Kristin Taylor Named Levin Center Research Scholar 2020-2021

Associate Professor Kristin Taylor has been named Levin Center Research Scholar for the 2020-2021 academic year. Dr. Taylor's established research program on disaster response fits perfectly with the Levin Center's interest in promoting legislative oversight of federal government operations. The basic question is: How can governmental oversight promote disaster resilience? The central theory guiding this research is that oversight can help promote disaster resilience, especially in state and local government, by shifting federal oversight attention from personal and public assistance to hazard mitigation programs. The project undertaken by Dr. Taylor will test her theory in two ways: first, by examining the types of programs that the Office of Inspector General in the Department of Homeland Security investigates while engaging in oversight of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); and second, by studying Congressional oversight of federal disaster assistance and mitigation programs. Professor Taylor expects to present her research results at conferences and to publish the findings in articles that will appear in peer-reviewed journals. Congratulations to Kristin on her award!