About the URC

The Urban Risk Center (URC) is a Florida State University initiative, located in Panama with a regional focus, whose primary objective is to bridge different sectors of society (government, civil society organizations, communities, the private sector, and academia) to foster urban risk analysis to advance urban sustainability and resilience.

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What we do

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Research

The main focus of UCR work will be applied and policy research in urban risk. Its geographic concentration is the LAC region.

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Projects

The URC participates in the development and implementation of initiatives involving different stakeholders in regards to urban risk analysis.

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Events

The URC sponsors and develops events to foster knowledge and education to all sectors of society concerned about their exposure to risks and possible means to minimize them

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Dissemination of Knowledge

Actively participate in academic fora and related knowledge production on urban risk.

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Bridging

Foster dialogue and activities to bring together different stakeholders for the purpose of promoting synergies for the analysis of Urban Risk.

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EDUCATION

Develop educational programs for capacity building in urban risk at different levels.

Identity and Mission

The Center is designed to operate programs and projects under FSU’s academic and administrative umbrella. However, its funding will be sought from a diverse group of external sources, including grants, endowments, self-generated projects, and consulting services, among others.

The center is designed to operate programs and projects under FSU’s academic and administrative umbrella. Despite this, its funding will be sought from a diverse group of external sources, including grants, endowments, self-generated projects, and consulting services, amongst others.

MORE ABOUT OUR IDENTITY AND MISSION

Our Team

We are a multidisciplinary team whose primary objective is blending disciplines and topic approached to better understand and disseminate information on urban risk issues.

ALEXANDER COLES

Geographer, Professor of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Director of URC.

MIRELLA MARTINEZ

Marine Biologist, Professor of Biology and Conservation.

JOSE R. FABREGA

Civil Engineering Senior Researcher at the Center for Hydrology and Hydro-technology at the Technological University of Panama (UTP). URC-Associate Researcher (A.H)

CARLOS GORDON

Geographer. URC- Affiliated Researcher.

ALIDA SPADAFORA

Biologist. URC-Specialist in Solid Waste Management and Policy.

MARIA NIEVES VALLES

Civil Engineer. Project Controller

CARLA LÓPEZ

Architect, Specialist in built environment, sustainability (LEED AP BD+C) and cultural heritage.

ZOHRE KURT

Bio-Chemist, Adjunct Professor of Chemistry.

RODRIGO GUARDIA

Architect-Urbanist. Professor of Architecture, University of Panama (UP). URC-Associate Director of Urban Studies (A.H).

ROCIO VEGA

Geodesic and Cadastral Engineering. URC-Associate Director of Spatial Technology (A.H.)

CARLOS DONADO

Electronics Engineer. URC-Specialist in Wireless-Communications and Remote-Sensing Systems

MICHELLE NUÑEZ

Environmental Specialist and Cooperation Management Associate.

Contact Us

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[email protected]

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Phone: 507 317 0367 Ext. 299 • Fax: 507 317 0366

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