Techniques developed to safeguard buildings from earthquakes developed by engineers such as those affiliated with the University at Buffalo's internationally known Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research may be key to protecting buildings and bridges from the kind of widespread damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.
The wisdom of attempting to resettle the Gulf region "is highly questionable," according to Alfred Price, associate professor and interim chair of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the University at Buffalo.
Marsha S. Henderson, KeyBank Western New York District president, has been appointed to the newly created position of vice president for external affairs at the University at Buffalo by UB President John B. Simpson. Her appointment is effective Sept. 26.
A reconnaissance team from University at Buffalo's Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (MCEER) will travel next week to Gulfport, Biloxi and other areas of Mississippi devastated by Hurricane Katrina to determine the specific causes behind the failures of large engineered structures, primarily commercial buildings.
Widespread devastation in the wake of Hurricane Katrina reminds Americans who are used to localized disasters being dealt with adequately that the U.S. is susceptible to catastrophes in which the ability to respond is itself severely damaged, says Ernest Sternberg, Ph.D., University at Buffalo professor of urban and regional planning.
A large percentage of the survivors of Hurricane Katrina and its catastrophic aftermath will suffer from Acute Stress Disorder, according to Nancy J. Smyth, Ph.D., LCSW, a University at Buffalo expert on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
"Nasty social behavior" is very common following the first 48 hours of a disaster, according to University at Buffalo professor Charles Ebert, Ph.D., who teaches the course, "Disasters: analysis of natural and human-induced hazards."
Reports of widespread looting in New Orleans following the tragic flooding of the historic city sound less like actual criminal activity than desperation, according to a forensic psychologist at the University at Buffalo.
The UB Art Gallery will host a musical performance by the Open Music Ensemble on Sept. 15 at 5 p.m. The performance, Sound and Text, will feature the work of experimental composers with connections to Western New York.
The Center for the Arts at the University at Buffalo will present Charlie Murphy & Friends at 8 p.m. on Sept 30 in the Mainstage Theatre in the Center for the Arts on the UB North (Amherst) Campus. This performance is sponsored by the undergraduate Student Association.
