Featured Expert: Dave Neal

Thursday, September 7, 2006

Dr. Dave Neal, director of OSU’s Center for the Study of Disasters and Extreme Events, has spent almost 30 years studying the social dimensions of disasters.

Unprecedented events such as 9/11, the Asian tsunami and Hurricane Katrina have exposed the limitations of preparedness, but by studying these catastrophes, Neal and the faculty members within the multidisciplinary center are working to improve methods for response and recovery in the future.

Neal, a professor of political science and member of OSU’s Fire and Emergency Management Program, has published papers related to disaster preparedness, recovery and mitigation. His main research focus has looked at topics related to effective organizational response, and he is available to address all aspects of disaster response.