Expanding the scope of in-field post-wildfire investigations through NHERI
Dr. Erica Fischer
NHERI Presents Series
December 17, 2025 | 1:00pm - 1:30pm CT
About the Webinar
Post-hazard investigations of communities require multi-faceted approaches to gain knowledge on the impacts of the hazard on communities. This presentation will explore how in-field data collection using uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV), lidar, and in-field measurements and observations can be coupled with finite element method (FEM) modeling to explore the fire demands within a school building. This type of research and coupling of data can help better understand the intensity of wildfires in a community.
Presenter
Dr. Erica Fischer | Associate Professor of Civil and Construction Engineering, Oregon State University
Erica Fischer, PhD, PE, is an Associate Professor of Civil and Construction Engineering at Oregon State University. Dr. Fischer’s research interests revolve around innovative approaches to improve the resilience and robustness of structural systems affected by natural and man-made hazards. Dr. Fischer has participated in post-earthquake reconnaissance team missions in diverse regions including Haiti, Napa, California, Italy, and Mexico City; and led post-wildfire reconnaissance after the 2018 Camp Fire, 2021 Marshall Fire, and recently after the 2025 Eaton and Palisades Fires in LA. Dr. Fischer has experience as a practicing structural engineer and holds a Professional Engineering license in the states of Washington, California, and Oregon.