Thank you to our local and global collaborators
Our Mission
To bridge the gap between academic research, innovators and real-world application. We aim to reduce the devastating effects of natural disasters and environmental crises through connecting and focusing subject matter experts on problems validated by communities and first responders on the frontlines of disaster preparedness and response.
Areas of focus
Innovative Materials Testing and Validation
The Disaster Lab collaborates on the evaluation of innovative construction materials and technology that can aid in disaster preparation and help to protect communities in high disaster risk areas.
We understand the need for housing, infrastructure, and improvements across California & the world; we believe that this development must be sustainable, equitable, and resilient to a changing climate. To aid in this process, our lab connects innovators to decisions makers and end-users to ensure that their solutions can fit it into their existing structural systems and common operating procedures.
We work with experts, builders, startups, and researchers to identify, test, and validate novel materials like the FSI Inc fire-resistant paint.
Advancing remote sensing and vegetation management for Wildfire prevention
Dr. Joshua Dimon leads our collaboration with Marin County Fire, FIRE Foundry, and NASA's Airborne Science Program in advanced vegetation management and disaster prediction. We support the testing and development of remote sensing technologies and planning tools, significantly aided by insights from these partnerships.
Our lab hosts scholars who conduct research, such as leveraging machine learning and public data to enhance fire risk prediction models. Committed to educational growth, we facilitate internships for Cal students and FIRE Foundry members, offering hands-on experience in NASA's critical disaster management projects.
In addition, we facilitate field testing and data collection opportunities for labs, academics, and university start ups such as Squishy Robotics, pictured here with Battalion Chief Graham Groneman of Marin County Fire Department, during a controlled burn event near Novato, CA.
ENGIN 183C: Nurturing Innovation in Disaster Technology
The ENGIN 183C course is an innovative journey into real-world problem solving in disaster technology. Focused on disasters, such as fire innovations, this course provides students with hands-on experience and expert mentorship from front line agency representatives, Cal Fire, Coast Guard, UC Berkeley researchers, and international partners. Recently, our students' achievement in winning the Most Innovative Award at the Collider Cup with 'Oilnosis' is a testament to their dedication and the practical, impactful nature of our curriculum. We are proud of their success and excited for their future contributions to global environmental challenges. Read more here
FIRE Foundry and Workforce Development
Dr. Thomas Azwell, Dr. Joshua Dimon, Sukh Singh, and Chief Jason Weber launched FIRE Foundry in 2021 and the program continues to onboard new cohorts and grow its impact on the future of the fire service. The program's objective is to train and empower underrepresented and underfunded community members to become a science and technology-savvy, community-oriented wildfire prevention workforce. The program provides job training and skills development for full-time work in fire service and related fields.
Our lab believes that diversity, technology aptitude, and applied experience are all essential for fire departments and service organizations to take on growing problems that come with climate change and disaster response. We continue to facilitate workshops and opportunities for recruits to develop hands on skills with key technologies such as GIS, remote sensing, aeronautics, robotics, and ecological practices.
You can read about the many accomplishments of FIRE Foundry and our recruits at NPR, KQED, and at the FIRE Foundry website.
OUR TEAM
director
Thomas Azwell Ph.D
Dr. Azwell is the founder and director of the Disaster Lab. He brings a wealth of experience in environmental science, corporate sustainability, technology innovation, applied research, and entrepreneurship. His broad range of experience across sectors inform the design and execution of each project.
Social & Env Scientist
Joshua Dimon Ph.D
Joshua leads research and experiment planning for the Disaster Lab. His global experience, in documenting and addressing the injustices caused by climate change and inadequately supervised large energy projects, both domestically and internationally inform our sustainable approach to tech evaluation.
Operations & Grants
Sukh Singh
Sukh leads operations, grant research, and writing at the Disaster Lab. Sukh's experience in building and advising startups as well as with building program in partnership with government agencies are an asset to our lab. His creative, problem-solving approach helps to ensure the success of our research.
DISASTER LAB AFFILIATES
Kaitie Penry
DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH & INNOVATION AT NAVAL POST GRADUATE SCHOOL
Kaitie works with technology companies, faculty, and students to develop cutting-edge innovations with support by the Department of Defense.
MICHAEL GOLNER PH.D
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AT CAL
Michael Leads the Fire Research Lab where his team tackles an array of problems having to do with fire science, fluid dynamics, and combustion.
Alasdair Cohen Ph.D
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AT VIRGINIA TECH
Alasdair advises on global health projects and serves as Research Director for the Berkeley/China/Virginia Tech Program for Water & Health.
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aLICE AGOGINO PH.D
PROFESSOR OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AT CAL
Alice is the founder of Squishy Robotics, a sensor robot that can be air-deployed into hazardous areas to provide real-time data to emergency responders.
Sidike paheding PH.D
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AT FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY
Sidike has authored over 100 research articles, and is the recipients of the 2020 Best Paper Award from the MDPI journal Electronics and 2021 Best Paper from journal Remote Sensing.
Sashi Sabaratnam
NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL RESEARCHER
Sashi has broad experience both in government and working with government at every level. Her research and work experience focus on increasing community resilience through a combination of human factors & technology.
Mark L. Bathrick
PRIOR DIRECTOR OF OFFICE OF AVIATION SERVICES AT DOI
Mr. Bathrick was responsible for management of all DOI aviation operations nationwide, encompassing 66,000 flight hours and involving 20,000 employees.
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS
Disaster Lab also works with talented UC Berkeley students to facilitate the creative processes and innovations happening within the lab.
Kyle Zhao
Kyle studies Chemistry at UC Berkeley and works as a Research Assitant at the Disaster Lab. Kyle utilizes technologies such as high-performance liquid chromatography and NMR spectroscopy to analyze and develop chemical-based innovations.