Religion and Risk Perception

University of Chicago, June 2010 to June 2011

As part of the Masters of Science in Threat and Response Management program, Ian Feldman collaborated with two other students in a research project examining how religious preference affects perception of risk. The study involved a survey conducted at churches in Houston, TX, Appleton, WI, and Indianapolis, WI, as well as focus groups with church members.

Hurricane Evacuation Behavior

Rice University, January 2009 to June 2009

After Hurricanes Rita and Ike, Rice University conducted telephone surveys of Harris County residents, asking a variety of questions, including about the residents’ decisions on whether or not to evacuate before the storm. Based on this data, Ian Feldman and a group of other students (under the direction of Dr. Bob Stein) studied the predictors of “correct” evacuation–residents in mandatory evacuation zones leaving before the storm and residents in “shelter-in-place” zones staying in their homes. The research was conducted in conjunction with the Severe Storm Prediction, Education, and Evacuation from Disasters (SSPEED) Center.

Preference for Multi-Use Development

Rice University, January 2009 to June 2009

Each year, Rice University’s Sociology Department conducts the Houston Area Survey, a telephone survey of Houston residents. Based on data collected from the 2009 survey, Ian Feldman, under the direction of Dr. Stephen Kleinberg, studied demographic factors affecting Houston residents’ preference for either mixed-use or single-use developments. He also assisted with the development of the 2009 survey, as well as with the administration of the pilot study.