Faculty members are available to comment on the ongoing post-earthquake environment in Haiti. Many have volunteered their time caring for the sick and wounded. Others are geological experts and can discuss the nature of the earthquake and the likelihood of others in the region.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — The Brown University faculty can provide information and expert commentary on the ongoing post-earthquake environment in Haiti. Sources range from medical personnel who volunteered their time caring for the sick and wounded to geologists and other researchers who can discuss the nature of the earthquake and the likelihood of others in the region.

 

Geological Sciences

Terry Tullis
Professor Emeritus of Geological Sciences
Tullis has studied earthquakes for more than four decades. He is a member of a select team of seismologists advising the United States Geological Survey (USGS) on earthquakes in Haiti and the Caribbean, the prospects for future quakes in the region and how to rebuild infrastructure to withstand temblors. Tullis also chairs the National Earthquake Prediction Evaluation Council, also an advisory body for the USGS.
Contact: Richard Lewis: (401) 863-3766

Karen Fischer
Professor of Geological Sciences
Fischer is a seismologist who has conducted extensive fieldwork in Central America. She is familiar with the tectonics of the Caribbean region and the processes that led to the Haitian earthquake. Fischer seeks to image the structure of the Earth’s crust and mantle more clearly using seismic waves in order to better understand dynamic processes inside the Earth.
Contact: Richard Lewis: (401) 863-3766

 

Medicine/Acute care

Dr. Helena O. Taylor
Assistant Professor of Surgery (plastic surgery)
Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Department of Plastic Surgery (craniofacial surgery program), Rhode Island Hospital.
Taylor pecializes in treatment of pediatric head and face deformities. Taylor has returned recently from a volunteer tour of duty in Haiti.
Contact: Media Relations: (401) 863-2476

Dr. Stephen Sullivan
Assistant Professor of Surgery (plastic surgery)
Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Department of Plastic Surgery (craniofacial surgery program), Rhode Island Hospital.
Sullivan specializes in treatment of pediatric head and face deformities and has returned recently from a volunteer tour of duty in Haiti.
Contact: Media Relations: (401) 863-2476

Dr. Tim Flanigan
Professor of Medicine
Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Director of Division of Infectious Diseases
Rhode Island Hospital and Miriam Hospital
Flanigan has volunteered in Haiti in recent years.
Contact: Media Relations: (401) 863-2476

Dr. Amos Charles
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine
Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Pulmonologist and Medicine Clerkship Director
VA Medical Center – Providence
Charles, a native of Haiti, has returned from a six-day volunteer effort in Haiti.
Contact: Media Relations: (401) 863-2476

 

Literature and Culture

Patrick Sylvain
Visiting Lecturer in Latin American Studies
Brown University Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies
Sylvain, a Haitian-American, is a writer, essayist and poet who teaches Haitian language and culture. Sylvain has read his poem ”Ports of Sorrow” on PBS Newshour.