Disaster research shines at Disastrous Doctorates

How would freight be affected in the wake of a disaster and could playing games help governments make tricky decisions around climate adaptation?

These are ideas being discussed this week at ‘Disastrous Doctorates’, a symposium for PhD students working in emergency management research. Researchers from around the country met at University of Waikato to share new research and learn from each other. 

Key note speaker gives a presentation

The annual two-day symposium is organised for PhD students, by PhD students, and is funded by Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake and QuakeCoRE.

Attendees heard about new disaster related research across a range of disciplines including social sciences, geography and artificial intelligence, from both established and emerging researchers.

Among them was keynote speaker Dr Cécile L'Hermitte (Waikato), who presented new research that visualises the reality and complexity of freight operations in the wake of a disaster in New Zealand.  

Other research included Nimasha Herath (Victoria University of Wellington), who shared how deep learning and earth observations can be used to better forecast flooding.  

Eleanor Chaos (Victoria University of Wellington) demonstrated how ‘serious games’ can help government officials make decisions about climate adaptation. 

Students enjoy lunch at Disastrous Doctorates

Michelle Gillman (Massey) presented research into improving health and safety for New Zealand’s frontline emergency responders, 80% of whom are volunteers. 

PhD student in structural engineering at the University of Waikato, Shubham Tiwari, is the president of the Hamilton Student Chapter of Disastrous Doctorates and helped organise this year’s symposium.  

Shubham says the event, now in its 18th year, is always a rewarding experience both as a presenter and organiser.  

“It’s an excellent platform not only for presenting our work but for networking with fellow PhD students researching hazards across universities in New Zealand.”

NHC’s Head of Research, Dr Natalie Balfour, says NHC is proud to fund this long-standing staple in the disaster research calendar.  

“It’s a unique event because it’s fully student-run, and it’s fantastic to see how much value students get out of it every year. Many leaders in natural hazards field today remember attending this event as students, and the connections fostered there help make the sector a tight-knit and collaborative community.”