Sustainable Development
Disaster Lab pioneers sustainable and resilient infrastructure solutions.
We understand the urgent 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.
Our team of experts work with developers, constructors, startups, and researchers to innovate solutions that change the way we think about infrastructure.
Renewable Energy
Disaster Lab is at the forefront of shaping the future of energy, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in renewables, energy storage, and energy mobility. We work in collaboration with industry leaders and experts to test, integrate, and drive the adoption of cutting-edge energy technologies that will change the world.
From revolutionary energy storage solutions, to mobile power generation and advanced energy monitoring systems, we're building a more resilient, sustainable power grid.
Pollution and Remediation
Disaster Lab is shaping a cleaner and healthier future through our work in environmental remediation and habitat restoration. We're dedicated to restoring areas that have been degraded, damaged, or destroyed by natural or man-made disasters.
By working with researchers, governments, and innovative technology companies, we're driving the adoption of game-changing solutions that will shape a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
Our team consists of innovators at UC Berkeley working to create a sustainable future. Our work ranges from environment & ecology, to construction & energy. We collaborate with industry leaders to drive adoption of cutting-edge technologies that address climate change and disaster challenges. Through research and white papers, we share insights and ideas to advance resilience and sustainability.
Join us in shaping the future of sustainable development and learn more about our groundbreaking projects.
— FALL 2023 COURSE
DISASTER TECHNOLOGY: CREATING INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE
ENGIN 183C
Learn how innovative solutions are being used to detect, prevent, and manage environmental disasters like wildfires. Explore the technology gaps that exist at every level of disaster response and discover how new solutions can empower industry, government and other experts to become more effective at preventing and managing disasters.
With a hands-on approach, you'll use the Berkeley Method of Entrepreneurship and Lean Methodology to ideate and innovate potential solutions, while understanding the stakeholders, end-users, and problems involved. Join this class and be at the forefront of shaping the future of disaster management, and make a real impact on the world.
DISASTER LAB IS LED BY
DR. THOMAS AZWELL
Dr. Azwell, a visionary leader at Disaster Lab, brings a wealth of experience in environmental science, corporate sustainability, technology innovation, and entrepreneurship. With a Master's in Science Education and a Doctorate in Environmental Science from the University of California, Berkeley, Dr. Azwell is at the forefront of shaping the future of environmental remediation and restoration.
At Disaster Lab, Dr. Azwell is providing students, researchers, and faculty with the unique opportunity to collaborate with industry experts and work on cutting-edge solutions to address some of the world's most pressing environmental problems. Join us and be a part of the team that is driving innovation and making a real impact on the world.
Disaster Lab is directed by
SUKH SINGH
Sukh is a trailblazer at Disaster Lab, pushing the boundaries of innovation in the critical field of disaster detection, mitigation, and remediation. He leads the demonstration and independent evaluation of cutting-edge technologies and manages Innovation Challenges - opportunities for students to tackle technology gaps identified by first responders with mentorship from industry partners.
Sukh is also a key member of the development team for FIRE Foundry, a revolutionary workforce development program built in collaboration with Marin County and Marin Fire Department, aimed at bringing underrepresented groups into fire service careers. He is proud to be preparing the next generation of firefighters and equipping them with the state-of-the-art tools and technology that will be essential for their success as they ascend in their careers.
Disaster Lab's Social and Environmental Scientist
JOSH DIMON PH.D
Josh is a seasoned expert in documenting and addressing the injustices caused by climate change and inadequately supervised large energy projects, both domestically and internationally. He dedicated his doctoral research at UC Berkeley to investigating these issues in the contexts of Mozambique and Bangladesh.
OUR TEAM
At Disaster Lab, we collaborate with the top researchers, faculty, and labs globally to conduct thorough evaluations of the latest technologies in disaster detection, tracking, mediation, and response
Kaitie Penry
Visiting Scholar
Kaitie is the Director of the National Security Innovation Network, where she creates opportunities for technology companies, academics, and students to develop cutting-edge innovations with support by the Department of Defense.
RESEARCH AFFILIATES
Michael Gollner Ph.D
Michael is faculty in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Cal. He leads the Fire Research Lab where his team tackles an array of problems having to do with fire science and combustion.
Alasdair Cohen Ph.D
Alasdair is a professor of Environmental Epidemiology at Virginia Tech, and serves as Research Director for the Berkeley/China/Virginia Tech Program for Water & Health.
Ritwik Gupta
Ritwik serves as Principal AI Scientist at the Defense Innovation Unit where his research is focused on efficient machine learning for humanitarian assistance and disaster response. He's currently pursuing a Ph.D at UC Berkeley.
Alice Agogino Ph.D
Mechanical Engineer, Product Design Concentration Founder, and Head Advisor, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley.
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 prepare, analyze, and study plant-based therapeutics.