Elise Arellano-Thompson

Elise is a second year PhD student in the School of Geography, Development and Environment at the University of Arizona. Her research focuses on Honduras, investigating the impact of recurrent flood events on internal displacement, expansion of precarious settlements, and the perpetuation of cycles of vulnerability. Employing a mixed-methods approach that combines satellite imagery with lived experience narratives, she seeks to understand the complex socio-environmental landscape and better inform future initiatives. Driven by a passion for bridging research with practical applications to communities, Elise actively seeks collaborations with stakeholders who can benefit from climate information pertaining to flood risk. By fostering these partnerships, she aims to ensure that her research findings have a tangible impact on addressing climate change challenges. Outside of uni, Elise enjoys baking, live music, and soaking up the warm Tucson sun with her dog, cat, and two snakes.

Project: Building Resilience Through Data: Co-producing a Flood Database

This project addresses the need for reliable flood data in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, to enhance resilience and inform decision-making in flood-prone areas. With a focus on recurrent floods and their impacts on precarious settlements, the project aims to bridge the gap in data availability by co-producing a flood database/web application in collaboration with local stakeholders. Key collaborators of this project include a local NGO, local academics, and community leaders, fostering transdisciplinary collaboration and ensuring the relevance and utility of the project outcomes. Through a mixed-methods approach integrating satellite imagery and community interviews, the project seeks to uncover the intricate dynamics of flood vulnerability and inform targeted interventions. The flood database and web application will provide accessible, user-friendly tools for visualizing flood hazards and guiding resilience-building efforts. The project aims to facilitate informed decision-making and contribute to sustainable development efforts for flood-vulnerable residents.