Laura Wainman

Short presentation

I’m a postdoctoral research fellow at the Centre for Natural Hazards and Disaster Science (CNDS). I work at the interface of volcanology, atmospheric science, and disaster resilience. Specifically, my current research focuses on how volcanic emissions behave in the atmosphere, how they mix with urban pollution, and how these combined hazards are perceived by the people who experience them.

Keywords

• Volcanic Emissions
• Trace Metals
• Aerosols
• Atmospheric Chemistry
• Air Quality
• Multi-hazards
• DRR
• Community Co-creation.

Biography

Educational History:

• 2018-2021: BA(Hons) Natural Sciences, University of Cambridge, UK.
• 2021-2022: MSci Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, UK.
• 2022-2026: PhD Earth Sciences, University of Leeds, UK.

Research

I currently lead the VAPOUR project (Volcanic-Anthropogenic Pollutants and Urban Health Resilience). The aim of which is to study the chemistry, transport, and air‑quality impacts of volcanic–anthropogenic pollutant interactions, alongside the social dimensions of air‑pollution risk. I’m particularly interested in how communities interpret different pollution sources and how these perceptions influence preparedness and response.

My PhD was focussed on investigating trace element emissions during the Fagradalsfjall 2021-2023 eruptions in Iceland. I considered the controls on their emission and transport in the atmsophere, including interactions with downwind wildfire emissions. My research was supported by the Icelandic Meteorological Office and directly contributed to civil defence decision making for public safety.

I also developed and currently lead Disaster Ready!, a collaborative initiative that brings students, educators, and stakeholders together to design multihazard DRR board games. This project reflects my broader commitment to creative, inclusive, and practical approaches to risk communication.