Professor, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA

AGU embraces the global community and welcomes leaders representing various identities, voices and perspectives. List any identities, voices and perspectives you would bring, including but not limited to nationality, regional representations, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and anything else you feel comfortable sharing.

I would bring perspectives shaped by interdisciplinary science, public service, community engagement, and applied hazards research focused on improving outcomes for vulnerable populations. My work spans the natural hazards, emergency management, public administration, environmental science, and public health communities, allowing me to connect researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and the public around shared societal challenges. As a faculty member at the University of Central Florida, I work closely with highly diverse student populations, including first-generation, transfer, nontraditional, military-affiliated, and underrepresented students. I also bring experience working directly with federal, state, and local decision-makers on issues related to social vulnerability, resilience, and equitable disaster recovery. This includes service supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency National Advisory Council, where I was asked to help inform discussions related to equity and disparities in disaster recovery outcomes. My research and outreach efforts consistently focus on translating science into actionable information that improves preparedness, response, recovery, and long-term resilience for all communities. Beyond academia, my leadership in nonprofit, alumni, and neighborhood organizations has reinforced the importance of listening, transparency, collaboration, stewardship, and building bridges across different backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints.

Volunteer experience that you feel relates to this position:

I have served in leadership and advisory roles that emphasize collaboration, stewardship, and community engagement, including serving on the Advisory Board of the Natural Hazards Center, as President of the Good Counsel Camp Alumni Association, and on my neighborhood Homeowners Association board as Director, Secretary, and Treasurer. These roles have involved strategic planning, governance, budgeting, fundraising, mentoring, and strengthening connections between researchers, practitioners, and communities focused on hazards, resilience, emergency management, and public service.

Section presidents and presidents-elect serve as members of the AGU Council and lead their sections. The AGU Council is a diverse forum of perspectives that meets throughout the year to provide input to the AGU Board, staff, and other parts of the organization. Three communities within the Council - committee chairs, section leaders, and students and early career scientists - serve different roles in AGU and bring unique viewpoints to ongoing discussions.

This role aims to catalyze community and build AGU as envisioned by the strategic plan. This leadership position is a dual role: helping to advance AGU’s strategic plan as a member of Council; and leading your section. How would you support the Board, staff and other sections to achieve AGU’s vision, values, mission, and goals? How will you engage with members of your section to execute AGU’s strategic plan?

I would support AGU’s vision, values, mission, and strategic goals by serving as a collaborative and solutions oriented leader who helps strengthen connections across disciplines, sectors, and communities. My career has centered on translating science into actionable information that supports decision making, resilience, and societal impact, goals that align closely with AGU’s strategic priorities. As a member of Council, I would work constructively with the Board, staff, and other section leaders to identify opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, elevate emerging issues, support ethical and inclusive leadership, and ensure AGU remains responsive to the evolving needs of both scientists and society.

Within my section, I would prioritize member engagement, mentorship, and community building. I believe AGU is strongest when members at all career stages, especially students, early career scientists, and historically underrepresented voices, feel welcomed, valued, and connected to opportunities for leadership and collaboration. I would work to increase communication and transparency, encourage participation in section activities, and foster stronger linkages between researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and communities impacted by environmental change and hazards.

I also believe AGU can continue to lead by demonstrating the societal relevance of science. I would support efforts that enhance public engagement, science communication, interdisciplinary partnerships, and the translation of research into meaningful outcomes that improve communities and inform policy.