Welcome to the Social Vulnerability and Resilience (SOLVER) Research Lab! We conduct transdisciplinary, multi-method, and issue-focused research on social vulnerability and resilience in the context of socio-ecological disasters and climate change.
Dr. Fernando Tormos-Aponte, assistant professor of sociology at the University of Pittsburgh, founded the SOLVER Lab and has continued to expand the lab's research to include leaders throughout the U.S., including Dr. Mary Angelica Painter at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Natural Hazards Center, Dr. Sameer Shah at the University of Washington School of Environmental & Forest Sciences.
Our research focuses on environmental justice, health, and social issues affecting marginalized communities on regional, national, and international levels.
As part of our efforts, we formed partnerships with institutions, researchers, and policymakers (federal, state, and local governments).
Ongoing and compounding climatic and non-climatic natural hazards, rapidly increasing climate change, the continuing threat of political environments, and continue to threaten the lives of those that are most vulnerable. Inspired by international social movements, the SOLVER lab team is compelled to act and assist those most impacted by racism, colonialism, state-sanctioned violence, and environmental oppression.
The primary goals of the SOLVER Lab.
SOLVER Lab works with communities for research and advocates for the liberation and benefit of these communities in our work.
SOLVER Lab contributors and sponsors.