DURHAM, N.H. – Several experts from the University of New Hampshire are available to discuss the impact of Hurricane Gustav, which is forecast to hit Louisiana as a major hurricane early next week.
Government Response
Mel Dubnick, professor of public administration
mdubnick@gmail.com, 617-803-6020 (cell)
Dubnick can address the effect of Hurricane Gustav on municipal services and
discuss the federal, state and local response and accountability, including
FEMA’s response, in comparison to what occurred with Hurricane Katrina.
Katrina Fraud Was an Accountability Breakdown, but Results Should Be Approached
with Caution
http://www.unh.edu/news/cj_nr/2006/june/lw_060614fraud.cfm?type=n
Mental Health Impact
Vicki Banyard, associate professor of psychology
vicki.banyard@unh.edu, 603-862-2869 (work) (available as of Sept. 2)
Banyard can discuss common responses and stresses of victims of traumatic experiences
such as natural disasters. She has studied the resilience of trauma survivors
and the role that community played in their recovery. She also has conducted
studies on the stress and coping process among homeless families.
June 1 Means Increased Anxiety, Negative Emotions For Hurricane Victims
http://www.unh.edu/news/news_releases/2006/april/lw_060412june1.html
Oil Spills/Groundwater Contamination
Nancy Kinner, director of the Coastal Response Research Center, UNH/NOAA joint,
and professor of civil engineering.
nancy.kinner@unh.edu, 603-862-1422 (office), 603-603-479-3777 (cell)
Kinner can discuss oil spills, soil and groundwater contamination, and bioremediation,
a clean-up technology that uses naturally occurring microorganisms to degrade
hazardous substances into less toxic or nontoxic compounds.
Presidential Election
Dante Scala, associate professor of political science
dante.scala@unh.edu, 603-540-4018 (cell)
Scala can discuss how the hurricane might affect the presidential election.
The hurricane is forecast to hit Louisiana during the Republican National Convention.
Rebuilding New Orleans
Kurk Dorsey, associate professor of history
kd@hopper.unh.edu, 603-862-3022 (office), 603-659-6289 (home)
Dorsey can discuss the history of New Orleans from an environmental standpoint
as well as the decision to rebuild.
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