Dr Jessica Roberts
- jkroberts at bournemouth dot ac dot uk
- Lecturer in Crisis and Disaster Management
- Dorset House D102, Talbot Campus, Fern Barrow, Poole, BH12 5BB
Biography
I am a Geographer and Environmental Social Scientist specialising in human-environment relationships to improve the planning, implementation, and evaluation of transitional and adaptive community pathways toward more resilient and sustainable futures. My research lies at the intersection of Crisis and Disaster Management, Climate Change Adaptation, and Environmental Sustainability, with a particular focus on vulnerable coastal and island communities.
As an interdisciplinary researcher, I employ a range of social science methods to conduct research and develop strategies that support communities in better preparing for and responding to environmental crises, while also fostering long-term sustainability. To date, my research and practice have included collaborations with geologists, ecologists, psychologists, economists, architects, civil engineers, and educators, as well as government and non-government organisations and local communities.
My primary research objectives centre on:
- Developing mechanisms to integrate Indigenous knowledge systems with contemporary scientific methodologies, aiming to foster more just, inclusive, and equitable planning practices...
- Designing impact evaluation methodologies for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) initiatives, with the goal of enhancing community resilience and ensuring long-term sustainability
- Examining the role of geoheritage conservation in enhancing disaster preparedness and promoting geohazard risk awareness.
I hold a BSc in Applied Geography (Bournemouth University, 2005), an MSc in Geohazard Assessment (University of Portsmouth, 2006), and a PhD in Environmental Economics and Environmental Management (University of York, 2016). My PhD research examined how indigenous community members’ perceptions and experiences of volcanic risk aligned with formal disaster management strategies surrounding the Galeras volcano in Colombia. Using participatory research methods, the study explored how cultural beliefs, historical narratives, and social norms shape both individual and collective responses to natural hazards, and examined the sustainability of 'Living with Volcanic Risk'.
Prior to joining Bournemouth University, I held a lecturing position at the University of York as part of the Human Geography and Environment team in the Department of Environment and Geography. Prior to that, I was part of the Crisis and Disaster Management and Geography teaching teams at the University of Portsmouth. Alongside my academic career I have also worked as a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Consultant, specialising in climate change adaptation and resilience, and livelihood security.
moreResearch
My research focuses on engaging with at-risk communities and key stakeholders to assess vulnerability, hazard, risk, and resilience, in order to identify sustainable strategies for risk reduction and livelihood security. This interdisciplinary work spans the social, geological, and ecological sciences and has been conducted across both developed and developing contexts, with particular emphasis on vulnerable coastal, island, and mountain regions. It draws on participatory and action-oriented methodologies to ensure locally grounded, inclusive outcomes.
Currently, I am engaged in research on place-based, community-led groups responding to recurring climate crises in Dominica, Eastern Caribbean (in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth), and Northern Rivers, New South Wales (in collaboration with the University of Sydney).
I provide consultation in monitoring, evaluation, learning, and strategy development, offering expertise in assessing the effectiveness and impact of programs across conservation, sustainability, and innovation sectors. I have previously consulted for organizations including IUCN, UNESCO, ITAD, NESTA, DFID, and SEI-York, contributing to evidence-based decision-making and strategic planning.
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person's work contributes towards the following SDGs:
Sustainable cities and communities
"Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable"
Life below water
"Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development"
Journal Articles
- Roberts, J., Steve, C. and Annemarieke, D.B., 2023. Promoting the transfer of pro-environmental behaviours between home and workplaces. Current Research in Ecological and Social Psychology, 5.
- Roberts, J. and Lawangen, A., 2023. Interactions between DRR and ICH in indigenous communities in Benguet, Philippines. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 94.
- Roberts, J., Yildiz, A., Teeuw, R. and Dickinson, J., 2021. Children’s perceptions of flood risk and preparedness: A study after the May 2018 flooding in Golcuk, Turkey. Progress in Disaster Science, 9.
- Roberts, J., Yildiz, A., Teeuw, R. and Dickinson, J., 2020. Children’s earthquake preparedness and perception: A comparative study of two cities in Turkey, using a modified PRISM approach. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, 49.
Conferences
- Roberts, J. et al., 2024. Using a multi-pronged approach to increase the knowledge base for a fishery in crisis, pollack in the United Kingdom. In: International Marine Conservation Conference 14-18 October 2024 Cape Town, South Africa.
- Roberts, J., Casadevall, T. and Tormey, D., 2018. IUCN Volcano Thematic Study: Identifying the Strongest Remaining Candidates for Inscription on the World Heritage List. In: Global Geoheritage – International Significance and Biodiversity Values 4-8 April 2018 Isle of Vilm, Germany.
- Roberts, J., Casadevall, T. and Tormey, D., 2016. A global perspective on protected volcanic areas: Revision of the IUCN volcano thematic study. In: Cities on Volcanoes: Understanding Volcanoes and Societies - The key for risk mitigation 20 November 2016-25 August 2024 Puerto Varas, Chile.
- Roberts, J., Snell, C. and Glass, J., 2012. The Sustainability of Volcanic Livelihoods. In: Cities on Volcanoes 7 17 November 2021-23 November 2012 Colima, Mexico.
Reports
- Roberts, J., Casadevall, T. and Tormey, D., 2021. World Heritage Volcanoes: Classification, gap analysis and recommendations for future listings. IUCN.
- Roberts, J., Teeuw, R., Parnham, M., Ancient, C. and Ketewai, M., 2021. Satellite-based technologies for climate resilience and disaster reduction: uses in the education sectors of Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. UNITAR.
- Roberts, J., Brown, C. and Stott, C., 2019. USING INNOVATION INDUCEMENT PRIZES FOR DEVELOPMENT: WHAT MORE HAS BEEN LEARNED?. ITAD.
Theses
- Roberts, J., 2016. The deconstruction of volcanic risk, case study: Galeras, Colombia. PhD Thesis. University of York, Environment and Geography.
PhD Students
- Ali Yasitli, 2021. Assessing the effectiveness of flood management in Turkey and the UK, (Completed)
- Dr Karine Rasool, 2022. Socio-economic assessment of small-scale fisheries, Seychelles, University of York, (Completed)
Profile of Teaching PG
- Crisis and Disaster Management - Unit Lead (Level 7)
- Management of Natural Disasters - Unit Lead (Level 7)
- Disaster Management for Business Professionals - Unit Lead (Level 7)
Profile of Teaching UG
- Managing Crises and Disasters - Unit Lead (Level 6)
- Business and Marketing - Dissertation Supervision
- Tourism and Hospitality - Dissertation Supervision
Invited Lectures
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Engaging local and Indigenous communities in C&DM, Portsmouth University, 03 Feb 2025 more
2hr lecture for Crisis and Disaster Management Masters students at the University of Portsmouth. -
Evaluating impact in Human Geography research, Environment and Geography - University of York, 02 Dec 2024 more
1hr lecture for 2nd year Human Geography and Environment students at the University of York. I created and wrote the original module and have been invited back as a guest speaker.
External Responsibilities
- IUCN / UNESCO, External reviewer for World Heritage Programme (2024-)
Internal Responsibilities
- Ethics reviewer, BUBS / MSI Ethics Review Panel
Qualifications
- PhD in Environmental Economics & Environmental Management (University of York, 2016)
- MSc in Geohazard Assessment (University of Portsmouth, 2006)
- BSc (Hons) in Applied Geography (Bournemouth University, 2005)