They are wearing UP hoodies! Love it ❤️😍
The UP Resilience Institute (UPRI) is pleased to host three student researchers from the University of Sydney: Will Pearson, Sophie Jiang, and Dylan Shadbolt. They are currently completing their Honours research as part of their Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degrees, specializing in Humanitarian Engineering. Their visit reflects the continuing academic partnership between the University of Sydney and UPRI, supporting interdisciplinary work on disaster risk reduction and climate resilience in the Philippines.
Will Pearson is focusing his research on fire hazards in urban informal settlements in Quezon City. His project explores the most common sources of fire ignition and the contributing factors to fire spread, including structural density, building materials, and limited emergency access. Will is conducting interviews with residents, fire professionals, and government officials to inform community-specific fire risk reduction strategies.
Sophie Jiang, who is also taking up a degree in Architecture alongside Civil Engineering, is examining how land tenure insecurity affects climate-induced displacement in Rodriguez, Rizal. Her research aims to understand how housing and land ownership influence a household’s risk of displacement and their ability to recover or adapt after disasters. She is working with local communities and government officials to gather insights through in-depth interviews.
Dylan Shadbolt is investigating how anticipatory action is being used in disaster preparedness in the Philippines. His project looks at the systems, partnerships, and protocols that guide early humanitarian response before a disaster strikes. By engaging with key stakeholders from humanitarian organizations and government agencies, Dylan hopes to understand the opportunities and limitations of anticipatory action in the country’s disaster risk governance.
Throughout their six-week internship at UPRI, the students are conducting fieldwork, interviews, and community engagement activities that build on their academic training and contribute to real-world resilience research. Their work supports the mission of UPRI to promote inclusive, evidence-based solutions for climate and disaster challenges in the Philippines.
Click this link to view the Facebook post by UPRI Executive Director Mahar Lagmay.