University of the Sunshine Coast academics from multiple fields of expertise are available to comment on ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and its ongoing impacts. They say there are lessons to learn to prepare for future natural disasters.
Associate Professor of Physical Geography Javier Leon
Warnings, data and analysis of extreme hazards facing a coastline already eroded by high winds, swell and tides. More in The Conversation.
Contact: jleon@usc.edu.au, 0413 090 821
Associate Professor of Environmental Microbiology İpek Kurtböke
As Tropical Cyclone Alfred whips up sea foam along the coastline, these “bacteria smoothies” may have more harmful pathogens than a sewage treatment plant – and will linger on beaches. More in UniSC media release. Contact: ikurtbok@usc.edu.au, 0411 227 162
Associate Professor Erin Price, microbiologist and molecular geneticist
The dangers of acquiring melioidosis during and following flooding and heavy rain, including how people can become infected, precautions to take, symptoms and available treatments.
Contact: eprice@usc.edu.au
Associate Professor of Geospatial Analysis Sanjeev Kumar Srivastava
How satellites and other remote sensing tracking technology track cyclones and make predictions about their pathways. More in The Conversation.
Contact: ssrivast@usc.edu.au, 0423 144 316
Senior Lecturer in Psychology Dr Rachael Sharman
The psychology of anxiety during natural disasters, including how to talk to children to support them.
Contact: rsharman@usc.edu.au, 0407 180 258
Senior Lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering Dr Adrian McCallum
Specialises in remote area science and engineering but previously served as a forecaster and teaches courses in weather and climate.
Contact: amccallu@usc.edu.au, 0422 433 638
Dr Luke Vertstraten, Research Fellow, civil engineering and environmental science
Kirsty O’Callaghan, climate change communication researcher and PhD
How personal experiences with extreme weather can shift public perception of climate change, and how exposure to reliable climate information can reduce conspiracy beliefs.
Contact: kocallaghan@usc.edu.au
Media enquiries: Please contact the Media Team media@usc.edu.au