Dean Kyne

Research interests: Disaster studies and governance; resilience; humanitarian response; environmental sociology; conflict-affected communities; justice; social vulnerability; GIS and spatial analysis; sustainability; public policy; and border communities.

Research summary: My research examines how communities build resilience when disasters occur amid armed conflict, political instability, displacement, and weakened public institutions. I am particularly interested in compounded disasters and crises and how they affect different populations. Disasters and crises do not affect everyone equally. Vulnerable populations often experience greater impacts while having fewer resources and opportunities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises.

Through the lens of comparative inequality and inclusion, I examine inequalities in both disaster impacts and access to resources. I am interested in how social and economic vulnerability, access to humanitarian assistance, social networks, and participation in decision-making shape community resilience. I also examine how local communities, community organizations, and diaspora networks help fill gaps in support when formal governance systems are weakened or absent.

Using a mixed-method approach, I integrate GIS and spatial analysis, qualitative interviews, and documentary research to understand where disasters, conflict, displacement, and vulnerability overlap and how communities navigate these challenges. Through this work, I aim to advance our understanding of disaster resilience in the context of multiple and overlapping crises.

This information is accurate as of the affiliate year indicated. (last updated 09.04.2026)