Summary

Recognizing the need for responsible resource stewardship and innovative solutions, our research focuses on developing resilient coastal infrastructure capable of withstanding windstorms and seismic events. Coastal regions face significant threats from these natural disasters, resulting in substantial reconstruction costs and potential loss of life. Therefore, fostering resilient communities through proactive strategies is essential. Our team innovates structural designs and retrofits existing infrastructure to enhance survivability during critical events, moving beyond conventional coastal defenses to more adaptable approaches.

Louisiana's experience with catastrophic windstorm losses drives our commitment to safety and economic protection. While primarily at risk from windstorms, certain areas in the US may also face seismic risks. Consequently, our research enhances resilience and addresses the specific needs of these communities. By engaging diverse perspectives and collaborating with local stakeholders, we ensure our findings are accessible and beneficial to all affected by these disasters. This includes integrating considerations for severe weather events and seismic activity into early planning stages to minimize maintenance costs and mitigate future vulnerabilities.

Our research also provides valuable educational opportunities for students and emerging researchers, emphasizing skills-based workforce development and broadening participation in STEM fields. By empowering communities through education and meaningful engagement, we collectively address challenges exacerbated by windstorms while promoting a robust future.

The implications of our work extend across various infrastructure types in disaster scenarios, including residential homes, offshore structures, bridges, transportation systems, and energy facilities. By leveraging our findings, we aim to inform policy decisions and industry practices that enable effective disaster preparedness and response strategies.

Ultimately, our objective is to empower communities through innovative, market-driven solutions that prepare for changing conditions, withstand disruptions, stimulate economic growth, and elevate the quality of life for all residents. We emphasize collaborative approaches that integrate efficient resource management while ensuring our solutions benefit those at risk from both windstorms and seismic events. These solutions mitigate storm impacts, preserve resources, protect critical infrastructure, and enhance overall community resilience against multiple hazards.

Selected Publications