Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amer Abukhalaf. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Amer, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience is a dynamic process. As an immigrant researcher in the US, my resilience stems from a combination of personal attributes, experiences, and support systems. First, the very experience of being an immigrant requires a level of adaptability and resilience to navigate a new culture, language, and environment. The ability to adapt to new environments and navigate complex systems is a key strength for immigrants and contributes to resilience in the face of challenges. Moreover, maintaining a connection to my cultural identity and heritage is another source of strength. It provides a sense of belonging and contributes to my resilience in the face of many cultural adjustments. Second, my passion and dedication to research in disaster studies require a strong intrinsic motivation. A sense of purpose and passion for my work fuel my resilience in the face of challenges on a daily basis. My mentors and advisors who guide me in my academic and research pursuits, their support significantly impacts my resilience. Mentorship provides valuable insights and encouragement. In addition, the development of effective coping strategies, whether they involve stress management, time management, or self-care practices, contributed a lot to my ability to handle challenges. Also, leveraging available resources, such as academic support services, counseling, and community resources, was very helpful as I navigated challenges in my personal and professional life.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I have always been interested in risk management and how to identify, analyze, prioritize, and monitor different types of risk. When I got the chance to explore that interest of mine during my master’s, I didn’t hesitate, and I built my capstone thesis on the different strategies of risk treatments, including risk acceptance, transference, avoidance, and reduction in the context of the most significant risks of all: Natural Hazards. After my master’s, I wanted to explore this research field even more, so I started my Ph.D. at the Design, Construction, and Planning College at the University of Florida (UF), and I joined the Florida Institute for Built Environment Resilience. In addition, I chose the topic “Studying the Built Environment Impact on Personal Disaster Preparedness Behaviors” for my Ph.D. dissertation, which looks into explaining and predicting personal disaster preparedness behaviors through understanding how housing conditions and structural details influence people’s risk perception. This topic is novel and has never been done before. It is also multidisciplinary and requires a deep understanding and expertise in structural design, disaster management strategies, and theories in human behavior and psychology.
In the past few decades, the frequency and severity of natural hazards have increased significantly in the US and globally. Between hurricanes, tornados, flooding, snow and sand storms, earthquakes, and volcanoes, there is not a single state or a country that is not facing the imminent danger of natural hazards. Therefore, there is a need for more scholars to research natural hazards and disasters to improve how we prepare and respond to such threats, which are only expected to increase in the future. Here in the US, for example, the government spends millions of dollars every year in response to and recovery from hurricanes, which represents a serious threat to the safety of the public, as well as the economy of this country. All hurricane preparedness actions start from home since it is the first defense line in the face of any storm. A big part of risk perception is built on how safe or unsafe someone feels at their house if a hurricane were to hit. Many structural characteristics of the house can influence its occupant’s risk perception in case of a hurricane, such as house location, type, age, the material of exterior building walls, having a basement, size and type of windows, to mention a few. Unfortunately, the relationship between housing structural characteristics and risk perception is commonly overlooked in disaster studies. Accordingly, my current research, including my dissertation, aims to fill these research gaps to improve how we respond to hurricanes and prevent them from becoming disasters.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
One of the most impactful aspects of my journey in disaster studies has been the adoption of an interdisciplinary approach. By integrating insights from sociology, environmental science, and public health, I gained a more holistic understanding of the complex dynamics involved in disaster scenarios. This interdisciplinary lens has allowed me to generate nuanced research insights and propose more effective solutions. A critical skill that significantly influenced my journey is a strong emphasis on research methodology. The rigorous design of my studies, including robust data collection methods and analytical techniques, has been instrumental. This attention to methodology not only enhanced the credibility of my work but also provided a solid foundation for drawing meaningful conclusions. Also, effective communication has been paramount in conveying the relevance of my research. Whether presenting findings at academic conferences or engaging with policymakers and affected communities, the ability to articulate complex ideas in a clear and accessible manner has been key. Strong writing skills have played a crucial role in disseminating research outcomes to both academic and broader audiences.
My advice would be to build a supportive professional network early in your career. Attend conferences, join relevant professional associations, and seek mentorship opportunities. A strong network can provide guidance, foster collaborations, and offer valuable insights throughout your research journey. Also, maintain curiosity and adaptability. Stay open to new ideas, emerging trends, and evolving research questions. A flexible and iterative approach allows for continuous learning and ensures your research remains relevant and impactful. Finally, Recognize that setbacks are inevitable in research. View challenges as learning opportunities, seek constructive feedback, and persist in the face of obstacles. Resilience in the face of setbacks is a characteristic that will serve you well throughout your career.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Feeling overwhelmed is a common experience, especially when managing multiple responsibilities, deadlines, or unexpected challenges. Here are some of the strategies that adopted and recommend for others:
1- Prioritize, Organize, and Take Breaks: Break down tasks into smaller, more manageable parts. Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. Create a to-do list to help organize your thoughts and focus your efforts. Step away from your work for short breaks to clear your mind.
Engage in activities you enjoy during breaks to refresh your energy. Consider techniques like deep breathing or stretching to relax.
2- Delegate, Seek Support, and Set Realistic Expectations: Delegate tasks when possible, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Communicate your feelings with friends, family, or colleagues for support. Sometimes, sharing the workload can alleviate stress. Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a given timeframe. Avoid setting overly ambitious goals that may contribute to feeling overwhelmed. Celebrate small achievements and progress.
3- Time Management and Self-Care: Break your day into blocks of focused work time. Use time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique, to enhance productivity. Schedule regular breaks to prevent burnout. Prioritize self-care activities, including adequate sleep, healthy meals, and regular exercise. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Make time for hobbies and activities that recharge your mental and emotional well-being.
Remember that feeling overwhelmed is a common experience, and it’s okay to seek support and implement strategies to manage stress. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you, and be kind to yourself during challenging times. If overwhelming feelings persist or significantly impact your well-being, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for additional support and guidance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://engamerhamad.wixsite.com/risk-management
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-hamad-issa-abukhalaf-71320275/
- Twitter: @AbukhalafAmer
