Research Counts

The Research Counts series serves as a platform for hazards and disaster scholars to provide insights about research findings and the enduring lessons of disaster, as well as to raise new questions that are worthy of exploration. The pieces in the series are brief, drawn from a variety of disciplines, and intended for a broad audience.



By Nnenia Campbell

Older adults have a wealth of skills, talents, and knowledge that can be brought to bear in a disaster situation. Recognizing their resilience is good for them and good for the community.


By Melissa Villarreal

Immigrants—especially women—face distinct challenges in disaster recovery. Learn more about the experiences of Mexican women in Houston after Hurricane Harvey.


By Risa Palm, Toby Bolsen, and Justin Kingsland

Opinions on the wisdom of rebuilding in flood zones can vary based on many factors—including how the benefits and risks are presented. Learn more about what can sway the public for or against using federal funds for such efforts.


By Ilan Kelman, Gareth Byatt, and Stephen Roberts

The COVID-19 pandemic claimed millions of lives, but stronger international cooperation, better management of isolation, and socio-technological solutions could have reduced the most devasting impacts. This piece explains how.


By Jennifer Blanks

Cemeteries are invaluable resources that honor our dead, preserve our history, and sustain our cultural identity. This article examines available resources to protect these places and reminds us that such work should be practical and equitable.


By Ronald Schumann and Elyse Zavar

Although commemorations of disaster are often seen as a universal good that promotes remembrance, community, and healing, they might not be perceived that way by all. This article details the value of commemorations and ways to ensure they are just and inclusive.


By Lori Peek, Heather Champeau, Sudha Arlikatti, Jennifer Tobin, Laurie J. Schmidt, and Zach Zorich

Read about the latest Research Counts Special Collection in this introduction to the series focused on international perspectives at every stage of disaster management.


By Jamile Kitnurse, Hans Louis-Charles, and Benigno Aguirre

This article explains how community solidarity can discourage criminal activity in the absence of a timely humanitarian response. This research explores the power of community in U.S. Virgin Islands and finds that pro-social behavior is prevalent.


By Mary M. Nelan, Samantha Penta, and Tricia Wachtendorf

Unsolicited donations after a disaster can create logistical challenges and aren't helpful to survivors. This article sheds light on the disconnect between what people want to give and what people actually can use after a disaster.


By Carla Prater, Jiuchang Wei, Fei Wang, Yue Ge, Michael K. Lindell, and Hung-Lung Wei

Health risk communications are more successful when conveyed by trusted stakeholders in ways sensitive to local contexts. Learn how perceptions of stakeholder expertise and trustworthiness impact decision-making.


If you are interested in contributing to this series, please contact Natural Hazards Center Director Lori Peek directly at lori.peek@colorado.edu.


Acknowledgements

Research Counts is made possible with funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF Award #1635593) and supplemental support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-National Integrated Drought Information System (NOAA-NIDIS). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSF, FEMA, NOAA-NIDIS, or Natural Hazards Center.