Top photo: Assistant professor Brett Robertson with professors Kirstin Dow and Greg Carbone, installing a heat sensor.

Assistant professor Brett Robertson has been named associate director of the Hazards and Vulnerability Research Institute, bringing years of expertise in risk communication and climate adaptation to the role.

Over the years, Robertson has collaborated with HVRI on numerous projects addressing extreme heat, climate change adaptation, and risk communication for underserved and vulnerable populations. These initiatives have included interdisciplinary research, advancing emergency response technologies, and developing strategies to mitigate climate-related hazards.

“We are thrilled that Brett Robertson is expanding his role in USC’s Hazard Vulnerability and Resilience Institute by becoming an associate director,” says HVRI Co-Director Susan Cutter. “His expertise on the significance and role of information and communication technology, ranging from interpersonal to organizational contexts, as it relates to risk assessment, disaster preparedness, and post-event recovery has been a welcome addition to our research capabilities.”

As associate director, Robertson will play a key role in shaping HVRI’s strategic direction, fostering interdisciplinary initiatives, and promoting the institute’s research. The position also includes mentoring students, building collaborations with external partners, and supporting grant-writing efforts. Robertson plans to strengthen connections between HVRI and other campus units to ensure the institute’s work aligns with broader community goals.

“This position is a natural extension of my research,” said Robertson. “HVRI’s mission to address the human dimensions of hazards and disasters perfectly aligns with my work on improving how communities receive and act on critical information during crises.”

HVRI remains committed to advancing disaster communication, risk reduction, and resilience and will benefit from Robertson’s contributions.