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.

 

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.

Panel Discusses Japan's "Black Swan Event"

4/15/2011

Story by Christine Waller

Natural disasters force governments and citizens to analyze their best response to people's immediate health and safety needs, and how better to prepare for future events.

At GSPIA, the Center for Disaster Management (CDM) is helping students to understand the local and international responses to the March 11, 9.0 earthquake in Japan. The earthquake is part of an unlikely "black swan event" because it triggered a tsunami that subsequently caused serious damage to a set of nuclear reactors in Japan. Read more.
 

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

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