding disaster risk and risk reduction, I have also worked in the development field and in a range of subject areas, including HIV/AIDS issues, human security and crime victimisation. Since joining RADAR is 2013, my research has focused on the urban risk environment, particularly the challenges faced by low-income communities, flooding and wildfire, and I have led interdisciplinary post-event reviews of high-impact weather events and fires. I continue to undertake research in vulnerable communities, and work closely with disaster management authorities to strengthen capacity within government to prevent and better respond to disasters.
I convene RADAR's two postgraduate programmes, a Postgraduate Diploma in Disaster Risk Studies and Development, and an MPhil in Disaster Risk Science and Development. I am also a trainer, designing and teaching commissioned short courses for professionals in the field, on the linkages between disasters and development, disaster risk management and resilience.