Dr. Farah Nibbs
Assistant Professor · Tenure-Track
Department of Emergency and Disaster Health Systems School of Public Policy
About
Dr. Farah Nibbs is an Assistant Professor in the Emergency Disasters & Health Systems Department, specialising in disaster science, emergency management, and island resilience studies. Her research explores the intersection of disasters, climate change, vulnerability, and lifeline infrastructure, with a focus on building sustainable and equitable solutions for Small Island States (SIS).With a PhD in Disaster Science and Management, Dr Nibbs has collaborated extensively with Caribbean disaster management agencies, including national Offices of Disaster Preparedness, as well as regional institutions such as the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH). These partnerships bring both academic rigour and practical insights to her work, ensuring it is grounded in real-world challenges and solutions.
Dr. Nibbs is deeply committed to bridging the gap between research and practice, translating scholarly findings into actionable strategies that enhance disaster resilience in Caribbean islands and beyond. Her work not only advances academic understanding but also empowers communities, policymakers, and practitioners to build a more resilient future.
Research interests
My research focuses on the intersection of lifeline systems, climate change, and disaster resilience in small island contexts. Specifically, I investigate how critical infrastructure—particularly water and road systems—can be strengthened to better withstand the impacts of climate-related hazards such as hurricanes, flooding, and droughts. Small island communities face unique vulnerabilities due to their geographic isolation, limited resources, and exposure to increasingly frequent and severe climate events. My work explores how these lifeline systems can be effectively managed, maintained, and adapted to ensure continued access to clean water and safe transportation before, during, and after disasters. By drawing on a multidisciplinary framework that integrates disaster studies, island studies, environmental science, and geography, I aim to advance innovative, context-sensitive strategies that enhance infrastructure resilience and support long-term sustainability for vulnerable island populations.Teaching interests
As a dedicated educator, I believe my teaching philosophy and course offerings contribute to my department's mission of fostering critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement. My approach emphasises active learning, where students are encouraged to engage with real-world problems through case studies, simulations, scenario exercises, and hands-on projects. By integrating contemporary issues such as climate change, disaster resilience, and public health into the curriculum, I aim to equip students with the analytical skills necessary to navigate complex challenges facing the United States and beyond.I have developed and delivered engaging and relevant coursework in the EDHS department in a range of subjects, including:
- Public Health Emergency Preparedness
- International Disaster Management
- Leadership, Risk & Crisis Communication
- Managing Emergencies & Crises
- Climate, Disasters & Disparities
Education
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Ph D, Disaster Science and Management
— University of Delaware (2024) A LONG ROAD AHEAD: ROAD ASSET MANAGEMENT IN CONDITIONS OF UNCERTAINTY IN THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN
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Other, Environmental engineering
— SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (2018) Ferro-cement Biosand Rain Barrels: Sustainable Rainwater Harvesting for Household Climate Change Resilience in SIDS
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MA, International Planning and sustainable Development
— University of Westminster (2014) The Impact of Climate Change, Particularly Sea Level Rise, Increased Storm Surges and Coastal Flooding on the Road and Sea Defence Infrastructure of Coastal Communities in Small Island Developing States, using Dominica as a Case Study.
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BA, Political Science
— Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (2009) The Geopolitical Importance of the Caribbean for North America and Europe