Brent Doberstein

Brent Doberstein is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management at the University of Waterloo, Faculty of Environment. His research and teaching focus on disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and sustainable resource management, particularly in developing countries across Asia and in Canada.

His research interests include:

• Hazards and disaster risk reduction
• Climate change adaptation and managed retreat
• Post-disaster reconstruction and institutional capacity building
• Sustainable resource and environmental management
• Parks and protected areas

Over the next five years, he is particularly interested in supervising graduate students in themes related to disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and managed retreat. His recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on community resilience, policy evaluation, and cross-national comparisons, especially in Southeast Asia and Canada. Key trends in his work include the integration of local knowledge, social equity in disaster recovery, and innovative frameworks like the PARA model for flood risk management.

His scientific contributions are recognized through publications in leading journals such as International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate and Development, and Disasters.

Dr. Doberstein actively supervises graduate students, many of whom are co-authors on his recent publications. He has taught courses including GEOG101, GEOG306, GEOG356, and led field research in Indonesia. He has also been involved in research projects related to flood recovery in Canada and post-disaster adaptations in countries like the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Thailand.

He leads research initiatives centered on post-disaster adaptations at individual, community, and national levels, often working with interdisciplinary teams and international collaborators. His work contributes significantly to policy development and community resilience planning in vulnerable regions.