Dr. Sara K. McBride is a research social scientist and disaster expert now serving as the Executive Director for the California Seismic Safety Commission. Her background includes extensive experience in crisis communication, risk, hazard, science communication, and emergency management, gained from both research at institutions like the USGS and through on-the-ground response work in international and domestic disaster scenarios, such as the earthquakes in New Zealand and Puerto Rico. McBride’s expertise lies in understanding and improving community resilience, public education, and protective action decision-making during disasters.
Research and Academia:
McBride’s academic and research career includes positions such as a research social scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Geologic Hazards Science Center. She has a strong background in disaster risk reduction, community resilience, and science communication.
Emergency Management Experience:
She has a proven track record in disaster response and emergency management, holding significant roles during major crises:
- Chief of Operations for the USGS during the Southwestern Puerto Rico Earthquake Response.
- Public Information Manager for GeoNet/GNS Science during the Kaikoura Earthquake in New Zealand.
- Second-in-Command for the Christchurch Earthquake Response.
- Involvement in other disaster response efforts and humanitarian efforts in places like the Solomon Islands, Samoa, Fiji, and Namibia.
Expertise:
Her work focuses on a range of disaster-related topics, including:
- Modeling protective action decision-making.
- Social vulnerability to hazards.
- Crisis communication.
- Public education and outreach during and after disasters.