Allaire and Dr

Aishwarya Borate is a dedicated Ph.D. candidate in Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy at the University of California, Irvine. With a solid foundation in town planning from her bachelor's degree in India, she has developed a keen interest in disaster studies. Her academic journey is marked by her involvement in various research projects that delve into the impacts of natural disasters, the development of resilient urban designs, and the assessment of social vulnerability. Borate's dissertation is a testament to her commitment to understanding the human dimensions of environmental challenges, as it focuses on the well-being impacts of large-scale flooding events in India. Her work aims to provide insights into how such disasters affect communities and how urban planning can mitigate these impacts. She is particularly interested in planning for vulnerable communities, ensuring that their needs are addressed in policy and practice. The multidisciplinary nature of the Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy (UEPP) program at UC Irvine has been instrumental in broadening Borate's skill set, research portfolio, and professional networks. She appreciates the diverse perspectives and collaborative opportunities the program offers, which have enriched her academic experience and prepared her for a future in academia. Borate aspires to pursue a career in research and teaching at a research university. She is passionate about bridging the gap between academia and practice in planning and policy, aiming to contribute to the development of strategies that enhance community resilience and sustainability. Her goal is to influence policy-making processes and ensure that academic research translates into practical solutions for real-world challenges. Through her work, Borate hopes to make a significant impact in the field of urban and environmental planning, particularly in the context of disaster resilience and social equity. She is committed to fostering an inclusive approach to planning that prioritizes the needs of the most vulnerable populations, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed in the planning process.