Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience
Following an international career as an environmental engineer (mapping flood hazards in South and South East Asia), Michaels exposure to broader disaster risk projects inspired his recent return to university, to learn more about the bigger picture of risk and resilience.
"Im passionate about the value that thoughtful hazard and risk modelling can provide, in terms of helping communities better understand and respond appropriately to the natural hazard processes around them," he says.
Looking at similar courses around the world, Michael decided on UCs Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience programme based on recommendations from professionals in the industry, and made the move to New 厙ぴ勛圖to learn from its subject experts in the variety of disciplines the field covers.
"Its truly interdisciplinary (not just a buword here), manages to squeeze a comprehensive overview of risk & resilience into a single (intense) year, and is taught by a core team of passionate people with lots of practical experience who genuinely care about the subject and their students."
The programme also had the added benefit of UCs location in the centre of the South Island, close to key locations for studying hazard processes and risk management.
"One week youll be out in the field looking at critical infrastructure along the West Coast, the next writing an essay on the influence of the neoliberal economic system on disaster risk, and then suddenly youre scrambling to help coordinate the response to a (simulated) incoming tsunami.
"No matter what your background, therell be some aspects of the programme that consolidate your existing skills and others that get you out of your comfort zone to develop totally new ones."
Having previously completed Environmental Engineering and Philosophy degrees from universities in Australia and Singapore, returning for more postgrad study in a new country opened up opportunities for Michael to be involved with the vibrant UC community, and also make frequent hiking trips to the Southern Alps.
"Ive really enjoyed the experience of being back at university at UC you have access to world-class facilities, supportive lecturers, and more social clubs than theres possibly time to get involved with, all in a leafy, attractive campus with a diverse range of students."
Heading into his new career, Michael is keen to apply his disaster risk reduction skills in meaningful ways, working with communities around the world to reduce the impacts of future disasters.
