LAX Leader

Numerous wildfires are currently affecting Los Angeles County, including the largest wildfire in the city's recorded history. These fires are causing significant disruption and damage to communities across the metropolitan area. Even after containment, the environmental, public health, and housing impacts will be felt for years.

USC experts are available to provide insights on various aspects of these wildfires. Thomas Anthony, director of the USC Aviation Safety and Security Program at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, can discuss how wildfires impact aviation safety and operations. Bistra Dilkina focuses on artificial intelligence for social good and tackles challenges like wildfires as an associate professor at USC Viterbi.

Najmedin Meshkati is a specialist in disaster response and infrastructure systems' safety at USC Viterbi. Costas Synolakis studies disaster mitigation using technology and simulations to improve emergency management strategies.

In environmental policy and economics, Monalisa Chatterjee researches wildfire risk reduction strategies as an associate professor at USC Dornsife. William Deverell leads initiatives on environmental history at USC Dornsife. Adam Rose analyzes economic impacts of hazards like wildfires as a research professor at the USC Price School of Public Policy.

Health experts from Keck Medicine of USC are also available for comment. Richard Castriotta specializes in respiratory health impacts from wildfire smoke. Brett Feldman discusses effects on unsheltered populations, while Parveen Garg addresses heart-related issues due to smoke exposure.

Rima Habre studies air quality impacts from wildfire smoke as an associate professor at Keck School of Medicine of USC. Kevin Hur can discuss sinus-related health effects, while Steven Siegel focuses on mental health during evacuations.

Constantino Sioutas researches air pollution's health effects post-wildfire combustion. Haig Yenikomshian provides expertise on burn treatment, and Bing Zhang examines gut issues related to contaminated water exposure.

For availability inquiries, contact USC Media Relations via email or phone.