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Analysis of Energy Infrastructure Disasters: Qualitative Contributions to Interdisciplinary Challenges
Term:
IAP and Spring
Department:
11: Urban Studies and Planning
Faculty Supervisor:
Amy Glasmeier
Faculty email:
amyglas@mit.edu
Apply by:
January 30, 2020
Contact:
Amy Glasmeier: amyglas@mit.edu
Project Description
Large-scale energy disruptions, such as the 2003 Northeast Blackout or the 2018 Merrimack Valley explosions, are complicated social and organizational events. Our team at MIT DUSP's Lab on Regional Innovation and Spatial Analysis is engaged in understanding how human error and organizational factors produce these instances of energy infrastructure failure and disaster. For IAP (and Spring), our team will conduct case studies of electric grid hazards and disaster events. This analysis mirrors our lab's prior work on error and policy change following natural gas pipeline explosions. Students can expect to develop skills in qualitative analysis (using NVivo), technical report reading & writing, and a working knowledge of disaster theory. This project contributes to an interdisciplinary understanding of pressing energy and infrastructure challenges.
Pre-requisites
Adventurous, interested in detail, enjoy studying systems, concerned about public safety.