File:NSF-supported Hazards Researchers "Storm" Capitol Hill (6148267834).jpg

In recognition of September as National Preparedness Month and in the aftermath of the recent East Coast hurricanes and earthquake, NSF hosted a two-day expo on Sept. 6 and 7, 2011, that showcased research on tornados, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanos, oil spills and hurricanes, as well as the human response to these events. More than 30 NSF-supported teams of scientists, engineers and students demonstrated their work and talked about how their findings help policy makers, disaster responders and the public better prepare for, predict, respond to and mitigate natural and other hazards that threaten people's lives and communities. The exhibits included an earthquake simulator, tornado pods, search-and-rescue robots, a flood flume, 3-D clips from the IMAX film, "Tornado Alley," and unmanned aerial vehicles. The event was held at NSF's headquarters on the first day, while day two took place on Capitol Hill. Among those pictured delivering remarks were NSF Director Subra Suresh; Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fla.); Jason Unger, senior advisor to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.); NSF Deputy Director Cora Marrett; Greg Beroza, Southern California Earthquake Center, Stanford University; and Susan Cutter, director of the Hazards & Vulnerability Research Institute, University of South Carolina. Senators Reid, Nelson, Jack Reed (D-RI) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Rep. Bill Flores (R-Tex.), and Howard Silver, executive director of the Consortium of Social Science Associations (COSSA) were among the visitors who toured the exhibits and talked with the researchers. For the complete list of exhibitors, see the media advisory. For additional coverage of the expo, see the news release.

Credit: Sandy Schaeffer for NSF