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Disaster Seminar Series

Event Overview

The Disaster Seminar Series is a hub for cutting edge research, innovative practitioner perspectives, and networking opportunities. It's also a great place to build community with those studying disasters, crises, emergencies, and other catastrophes from all faculties across campus. Activities will include presentations and activities with professors, practitioners, alumni, graduate students, and others.

Event Details

  • Location:  Harry Crowe Room (Atkinson Building Room 109)- York University, Keele Campus
  • Start Date: Sep 11, 2025
  • End Date: Mar. 12, 2026
  • Time: Every Thursday from 2:45-3:45 PM ET

Winter 2026 Schedule

Jan. 8, 2026
Speakers: Dr. Na-Koshie Lamptey, Acting Medical Officer of Health, City of Toronto

Topic: Pearls from peril: Protecting public health in local emergencies

Jan. 15, 2026
Interactive, Role-Playing Session with Students: Dr. Evalyna Bogdan, Co-Director of Y-EMERGE; Assistant Professor in the Disaster and Emergency Management program, York University

Topic: How students can succeed in job interviews

Jan. 22, 2026
Speakers: Dr. S. Harris Ali, Professor, Department of Sociology, and CITY Institute Interim Director, York University (event is co-sponsored with the City Institute at York University)

Topic: The urban dimensions of wildfires

Abstract: This presentation will consider how contemporary urban theory may be used to gain some insight into the proliferation and impacts of wildfires.  Particular attention will be on how the analysis of the “urban” no longer simply involves an exclusive focus on the city core as traditionally emphasized, but rather involves a consideration of the interdependencies between the city and the peripheral areas around the city – including suburban and exurban areas.  In that light, I will briefly introduce and explain such perspectives as “extended urbanization” or “planetary urbanization” and discuss the implications of such perspectives for understanding the politics and ecology of wildfires. 

Jan. 29, 2026
Speakers: Colleen Simpson & Katarina Garpenfeldt, York Region Emergency Management

Topic: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) Implementation - Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract: This presentation aims to offer an overview of the Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) process as implemented in York Region. For more than 15 years, York Region Emergency Management has conducted an annual HIRA to meet compliance requirements. Over time, significant effort has been invested in addressing methodological challenges and optimizing the process to ensure that the results deliver meaningful value and strengthen the overall emergency management program.

Feb. 5, 2026
Speakers: Hayston Lam & Cameron Wilson, Emergency Management Ontario

Topic: Ontario Corps Volunteer Organization

Abstract: This presentation will focus on the creation, the partners, and the mission of Ontario Corps. This provincially led organization was formed to assist Ontarians during emergencies or natural disasters. Ontario Corp includes highly trained and experienced NGOs, as well as Ontarians from all backgrounds and experience levels who want to help their communities in times of need. We will do a brief overview of ‘What is Ontario Corp’ and then focus on recent real-world emergencies where Ontario Corp was a key partner in local disaster response.

Feb. 12, 2026
Speakers: Randy Reid, Director Nuclear Radiological and Scientific Response Programs, Emergency Management Ontario

Topic: Ontario’s Nuclear Emergency Management Program (NEMP)

Feb. 19, 2026 - READING WEEK - no session

Feb. 26, 2026
Speakers: Ben Gallagher, EM City of Mississauga

Topic: Day in the life of an emergency manager

Abstract: Even though no two days are ever the same, Ben will provide an overview of what a typical day in the life of an emergency manager may look like in the context of a large-urban setting. This includes the challenges and opportunities that emergency managers can expect to encounter in their roles, especially as we look towards the future. Ben will share insights and practical advice based on his role as a municipal emergency manager for those entering or working in the field of emergency management.  

Mar. 5, 2026
Speakers: Alisha Khan, Senior Manager, Reliability & Emergency Response, Hydro One Networks Inc.

Topic: Critical infrastructure emergency management

Mar. 12, 2026
Speakers: Katie Subbotina, Corporate Lead, Emergency Preparedness at Trillium Health Partners

Topic: Many Days, Many Settings: A Career in Emergency Management (& Wrap-up Social Event)

Abstract: Drawing on experience across hospital settings and in a consulting role supporting emergency management operations across Canada, Katie will discuss how emergency management practice varies across organizational contexts. The presentation will highlight skills developed in different roles, how governance and organizational structures shape emergency programs, and key lessons learned for those entering or working in the field of emergency management.   

Fall 2025 Schedule

Sep 11, 2025
Speakers:

  • Dr. Eric B. Kennedy, Director of Y-EMERGE; Associate Professor in the Disaster and Emergency Management program, York University
  • Dr. Evalyna Bogdan, Co-Director of Y-EMERGE; Assistant Professor in the Disaster and Emergency Management program, York University

Topic: Disaster Seminar Series KICK-OFF

Sep 18, 2025
Speaker: Glen McGillivray, Managing Director, Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, Adjunct Professor, Disaster and Emergency Management program at York University
Topic: Everything you wanted to know about home insurance but didn't know who to ask

Sep 25, 2025
Speakers:

  • Dr. Eric B. Kennedy, Director of Y-EMERGE; School of Administrative Studies & Disaster and Emergency Management program, York University
  • Dr. Evalyna Bogdan, Co-Director of Y-EMERGE; School of Administrative Studies & Disaster and Emergency Management program, York University

Topic: “What can Y-EMERGE do for you?”

Oct 2, 2025
Speaker: Dr. Jane Marie Heffernan, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University
Topic: Modelling for Public Health response during a pandemic

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic public health response was informed by mathematical models of infectious disease spread and healthcare demand. In this talk we will discuss the utility of mathematical modelling in this context and review some model results that were used to inform public health response.

Oct 9, 2025
Speakers:

  • Student Panellists: James Wheeler-Hebert, Nour Lyakoubi, Jade Harrow, Kirit Kambo
  • Professor Nirupama Agrawal and Karlene Case, Director of Student Work Integrated Learning & Career Education (LA&PS Co-op Representative)

Topic: LAPS co-op/DEM internship & field placement panel with students

Oct 16, 2025
No session – Reading Week

Oct 23, 2025
Facilitator: Dr. Evalyna Bogdan
Topic: Activity: Flood Media Framing & Misinformation – Fraser Valley Flood (2021)

About the session: This exercise explores how different media platforms shaped public understanding of the Fraser Valley Flood (2021). Through a hands-on group activity, participants will compare how traditional outlets and social media framed the same event, noting differences in tone, language, and the portrayal of key actors. The session will conclude with a brief discussion to synthesize key takeaways and reflect on the implications of media framing during disasters.

Oct 30, 2025
Speaker: Alain Normand, Instructor in the DEM program & Emergency Management practitioner; Consulting Associate, ADRA Canada / NGO Alliance of Ontario
Topic: The 2022 deployment to Ukraine to coordinate disaster relief efforts

About the session: As a long-standing member of ADRA Canada -the Humanitarian arm of the Seventh-Day Adventist church- Alain have been deployed a few times to support disaster relief operations. In May 2022, he was contacted by ADRA International as they needed an expert in donations management to develop a system for Ukraine. He accepted and he spent six weeks in May and June in Mukachevo working with the small local ADRA team. Alain will share his experience as well as the basis for setting up a donations management system

Nov 6, 2025
Speaker: Dr. Patricia Martel, Associate Faculty, Humanitarian Studies, Royal Roads University; Emergency Management practitioner
Topic: Evolving Disaster and Emergency Management to Address Changing Needs in Canada

Abstract: Hazards and vulnerabilities in Canada are changing due to factors such as climate change, reliance on technology, and socio-economic factors. It is important that we continue to strengthen and improve our disaster and emergency management systems and programs to meet the increasing challenges placed upon them. This presentation will discuss changes needed to the current Canadian emergency management system through a lens of developing a holistic framework that can better support our communities and vulnerable populations

Nov 13, 2025
Speakers: Panellists
Topic: Disaster and emergency management in military roles​​

Nov 20, 2025
Speaker: Dr. Kathleen Tierney, Professor Emerita, Department of Sociology, and Research Professor, Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado Boulder
Topic: Covid-19 and Disaster Research: Continuities and Surprises

Abstract: For decades, social science studies on disasters have provided insights on social behavior in disasters.  This presentation focuses on the extent to which those earlier findings were borne out during the COVID pandemic. Three topics will be discussed: risk communication and disaster warnings; typical behavioral patterns in disasters; and social vulnerability.

Nov 27, 2025
Cancelled

Seminar Goals

  • Highlight interdisciplinary research in disaster and emergency management
  • Promote dialogue between academia, government, and community organizations
  • Offer opportunities for student engagement and learning

Who Should Attend?

Registration

👉 Register for Reminders

Contact & Support

For questions, support, or to join the Y-EMERGE network to access events and opportunities:
Contact: Y-EMERGE Coordinator, at yemerge@yorku.ca.