In June 2022, Boise State’s Hazard and Climate Resilience Institutehosted Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell as well as FEMA Region 10 Regional Administrator Willie Nunn and Deputy Regional Administrator Vincent Maykovich at Boise State’s Environmental Research Building.
The event, which was set in motion by Hazard and Climate Resilience Institute Director Brittany Brand, brought together FEMA leaders, Boise State students, researchers, and regional practitioners dedicated to improving society’s resilience to natural hazards and the impacts of climate change. The main purpose was to field questions and ideas from Boise State students.
“The Boise State students truly shined with their well-informed, insightful questions, sharing of projects, and ideas for building community resilience,” Brand said. “This was also an incredible opportunity to initiate collaboration opportunities between Boise State researchers and FEMA to build resilience in Idaho and beyond.”
During her campus visit, Criswell shared her own path to emergency management with students, as well as her insights on how FEMA is addressing climate change. Criswell also discussed career opportunities within FEMA, and fielded 75 minutes of questions and discussion with those in attendance. Additionally, Criswell spoke with the National Interagency Fire Center about the summer wildfire outlook, and discussed climate resiliency with members of the National Advisory Council.
To learn more about Criswell’s visit, read the event’s FEMA press release.
The Hazard and Climate Resilience Institute provides a platform to connect researchers, students, and community partners to collaboratively address community resilience research and practical needs. To learn more or get involved, contact Brittany Brand.