Ashley-Ann Davis, a doctoral candidate in engineering management, will defend their dissertation titled “A Comprehensive Analysis of Climate Resilience Strategies for Small Island Developing Nations.” Their advisor, Dr. Suzanna Long, is professor emeritus in the engineering management and systems engineering department. The dissertation abstract is provided below.

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face unique and disproportionate challenges in their efforts to achieve climate resilience due to their geographic vulnerabilities, limited resources, and systemic economic and social constraints. This dissertation provides a comprehensive analysis of climate resilience strategies tailored to SIDS, addressing critical systemic issues and exploring interdisciplinary solutions. It synthesizes findings across four interconnected studies, including an analysis of disaster preparedness and response mechanisms in developing countries to identify gaps and opportunities for improving resilience in extreme events. The research investigates economic factors influencing energy portfolio transitions in the Caribbean, emphasizing the complexities of renewable energy adoption. It further examines the role of solar energy in sustainable development for Caribbean SIDS, highlighting challenges in financing and policy implementation. Finally, it offers a comparative analysis of South Africa's energy challenges, drawing lessons for sustainable development in emerging economies and their relevance for SIDS.

This work underscores the necessity of integrated systems engineering approaches, innovative financial models, and inclusive governance to address the intertwined challenges of climate resilience. The implications for engineering managers, policymakers, and planners are profound, offering actionable insights for creating adaptive, equitable, and sustainable systems. By providing a holistic framework, this dissertation contributes to the broader discourse on resilience-building strategies for vulnerable communities, advocating for targeted, data-driven, and collaborative solutions.