WAVE3 coverage underscores the importance of resilience before severe weather strikes.

FRANKFORT, Ky. 鈥� When severe weather hits, recovery depends on more than the storm itself. It depends on whether communities have the infrastructure, communication systems, and economic resilience to respond. That is the focus of 麻豆直播 student research highlighted in a recent WAVE3 story by Marresa Burke during Kentucky鈥檚 Severe Weather Awareness Week.

Student researchers Salematou Diaby, Sophia Njoh, Emmanuel Obielodan, Ganiyat Shittu, Ayodola Olatunji, and Oluwafunmisho Ibiloro examined how severe weather disrupts households, businesses, labor markets, and supply chains, and what those disruptions reveal about preparedness and long-term recovery across Kentucky.

As Burke reported, the team reviewed severe-weather events from 2017 through 2023, with special focus on the 2022 Eastern Kentucky floods. Their research points to the importance of stronger roads, bridges, communication systems, and broadband access, while also examining how disasters strain local economies and affect rural and urban communities in different ways.

鈥淭his work reflects the kind of student-centered, applied research that defines Kentucky State University,鈥� said President Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo. 鈥淥ur students are engaging issues that matter to families, communities, and businesses across Kentucky, and they are helping advance research that can inform stronger planning, readiness, and recovery.鈥�

The effort reflects collaboration between the School of Business and the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources. It was led by Dr. Sait Sarr, senior research scientist and adjunct faculty member in the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources, and Dr. Swagata 鈥淏an鈥� Banerjee, professor of economics in the School of Business.

The work also aligns with Kentucky State鈥檚 broader Community Resource Development efforts in Cooperative Extension. Gill Finley serves as state specialist in community economic development and supports Community Resource Development work focused on stronger, more resilient communities. Alethea Bernard serves as senior research associate and state specialist in health equity.

Read the WAVE3 story here: