Jocelyn West is a graduate research assistant at the Natural Hazards Center, and a doctoral student in the Department of Sociology at the University of Colorado Boulder. Her research interests include social vulnerability to natural hazards and climate change as well as community engagement in disaster risk reduction. West's professional experience spans international development and geological science, with a focus on disaster risk and recovery. West has previously worked to improve risk communication with the World Bank, conducted earthquake research in Nepal, and participated in disaster response in Texas and Puerto Rico. She has also worked internationally in Singapore, Indonesia, Dominica, and Peru. West holds a degree in geological science and education policy from Brown University.