ABOUT ME

Active in both practice and research, I have worked in the field of international development planning and disaster risk management for more than 20 years, specializing in disaster management planning, urban and regional planning, and community development. In 2013, I was designated an Associate Professor at the International Research Center for Disaster Science (IRIDeS) at Tohoku University, focusing on disaster research and advocating better rebuilding after disasters. Prior to joining IRIDeS, I worked as an Urban Specialist at the World Bank. I have also worked as an international development planner and researcher with bi and multilateral organizations; national, regional, and local governments; and communities in more than ten countries across East and South Asia, South America, and Eastern Europe.

My recent work has primarily centered on planning and researching post-disaster rebuilding after large-scale disasters in urban and coastal areas, including Aceh and Yogyakarta, Indonesia (post-Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 and post-Merapi eruption of 2010), Tohoku, Japan (post-Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011), New York City, USA (post-Hurricane Sandy of 2012), Tacloban, Philippines (post-Haiyan typhoon of 2013), and Kathmandu, Nepal (post-Gorkha earthquake of 2015). I have over 25 publications from peer reviewed journals, official publications, book chapters, and conference papers. I have presented my research and professional work at key academic and international conferences. I have an established track record of receiving intra and extramural grants to fund my research, and has received awards for my work. I hold a BS from Tsukuba University, an MRP from Cornell University, and a PhD from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, in urban and regional planning.