Speaker: Catalina Gonzalez-Dueñas, Ph.D., George Mason University
When: Friday, Nov. 7th, 9:30am
Where: KH A510 (Lincoln), PKI 160 (Omaha)
Zoom: 937 3450 0302
Title: Physics-Guided and AI-Driven Modeling Frameworks for Quantifying Cascading Impacts under Multi-Hazard Conditions
Abstract: Extreme events such as hurricanes, floods, and compound hazards (e.g., convective storms) continue to expose the complex interdependencies among built, natural, and social systems. Disruption in one component can propagate across others, amplifying impacts and generating cascading effects that challenge both community resilience and risk-informed decision-making. Deep uncertainty surrounding future climatic conditions, particularly beyond mid-century, further complicates the development of robust and adaptive long-term strategies. This talk will present recent advances in integrative modeling frameworks for short-term impact analysis and long-term adaptation in coastal regions. The discussion will begin with an application of robust decision-making under deep uncertainty to coastal housing adaptation under compound flooding—capturing the combined influences of sea-level rise and storm tide—and the trade-offs involved in ensuring structural reliability over extended time horizons. Building on this foundation, the talk will further discuss ongoing efforts that combine multi-physics simulation, probabilistic risk analysis, and artificial intelligence to quantify interactions between natural and engineered systems in coastal regions, and to incorporate generative AI into post-disaster damage assessment for rapid and informed decision-making.