Dr. Erin O Connell

Biography

Erin O'Connell is an Associate Professor in the Teaching Stream and serves as the Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies at the University of Waterloo. Her research centers on disaster risk reduction, particularly focusing on post-disaster vulnerability reduction and building sustainable, resilient capacities within disaster-affected communities. Erin's work has primarily taken place in Asia, emphasizing community-based disaster recovery and reconstruction. She is particularly interested in examining post-disaster livelihood recovery and housing reconstruction processes, exploring recovery programming that aims to reduce vulnerability to future hazards and increase resilience in the face of various stressors. Her current research also investigates the intersections of disasters and religion, specifically looking at the impact of disasters on individuals' faith, their relationships within communities, and their perceptions of the environment. Erin has taught courses in environmental studies, where she examines human interactions with the natural world, fostering a deeper understanding of these critical issues among her students.

Research Interests

Courses