Michigan Technological University

Santa Ana volcano and craterlake, 2008

Luke J. Bowman

I recently completed a Masters of Science degree in the Geological and Mining Engineering Sciences department at Michigan Technological University.

While serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Honduras from 2004-2006 in the Protected Areas Management program, I became aware of the risk of natural hazards that Hondurans face daily.  Living within a vulnerable community for two years and seeing effects of past disasters increased my understanding that hazards are an everyday reality for many people.

From this experience grew a desire to study natural hazard mitigation in Central and South America. Over the last two years, my research interests have focused on exploring risk and hazard perceptions in El Salvador; more specifically in the small set of communities located on the eastern flank of Santa Ana (Ilamatepec) volcano.  After spending over five months in Los Planes de La Laguna using ethnographic data gathering techniques, I have been able to better understand the factors affecting past and current hazard perceptions which are a window providing insights into actual disaster preparedness.

Thesis abstract:  Use of qualitative data to analyze community perceptions of a non-governmental organization's (NGO) impact on disaster preparedness in Los Planes de La Laguna, Santa Ana volcano, El Salvador.

 

 

Contact info:

Cell: (317) 691-4712

E-mail: lukebowman@gmail.com

Volcan Masaya, 2006

My transportation in Honduras