Monica Farris is the director of the University of New Orleans’ Center for Hazards Assessment, Response and Technology and an assistant professor in planning and urban studies. Farris’ current applied research focuses on statewide hazard mitigation planning, reducing repetitive flood loss, supporting local communities in the implementation of the Community Rating System, and building statewide floodplain management capacity. She has published on building internal capacity for disaster resilience and has presented multiple times on hazard risk reduction and disaster planning. Farris is also recognized as a certified floodplain manager by the Association of State Floodplain Managers.