Extreme Weather Experts Available to Talk Hurricane Science, Effects, Aftermath

With what is forecast to be a busier-than-normal hurricane season starting June 1 and unpredictable weather all around us, faculty experts from Florida Tech are available to offer commentary and insight on key meteorological and related topics. 

They can discuss hurricanes, flooding, weather damage, erosion, transportation and evacuation issues, and more. New this year is an expert who can talk about navigating extreme weather and its impact for children with autism spectrum disorder and an expert on what extreme weather could mean for cybersecurity.

To arrange telephone, Zoom, in-person or on-camera interviews, please contact Media Communications Director Adam Lowenstein at adam@fit.edu or 321-674-8964.

• The science of hurricanes, coastal meteorology, thunderstorms, lightning and climate change
  Expert: Steven Lazarus, Ph.D., professor of meteorology

• Hurricane modeling and wind damage to structures; insurance loss; storm mitigation measures; safeguarding structures; post-storm cleanup
  Expert: Jean-Paul Pinelli, Ph.D., PE, professor of civil engineering

• Wind damage to structures; storm mitigation measures; safeguarding home, business and infrastructure; post-storm cleanup
  Expert: Albert Bleakley, Ph.D., P.E., associate professor and program chair, Civil Engineering, Construction Management and Engineering Management Program

• Hurricane storm surge, waves, and flooding; sediment transport, coastal and lagoon erosion and accretion
  Expert: Robert J. Weaver, Ph.D., associate professor of ocean engineering, Director, Indian River Lagoon Research Institute

• Cyber-awareness during hurricane season; securing Internet of Things devices; impact of power outages on cybersecurity
  Expert: TJ O’Connor, assistant professor of computer science; director, IoT Security and Privacy Lab

• Evacuation decisions, supply chain, and transportation issues
  Expert: Rodrigo Mesa-Arango, Ph.D., assistant professor of civil engineering, head of Transportation Engineering, Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering

• Hurricane wind and pressure measurements via wireless sensor network; characterization of hurricane winds for estimation of wind loads on residential structures
  Expert: Chelakara Subramanian, Ph.D., P. Eng. (UK), FIIE, NAI, professor of aerospace engineering

• Helping children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families navigate disruptions caused by hurricane season
  Expert: Kimberly Sloman, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Director, The Scott Center for Autism Treatment and associate professor of psychology