With the prediction of another above-average Atlantic hurricane season, the University
of South Florida is making a variety of experts available to discuss hurricane and
storm-related topics. Listed below are some of our experts, along with their focus
areas. As members of the media develop stories throughout the months ahead, those
who are interested in an interview are asked to contact Kevin Watler at [email protected]
or 407-267-8402.
Hurricanes, Wind, Storm Surge and Coastal Subsidence
Donny Smoak (College of Arts and Sciences) is a biochemist who studies the response of coastal wetlands to climate change and
extreme weather events such as hurricanes.
Mark Luther (College of Marine Science) is an associate professor who uses real-time ocean observations with numerical models
of ocean currents to address various challenges ranging from maritime safety and security
to water quality and ocean responses to climate change. He is director of the Center
for Maritime and Port Studies and has provided operation and maintenance support for
the NOAA/NOS Tampa Bay Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System since 1995. Luther
can comment on port security, storm surge, and the broader relationship between hurricanes,
climate change and the ocean.
Gary Mitchum (College of Marine Science), associate dean, is a global sea-level rise expert who has served on the Tampa Bay
Climate Science Advisory Panel that helps to establish local sea-level rise projections.
He can comment on the broader connections between climate change and hurricanes, as
well as the impacts of sea-level rise, storm surge and hurricanes in Tampa Bay.
Timothy Dixon (School of Geosciences) is a professor who uses satellite geodesy (GPS, InSAR) to study coastal subsidence
as well as earthquake and volcano deformation, aquifer depletion and melting of ice
sheets and glaciers. He can talk about the effects of hurricanes as they relate to coastal
flooding and long-term changes in the coastline.
Chris Meindl (College of Arts & Sciences) is an associate professor of geography who
specializes in human-environment interactions in Florida. His research touches on
people’s perceptions of environmental issues, especially natural hazards and water
resources.
Hurricanes and Flood Risk Awareness
Phil Trocchia (Muma College of Business) is a professor of marketing who specializes in research on consumer behavior and
business education. Trocchia recently designed and conducted a national survey on
flood risk awareness that found consumers significantly underestimate their risk level
of flooding, leading many to forego flood insurance.
Hurricanes and Mental Health
Judith Becker Bryant (Department of Psychology) is a professor who can comment on how to prepare children for traumatic events, such
as hurricanes, and the impact that such events have on children. She is a national
expert on developmental psychology, with a specific emphasis on language and social
development in young children.
Kristin Kosyluk (College of Behavioral and Community Sciences) is an assistant professor in the Department of Mental Health Law & Policy. She can
comment on the stress and anxiety that storms and hurricanes can cause and the impact
of natural disasters on people living with mental illnesses.
Hurricanes and the Elderly
Lindsay Peterson (School of Aging Studies) is an assistant professor and conducts research on the impact of hurricanes and other
disasters on older adults in nursing homes, assisted living communities, and in the
community overall, including disaster preparation and response for those with dementia.
She has written a number of articles about disaster preparedness in long-term care,
including preparedness for hurricanes and pandemics.
Kathy Black (College of Behavioral and Community Sciences) is a professor who studies gerontology, elder care and end-of-life issues.
Community Preparedness and Recovery
Robin Ersing (School of Public Affairs) is an associate professor who studies community-based disaster preparedness to promote
resilience in post-storm recovery. Ersing has been involved in international research
in Ghana and Indonesia to study the experience of women exposed to natural hazards.
Elizabeth Dunn (College of Public Health) is an instructor who specializes in community resiliencies and disaster mitigation,
preparedness and response for vulnerable populations. Her work experience includes
community education and outreach, mass care (i.e., sheltering, feeding, health), logistics
and planning for disasters at the local level. She can discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic
is impacting emergency management and preparedness as it pertains to hurricane evacuation
shelters, procurement of PPE and impacts on the agricultural sector.
