Carson MacPherson-Krutsky

Carson MacPherson-Krutsky is a research associate at the Natural Hazards Center. She uses social science methods to investigate what motivates people to take protective actions and which risk communication styles are most effective. MacPherson-Krutsky is also interested in creating multimedia products—infographics, websites, videos, workshops—that convey technical information in user-friendly ways. She holds a bachelor’s from Western Washington University, a master’s from University of Montana, and a PhD from Boise State University. She is passionate about making connections across disciplines, sectors, and with community members to ensure that research can help support real world decision-making in communities of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds.

Her work at the Center focuses on risk communication best practices with specific emphasis on socially vulnerable populations. MacPherson-Krutsky recently led a project investigating the use of hurricane and tornado shelters and one on how to develop more inclusive emergency alerts in Colorado. Previously, she worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to develop trainings on risk communication for practitioners.

She is the co-founder of the Boise State University Hazard and Climate Resilience Institute that connects researchers and community partners to collaboratively address community resilience research and practical needs. In addition, MacPherson-Krutsky co-owns HazardReady, LLC, a company that provides personalized user-friendly risk and preparedness websites.

She is part of the U.S. Geological Survey Social Science Working Group and the Language & Accessibility for Alert & Warning Workgroup. She previously served on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-National Integrated Drought Information System Flash Drought Working Group to explore gaps related to drought monitoring, prediction, and response and on the Association of Floodplain Managers Flood Mitigation Library Steering Committee, where she provided guidance on user experience and content for ReduceFloodRisk.org, a website that provides accessible flood mitigation information.