Research Assistants Symposium 1998

The first MAE Center RA Symposium took place October 30-November 1, 1998 at Rend Lake Resort in Wayne Fitzgerald State Park in southern Illinois. Every MAE Center University was represented for a total of 34 participants. The purpose of the Symposium was to provide the MAE Center Research Assistants with a venue in which to meet, interact and learn about the MAE Center program and, most importantly, to gain exposure to the cross-disciplinary nature of earthquake mitigation efforts. Dr. Charles J. Ammon, Saint Louis University, organized the Symposium.

The highlight of the Symposium was the poster session on Saturday afternoon. Each Research Assistant prepared a poster, which was presented during one of three afternoon sessions. Participants voted on the best presentation. Mr. Sang-Cheol Kim, Georgia Institute of Technology won the $75 prize for best poster depicting the research approach used for the "MDOF Response of Low-Rise Buildings" project.

Other Symposium activities began with introductions and a reception on Friday evening, October 30. On Saturday morning Professor Dan Abrams, MAE Center Director, presented an overview of the MAE Center. Dr. Arch Johnston, Director of Research, CERI, described the Hazards Evaluation Program, Dr. Jim Beavers, MAE Center, reviewed the Essential Facilities Program and Professor Phillip Gould, Washington University, discussed the Education Program. Professor Abrams also explained the Transportation Network Program. After lunch, Dr. John Farley from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville spoke on Earthquake Awareness and Household Preparedness Trends in the Central United States, and Dr. Gene Corley, of Construction Technology Laboratory, and member of the MAE Center Board of Directors, presented an Overview of Earthquake Engineering. After dinner, Mr. Nick Gragnani, Deputy Director, St. Louis County Police Department, Office of Emergency Management St. Louis County coordinated an Earthquake Response Exercise. Participants had a final opportunity to meet again informally and enjoy the woods and lake on Sunday morning.