CSE LECTURE: Can Computational Simulations Help Us With the Wicked Problem of Disaster Risk?

Join us for the February Guest Lecture!

Title: Can Computational Simulations Help Us With the Wicked Problem of Disaster Risk?

Speaker: Dr. Rodrigo Costa from the University of Waterloo

When: Tuesday, February 4, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm (EST)

Wicked Problems are difficult to solve because of their complex and interconnected nature. Wicked problems lack clarity in both their aims and solutions and are subject to real-world constraints which hinder risk-free attempts to find a solution. However, computational simulations can be a valuable tool for creating digital twins of our world, yielding a risk-free environment for exploration potential solutions. In this talk, I will explore some of the recent developments related to the use of computational simulations to help identify solutions to the wicked problem of disaster risk reduction. Examples will include problems related to earthquake, flood, and wildfire risk management.

Rodrigo Costa is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Systems Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo. Dr. Costa’s research explores how communities’ physical, economic, and social systems interact to create disaster risks and exacerbate socioeconomic inequalities. His work focuses on developing high-fidelity, high-detail regional risk models to simulate the impact of disasters on urban communities.

Dr. Costa is a co-PI in the HUD-funded Center of Excellence in Climate Resilient and Equitable Housing and the Retreat from Risk project funded by NFRF-I Climate Change. He received the 2021 Best Graduate Paper Award from the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute for his contributions to the holistic simulation of disaster impacts on communities.

Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/uoft-centre-for-climate-science-and-engineering-lecture-series-feb-2025-tickets-1217215316779?aff=oddtdtcreator