Summary

In response to the pressing challenges posed by limited resources and sustainability constraints, our research endeavors are dedicated to the development of a highly resilient coastal infrastructure. With the intensifying impact of windstorms driven by climate change, coastal regions face a significant threat. Consequently, fostering a resilient community becomes imperative in mitigating the extensive costs associated with reconstruction efforts, as well as minimizing the loss of life and property. Our team's primary focus lies in retrofitting existing infrastructure and devising novel structural designs that optimize survivability against windstorms.

Located in a hurricane-prone region, Louisiana and the southern United States have experienced catastrophic losses, thus compelling our research to drive innovation and enhance structural designs for heightened safety and economic protection. However, it is crucial to recognize that underrepresented groups often bear the brunt of the devastating impacts of windstorms. Therefore, our research not only seeks to enhance resilience but also aims to address the specific needs of these vulnerable communities. By including their perspectives and engaging in equitable collaboration, we strive to ensure that our findings and solutions are accessible and beneficial to those who suffer the most from windstorms.

Moreover, beyond its immediate impact, our research offers valuable educational opportunities for students and researchers, with a particular emphasis on fostering diversity and inclusion. We aim to provide underrepresented groups with enhanced access to educational resources and real-world learning experiences in the field of resilient infrastructure. By empowering these communities through education and meaningful engagement, we can collectively address the disparities exacerbated by windstorms and work towards a more equitable and resilient future.

The implications of our work extend far and wide, encompassing infrastructure design for various windstorm scenarios, such as residential homes, offshore structures, bridges, transportation infrastructure, and energy systems (including wind turbines, solar panels, and petrochemical structures). By leveraging our research findings, we seek to inform policy decisions and industry practices, enabling more effective disaster preparedness and response strategies.

Ultimately, our overarching objective is to enhance the community's capacity to prepare for and adapt to changing conditions, withstand and swiftly recover from disruptions, stimulate economic growth, and elevate the overall quality of life for all, with particular attention to the underrepresented groups disproportionately affected by windstorms.

Selected Publications