UGA Institute for Disaster Management

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UGA Institute for Disaster Management

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Furthering research, knowledge and training as it relates to emergency management and public health.

The Institute for Disaster Management at the UGA College of Public Health is committed to furthering research, knowledge, and training as it relates to emergency management throughout the state of Georgia, the United States, and globally. As part of the College of Public Health, the Institute teaches in-person disaster management (DMAN) courses at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, offering one of the only Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees with a specific concentration in disaster management, graduate and undergraduate certificates, and an undergraduate minor.

10/09/2026

From the classroom to the field, Kayla Kuyu is putting her disaster management education into action.

Just two weeks into her internship with Gwinnett County Emergency Management Agency, UGA student Kayla Kuyu found herself participating in a full-scale active shooter exercise. From public messaging and outreach to emergency response training, Kuyu’s internship gave her a firsthand look at the field she’s preparing to enter.

Read her story and learn how she turned her passion for helping communities into hands-on experience: https://idm.publichealth.uga.edu/student-spotlight-kayla-kuyu/

10/01/2026

Have you ever wondered what it takes to keep millions of soccer fans safe? ⚽

While the world tuned into the FIFA World Cup, Makayla Peebles, a PhD student at IDM, spent over 240 hours working with emergency management officials to keep fans at the Atlanta Stadium safe and secure.

Read the full article to learn more about what goes into mass-gathering event security here🔗: https://idm.publichealth.uga.edu/the-unseen-work-behind-the-world-cup

09/25/2026

What happens when a rural healthcare facility faces a disaster

The UGA Institute for Disaster Management has been awarded $3.735 million to help rural healthcare facilities across Georgia prepare to safely shelter in place and continue providing care during disasters.

Through the Rural Healthcare Facility Resilience Program, IDM will assess critical infrastructure, identify vulnerabilities and help facilities prioritize resilience investments.

Read the full article to learn more 🔗 https://idm.publichealth.uga.edu/uga-idm-receives-3-7-million-to-strengthen-rural-healthcare-resilience/

09/11/2026

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 attacks on the Twin Towers. The UGA Institute for Disaster Management will never forget those who lost their lives that day, as well as the courageous individuals who played a vital role in the response and recovery efforts.

9/11 was a pivotal moment in the field of emergency and disaster management. We continue to reflect on that day and the critical lessons learned, ensuring that the sacrifices made will never be forgotten.

Today at 2:30 PM, students, faculty, staff, and friends will gather in the IDM EOC to view “9/11”, a real-life documentary following the day’s events from an insider’s view, through the lens of James Hanlon and two French filmmakers who were in Manhattan that one day. Any and all are invited to join us!

09/08/2026

Interested in furthering your education?

Prospective applicants for the Master of Public Health with a concentration in Disaster Management are invited to join us for a virtual information session via Zoom on September 17th.

Join us to hear about course requirements, involvement opportunities, admissions considerations, application insights, career outcomes, and more ℹ️

Register here 👉 https://ugeorgia.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6EuGZhnhfLjWXsi

08/28/2026

The University of Georgia College of Public Health is excited to announce Morgan Taylor (PhD ’23, MPH ’19) as the new director for the Institute for Disaster Management.

“IDM has been such an important part of my own professional journey, which makes the opportunity to lead the Institute especially meaningful,” said Taylor. “I’ve seen firsthand the tremendous impact this team has through its teaching, research and outreach. I could not be more excited about working alongside our faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners to build on IDM’s successes and expand what we can accomplish together.”

Read more here👉 Idm.publichealth.uga.edu/morgan-taylor-named-director-of-institute-for-disaster-management

08/21/2026

Join us for our first event of National Preparedness Month!

🎲Disaster Game Night
📍Rook & Pawn (294 W Washington St #300, Athens, GA 30601)
⏰5 PM - 9 PM
🎟️$7 to play
💗A small percentage of sales will feed back into the IDM fund to sponsor more events like these for students.

Hosted by UGA IDM and OEP in honor of September aka National Preparedness Month.

08/17/2026

whether you’re starting 13th grade or 21st grade, happy FDOC dawgs!

08/13/2026

Your September plans just landed! To celebrate National Preparedness Month, the Institute for Disaster Management, together with the Office of Emergency Preparedness, will be hosting a series of events all September long. Stay tuned for the lineup 👀

07/21/2026

This summer, Dr. Michelle Ritchie launched something new: Hazard Hunters: Storm Science and Survival, a youth summer academy through the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education

Held twice in early July, the camp welcomed middle school students for a hands-on introduction to the world of disasters and emergency management. Throughout the week, students explored common hazards and learned how communities prepare for and respond to them through interactive activities across campus.

From measuring heat and visiting the VR lab to practicing weather forecasting, campers got a firsthand look at the science behind disasters and the people who work to protect the public.

Address

105 Bowstrom Road
Athens, GA
30602

Website

http://idm.publichealth.uga.edu/

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