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Sarah Willette

Studying towards a PhD in Disaster, Risk & Resilience

27 November 2023
HOW TO APPLY

Location: Ernest Rutherford 262

I am an interdisciplinary researcher with a keen interest in social-environmental hazard risk management and analysis. In order to address some of our most complex and pressing risk reduction challenges, I believe we need to connect various academic disciplines, government bodies, and communities. Integrating mini传媒 perspectives, skills, methodologies, and worldviews into risk reduction initiatives can help foster resilience to future emergencies.

My doctoral research project centres on the social-environmental issue of international migrant exposure to hazard risk in Aotearoa New Zealand. Both social and environmental factors drive international migration, and existing research suggests that migrants are often more vulnerable to and disproportionately affected by natural hazard events. However, we do not have sufficient knowledge about where, how, and why migrants are exposed to natural hazard risk. Understanding this is crucial for emergency planning, response, and recovery, especially in Aotearoa New Zealand, which is home to both a mini传媒 range of natural hazards and a high proportion of international migrants (27% of population born overseas) (Statistics New Zealand, 2018).听

To study migrant exposure comprehensively and consider its social-environmental drivers, I鈥檓 integrating methods from physical, geospatial, and social sciences. This involves mapping and interpreting quantitative hazard and sociodemographic data, as well as a qualitative 鈥榙eep dive鈥 with community members and other key stakeholders.听

I hold a BA in Anthropology and English Literature from Oberlin College (USA), and a MSc in Development Studies (Distinction) from Victoria University of Wellington (NZ).

Supervisors:

Primary Supervisor:听Sarah Beaven
Co-Supervisor:听Thomas Robinson
Additional Supervisor:听Malcolm Campbell

Research Interests
  • Interdisciplinary disaster risk reduction
  • Social-ecological systems
  • Exposure and risk assessment
  • GIS
  • Environmental justice

Working thesis title

The exposure of international migrants to (natural) hazards: An Aotearoa New Zealand case study

Academic History

BA, Oberlin College (2016)

Master of Development Studies, Victoria University of Wellington (2020)

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