| The Disaster Research Center (DRC) at the University of Delaware (UDEL) has establish ed a three-year Research Experience for Undergraduates' (REU) program to engage ten (10) undergraduate students (each year) in hands-on research training to enhance their understanding of the social science aspects of disasters. Each summer, a nine week research training institute will be held at the DRC to provide students with the necessary academic background, training, and relevant research experiences to prepare them under the guidance of faculty mentors to function as relatively independent research scholars. Students will be exposed to several course modules, including: research methods most frequently used in the study of hazards and disasters; theoretical social science approaches to understanding the causes and consequences of disasters; and the ethical implications of disaster research . REU trainees will work with leading scholars and researchers on state-of-the-art research projects that focus on issues such as: disaster mitigation, search and rescue, preparedness, response, and recovery; warnings and technology; and disaster vulnerability and resilience. A multi-disciplinary group of leading disaster researchers will participate in the Invited Speaker Series in order to share the contributions that other disciplines bring to this field. A series of professional development and social activities will complement the trainees' overall education and training in Delaware . |