Degrees
PhD (1996) The Australian National University
BES (1989) Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Co-op), University of Waterloo.
Research areas
Research interests
Dr. McGee’s research focuses on individual, community, and organizational responses to environmental hazards. She has completed numerous studies on the human dimensions of wildfire, including wildfire risk perceptions, evacuation, mitigation and preparedness, and recovery. Most of her human dimensions of wildfire research is based in Canada, including the First Nations Wildfire Evacuation Partnership, and research in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. She is also working with researchers in Australia, New Zealand, and Portugal. Although Dr. McGee’s research has focused mainly on wildfires, she has carried out and supervised research related to other hazards including floods, earthquakes, and avalanches.
Research projects
Lab - Human Dimensions of Hazards Research Group
Tory 3-2
HGP 252 Human Dimensions of Environmental Hazards.
This second year Human Geography course introduces students to key concepts and theoretical frameworks in the human dimensions of environmental hazards and disasters field, including vulnerability, environmental justice, resilience, mitigation and preparedness, recovery, risk communication, risk perceptions, social amplification of risk, and warning response. Students will also gain knowledge about the roles and responsibilities of the public and government agencies in environmental hazard mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
HGP 399 Research Methods in Human Geography and Planning
This course introduces Human Geography students to social science research. Students gain knowledge and experience in conducting research, and will actively engage in developing data collection methods, collecting data, analyzing data, and writing up research results.
Research opportunity
Students interested in completing their PhD/MA on the human dimensions of wildfires should contact me to discuss their research interests. I would also be happy to speak to other students with research interests in the broader human dimensions of hazards field.
Interactions between environmental hazards, individuals and communities; risk reduction strategies by members of the public and management agencies. Prerequisite: Any *3 course. Not available to students with credit in EAS 295.
Winter Term 2021