Nick Roberts
From a young age I was fascinated by science and nature. Not surprisingly, I found myself studying geography and geology during my BSc at SFU. I developed keen interests in geomorphology, geotechnics, forest soils and remote sensing. In particular, I was captivated by the benefits GIS and remote sensing offered in addressing geotechnical problems and was eager to develop the application of geomatics to geotechnical investigations.
For my Master’s degree I found the perfect fit working with Dr. Stephen Evans at the University of Waterloo. During my MSc, I integrated optical and RADAR remote sensing into investigations of gigantic (>1 km3) landslides (in Canada and Iran) and high-fatality landslide disasters (in the Philippines and Tajikistan).
I spent the first half of 2007 on a research exchange at the International Centre for Geohazards (ICG) in Oslo, and completed specialized courses in risk assessment and RADAR systems at the University of Oslo. My work at ICG triggered my interest in social science perspectives on disasters (primarily vulnerably and resilience) and, specifically, how these could be combined with natural science approaches to benefit risk reduction.
For my PhD in the Department of Earth Sciences at SFU, I again have the opportunity to combine and advance several of my research interests. Working with Dr. John Clague, I am investigating landslide hazard in the slopes around La Paz, Bolivia using RADAR interferometry and field invsetigations. Through integration of vulnerably and resilience, the end result of the work will be a holistic risk assessment for the community leading to improved risk mitigation.
- Recent Publications
- Education
- M.Sc., Earth Sciences 2008 University of Waterloo
- B.Sc., (First-Class Hons) Physical Geography 2005 Simon Fraser University
For more information, please send e.mail to: nickr@sfu.ca
