Programming Skills & Natural Hazards Research

On this episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein, SimCenter educator and research associate professor of engineering at the University of Washington. Mackenzie Helnwein and Frank McKenna, chief technology officer at the SimCenter, lead the popular SimCenter bootcamps. The courses teach programming techniques to natural hazards engineers—techniques such as automating data analysis and performing simulations.Accurate and detailed natural hazards simulations are crucial data for governments to make informed decisions about the security of their city or state.The SimCenter’s Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein discusses the type of programming skills modern natural hazards engineers need, and how these skills differ from typical computer science skills.He also explains the importance of “community” when it comes to solving natural hazards engineering problems.“I think this worked out so well. It made a difference that I haven't seen in any real classroom environment... and I think it created community.”- Peter Mackenzie-HelnweinLinks for more information on the NHERI SimCenter:NHERI SimCenterSimCenter’s New R2D Simulation Tool Learn more about the SimCenter BootcampFollow the SimCenter on Facebook & TwitterConnect with Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein:LinkedInListen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook & Twitter.