Dean Nisha Botchwey, along with University of Minnesota researchers Katie OConnell and Olivia Chatman, co-authored the article “Promoting youth advocacy for resilience to disasters: a pilot study,” published in Gender and Development.

The research team developed a science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) pilot program for middle schoolers, designed to engage them in disaster resilience planning. This age group is routinely overlooked in disaster recovery efforts and urban planning. 

The article shares knowledge on how the 14-session curriculum was developed and presents findings from the evaluation of the pilot programs. 

Results show there was increased self-efficacy among the participants for advocacy behaviors related to natural disasters, and an increase in their understanding of and feelings of importance of the program topics.