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LaMar Anderson

Pasadena City College
SCEC SOURCES Interns

Expertise: Earthquake risk communication, behavioral science, disaster preparedness, human-centered communication, narrative-based risk communication, data science, decision-support frameworks, and community resilience.
 
 
About Me Publications
I recently earned an Associate of Science in Data Science from Pasadena City College and am currently conducting research as a SCEC SOURCES Summer 2026 intern. My research interests lie at the intersection of data science, behavioral science, and disaster risk communication, with a particular focus on translating complex scientific information into meaningful public engagement and preparedness.

My current work contributes to the development of the ShakeOut Scenario 2.0 Story Map, where I am investigating a human-centered (narrative-based) risk communication framework informed by behavioral science, disaster psychology, and research on risk perception. Drawing upon the work of Paul Slovic, Dr. Lucy Jones, Dr. Keith Porter and others, I am exploring how evidence-informed Narrative Impact Profiles can complement traditional hazard communication by fostering personal identification with earthquake consequences and encouraging protective decision-making. This work also includes the development of a decision-support framework that connects users with preparedness actions, mitigation opportunities, and local, state, and federal resources before, during, and after a major earthquake.

More broadly, my research explores how data science and behavioral science can be integrated to improve public decision-making in the face of complex societal risks. I am interested in developing interdisciplinary approaches that combine data science, geospatial analysis, behavioral research, and human-centered communication to strengthen disaster preparedness, emergency management, and community resilience.

My long-term research goal is to contribute to the development of evidence-based communication frameworks that bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and meaningful public action.