Disaster Resistance and Resilience

Disaster Resistance and Resilience: Why Neighborhood Parks Matter
Featuring Andrew Mowen and Ariane Rung

Drawing from experiences and evidence gathered in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Drs. Rung and Mowen will discuss how neighborhood parks are affected by natural disasters, how they have been rebuilt and used in a post-disaster period, and the critical role that park and recreation services can play in addressing immediate mental health needs, fostering community engagement, and rebuilding social cohesion after a natural disaster.

Speakers

Andrew Mowen, Ph.D. is an associate professor and professor-in-charge of the honors program at Penn State. Dr. Mowen is interested in environmental stewardship, opportunities for physical activity in nature, public health and the impact of neighborhood parks.

Ariane Rung, Ph.D. serves as president of the Louisiana State University School of Public Health Faculty Assembly, chair of the Epidemiology Student Admissions Committee and as an active member of the LSUHSC School of Public Health Administrative Council. Dr. Rung is interested in the built environment, social environments, parks, physical activity and the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information or to R.S.V.P., contact Carrie Graf-Behlen at 631.687.2650 or email ithm@sjcny.edu.

To learn more about the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management, visit www.sjcny.edu/ithm.