Hurricane Katrina Research Conducted by Colorado State Subject of Public Symposium Feb. 17

Multi-disciplinary research conducted on the effects and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina will be the focus of an upcoming symposium hosted by Colorado State University.

The event will include presentations on a wide range of topics including how costal erosion has been worsened by Hurricane Katrina, lessons learned by mental health professionals who counseled Katrina evacuees who were relocated to Colorado, and effects of the disaster and subsequent relocation of youth and their parents.

The event, sponsored by Colorado State’s Department of Anthropology and Colorado State’s Office of the Vice President for Research, was organized by anthropology professor Kate Browne, who has conducted extensive research on Creole-American cultures throughout her career.

"The effects of the Hurricane Katrina disaster are still being explored," Browne said. "Despite the time that has elapsed since the hurricane struck, there are still displaced residents who have been unable to pull their lives together. They want to return to their homes, but do not have the means."

Six presentations from experts in four Colorado State colleges as well as mental health experts from the Denver area will be part of the symposium. Morning sessions will focus on physical and material causes and consequences; afternoon sessions will focus on social and cultural losses and continuing difficulties. A New Orleans-style lunch will be served.

The Colorado State Katrina Symposium will be held from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Tamasag Retreat Center, 4825 Larimer County Road 52E in Bellvue. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required due to limited seating.

For registration or more information, contact Rosalie Samaniego at (970) 491-0903 or via email at [email protected].

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