Our Mission

The mission of the Center for Disaster Management is to educate the next generation of researchers, analysts, policy makers and professional managers in disaster management-related disciplines through a world-class integrated program of innovative knowledge generation. It will enhance the quality of the educational experience for graduate and professional students who participate in the Center’s research and education projects.
  

The Center for Disaster Management at GSPIA conducts research on decision making in the rapidly changing, complex environments of disaster risk, response, and recovery. It also Is developing a decision support system for practicing managers operating in uncertain environments. Further, it provides opportunities for research experience and mentoring for students preparing for professional careers in disaster risk reduction and management.

The Center provides a visible point of contact for public agencies at local, state, national and international levels of jurisdiction for research and education in disaster management.

Program Spotlight - JIISIS

JIISIS, or Java Interactive, Intelligent, Spatial Information System is a working prototype decision support system designed with, and for, practicing emergency managers. It is designed to improve interactive communication, coordination, and collective action among public organizations engaged in the shared task of managing risk to people, property, and continuity of operations in communities exposed to hazards.

 

CDM Hosts Chinese Scholar Dr. Zhang Haibo

04/23/2012

The Center for Disaster Management (CDM) recently hosted a reception in honor of Dr. Zhang Haibo (Associate Professor and Deputy Director for the Research Center on the Management of Social Risk and Public Crisis in the School of Government at Nanjing University), who is spending a month in residence at Pitt engaging in research collaboration and advising graduate students.  Dr. Zhang presented a paper on “The Wenzhou High Speed Train Crash: Is it the Failure of Governmental Emergency Management?” at the CDM’s recent conference on “Disaster Management in 2011: A Global Perspective.”   Read more.

GSPIA Perspectives Has Arrived!

8/01/2011

The 2011 edition of GSPIA Perspectives highlights the School's long-standing commitment to promoting federal service. From founding Dean Donald Stone to today's alumni and students, Perspectives tells, through stories and photographs, the GSPIA community's commitment to building a better world. Read more.

GSPIA Celebrates the Class of 2011

05/06/2011

Story Courtesy of Melody Joachim

“The world needs you now more than ever,” proclaimed Dr. Kathleen Connell, MPIA ’72, in her address on April 28 to the graduating class of 2011. Connell challenged students to “find opportunities that expand your perspective, demand full engagement of your intellect, and empower others to achieve their goals.” She shared her version of the “Six i’s” of leadership:  innovation, initiative, independence, integrity, introspection and insight. She encouraged students to be creative, risk failure, take time to rest, and establish a reputation for integrity, “the essence of everything successful.” Finally, Connell challenged graduates to “live each day as if it is your singular opportunity to make a difference.” Read more.
 

Center for Disaster Management
3930 Wesley W. Posvar Hall, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260

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