Sara Belligoni – The Conversation

Postdoctoral Scholar, University of Central Florida

As a disaster scientist and geo-qualitative researcher, I like to spend more time in the field than behind a desk. I study how the rapid intensification of climate change transforms the characteristics of extreme weather events and how emergency management can overcome the resulting challenges.

I focus on the physical, social, and policy implications of climate disasters. I investigate the meteorology of Atlantic tropical storms and how warmer ocean temperatures increase their rainfall. I look at the impact of repeated and compound flooding on coastal and urban communities to co-produce adaptation, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery plans with communities, emergency managers, policymakers, and politicians.

Committed to science innovation, communication, and teaching, I devote time to collaborate with fellow physical and social scientists, support practitioners in their efforts, and foster tomorrow's generation of leaders in emergency management.

PS. Disasters are not natural.

Experience

2023–present

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Rutgers University

Education

2022

University of Central Florida, Ph. D. in Security Studies
2015

Certificate in Global Affairs, New York University
2015

Università degli Studi Roma Tre, MA cum laude in International Relations
2012

Università degli Studi Roma Tre, BA in Political Science for Cooperation and Development

Publications

2021

Florida as a COVID-19 Epicenter: Exploring the Role of Institutions in the State’s Response, International Journal of Public Administration
2019

Rethinking Leadership: Women Commanders, Rebel-Groups and Sexual Violence against Civilians – Cases of Colombia and Sierra Leone, Florida Political Chronicle

Professional Memberships

Pi Sigma Alpha, National Political Science Honor Society

Experience

Education

Publications

Professional Memberships

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