Dr, Shadya Davis, a Postdoctoral Fellow at Howard University’s Cooperative Science Center for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, and NOAA Affiliate in the Social and Behavioral Sciences Branch at the Global Systems Laboratory, speaks to SoMAS at the Topics in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences seminar on Wednesday March 20, 2024 on the topic "Understanding Humans in a World of Extreme Weather".

Abstract:
Social Sciences is a term that is increasingly used in meteorology and atmospheric sciences, but what does it mean in practice, and what does it mean for the field as we move forward? Through this presentation, Shadya will discuss her experiences and findings of integrating social and behavioral sciences research across severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flash flooding, hurricanes, wildland fires, and the National Weather Service workforce. The overview of work highlights investigating the human side of meteorology, not only for those who receive weather information but also how those who produce weather information are impacted. Risk perceptions, risk communication, protective actions, prior experiences, and a multitude of individual factors all have a major impact on how humans respond to hazardous weather. Social scientists and atmospheric scientists must work together to achieve their shared goals as the number of extreme events increases. Broadening our understanding of what each area of expertise provides is an early step to improving outcomes.

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