The importance of effective preparation and response to extreme events, both natural and manmade, is becoming increasingly apparent in the 21st century.

Through our research we have become actively involved in assisting populations around the world. Faculty from this strength played a significant role in the aftermath of the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, assessing damage to structures and collaborating to train Haitian engineers and architects to construct buildings to able to better withstand damage from future quakes.