Upcoming LA-SEER Events
"20 YEARS AFTER KATRINA: LOUISIANA'S JOURNEY TO RESILIENCE"
Date: August 29, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Venue: Dalton J Woods Auditorium, ECE Building, LSU
Hurricane Katrina (2005) remains one of America’s most devastating natural disasters, causing over 1,800 fatalities and about $161 billion in damage. The storm’s aftermath exposed deep vulnerabilities in infrastructure, inequity in disaster impact, and significant environmental damage, including coastal erosion and wetland loss. Over the past two decades, Louisiana has worked to turn these difficult lessons into meaningful improvements in resilience and disaster preparedness.
To mark the 20th anniversary of Katrina, a commemorative event organized by LA-SEER, LSU AgCenter’s LA House Research & Education Center, and the College of the Coast & Environment’s Coastal Environment Graduate Organization (CEGO) will bring together academics, researchers, state and local agency professionals, students, and community stakeholders to reflect on Louisiana’s evolving risk and resilience landscape.
“20 Years After Katrina: Louisiana’s Journey to Resilience” is more than a reflection. Participants will share what has been achieved, highlight ongoing efforts, and discuss future strategies for enhancing statewide resilience. By uniting diverse voices and expertise, the event aims to identify successes, address remaining gaps, and inspire continued research and action in disaster risk management, ensuring that Katrina’s lessons continue to shape a safer, more resilient Louisiana.
click to register for the event
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
9:00 AM to 9:10 AM
Welcome Remarks by Dr. Clinton S Willson, Professor and Dean of the LSU College of the Coast & Environment
09:10 AM to 09:20 AM
Introductory Remarks by Dr. Robert Twilley, Professor and Vice President, Research & Economic Development at LSU
09:20 AM to 09:30 AM
Remarks by Dr. Thomas Douthat, Director, LA-SEER Center
09:30 AM to 10:30 AM
01 Before and Beyond Landfall: A Climatologist and a Commander Reflect
This opening session will feature Louisiana state climatologist Jay Grymes and Lieutenant General Russel L Honoré as they recount Hurricane Katrina’s meteorological evolution and the immediate response challenges.
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
02 Panel Discussion - “After the Storm: Two Decades of Rebuilding and Impact”
This panel will explore the key recovery initiatives launched after Katrina and their impact on communities, infrastructure, and policy. Speakers will reflect on how these efforts have shaped today’s resilience landscape.
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
03 Seminar Session - “Innovating Resilience: Solutions Inspired by Katrina”
This keynote session will spotlight transformative ideas and solutions that emerged in response to Katrina’s challenges. It will showcase how the disaster sparked innovation across design, engineering, planning, and policy.
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
04 Panel Discussion - “Ahead of the Storm: Future Resilience Strategies for Louisiana”
Focusing on the future, this panel will discuss planned initiatives, emerging technologies, and policy directions to enhance Louisiana’s disaster preparedness, highlighting innovative paths toward long-term resilience.
3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
05 Poster Presentation Session: “Waves of Innovation: Hurricane Research Posters”
This session will feature research posters presenting
studies and solution designs on hurricanes, flooding, and
disaster resilience.
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
06 Resilient Futures Through STEAM: Youth Arts for Community Awareness and Environmental Resilience
Kids Art Exhibition on resiliency related issues (wind, flood, and environmental constraints) surrounding south Louisiana communities
FEATURED VOICES:
Jay Grymes, Louisiana State Climatologist
Lieutenant General Russel L Honoré
Dr. Carol J Friedland, Professor and LaHouse Research and Education Center, LSU AgCenter
Dr. Clinton S Willson, Professor and Dean of the LSU College of the Coast & Environment
Dr. Robert Twilley, Professor and Vice President, Research & Economic Development at LSU
Dr. Monica Teets-Farris, Director, UNO-CHART
Dr. Julie Lively, Executive Director, Louisiana Sea Grant
David A Ramirez, P.E. D.WRE, Chief, Hydraulics-Hydrology-Coastal Engineering Branch, USACE
Dr. Shih Ang Hsu, Professor Emeritus, Coastal Studies Institute, LSU
Jeffrey Giering, State Hazard Mitigation Officer, GOHSEP
Stephen Swiber, Chief Resilience Officer, State of Louisiana
Katie Freer-Leonards, Assistant Administrator for Strategic Planning, CPRA
Dr. Meggan Franks, Asst. Profession - Extension, LSU AgCenter
Dr. Nazla Bushra, Asst. Professor-Research, Office of State Climatology