FROM THE NEST | FALL/WINTER 2025 | 19 Lehigh, an R1 research institution and home to three new University Research Centers (URCs), has long been at the forefront of research addressing society’s most pressing challenges. Now Lehigh’s Center for Catastrophe Modeling and Resilience is building on that strength with its establishment of the Consortium for Enhancing Resilience and Catastrophe Modeling (CERCat). Lehigh and Rice University launched CERCat, a bold new initiative bringing together researchers, industry leaders and public sector innovators to advance the science of catastrophe modeling and transform how communities prepare for and respond to disasters. The consortium will unite academic rigor with practical expertise, improving the field of catastrophe modeling and ultimately driving real-world solutions that improve disaster resilience. “Catastrophe modeling is at the heart of ensuring safer, more resilient communities,” said Jamie Padgett, CERCat deputy director and professor and chair of civil and environmental engineering at Rice. “By combining the intellectual capital of universities with the expertise of industry and government, we can advance the field and deliver insights that directly benefit industry and society.” CERCat launched in April and held its inaugural industry advisory board meeting in August with representatives from its member companies. The board will play a critical role in shaping the consortium’s research agenda. “This consortium is not just about advancing models—it’s about advancing their practical applications,” said Paolo Bocchini, CERCat director, Center for Catastrophe Modeling and Resilience director and professor of civil and environmental engineering at Lehigh. “Our work has the potential to improve everything from insurance frameworks to building codes to how communities plan for recovery. The insights we generate here will translate into better risk communication, safer infrastructure, more efficient disaster response and more resilient economies.” RESEARCH Lehigh, Rice Launch New Consortium strengthening of the board, and the addition of many talented faculty who are among the present academic leaders of Lehigh. “While a world-renowned and enormously talented researcher, teacher and academic leader, she was also a warm person who related to people, was humble and empathetic with a wonderful sense of humor. “I remain deeply grateful for her devotion to Lehigh and for her friendship. I join the university community in extending deepest condolences to her family.” Gast’s presidency also strengthened Lehigh’s partnerships in South Bethlehem, launching initiatives such as the South Side Initiative and community school collaborations with Broughal Middle and Donegan Elementary Schools. Her efforts to support community included creating the Council for Equity and Community and adopting the Principles of Our Equitable Community. A strong advocate for a global perspective, Gast led the university’s “Getting to Global Lehigh” initiative, expanding international study, internships and research opportunities. Under her leadership, Lehigh joined the United Nations Academic Impact Initiative and became the global hub for Principle 6: Global Citizenship. Former Lehigh Provost Patrick Farrell said: “Alice had an amazing ability to engage with students and share their excitement about their Lehigh experience while also working with faculty and staff to envision a future Lehigh, and encouraging us all to look beyond the borders of campus to engage with our local and global communities. Many of these elements were at Lehigh in separate bits and pieces; Alice encouraged bigger and more connected thinking and realization of these ideas—and that has now become a norm for Lehigh.” After leaving Lehigh in 2014, Gast became president of Imperial College London, where she served until 2022. “SHE BECAME PRESIDENT OF LEHIGH AT A PIVOTAL MOMENT, SETTING AN AMBITIOUS PATH FOR THE FUTURE WITH MANY ACHIEVEMENTS THAT CAN BE SEEN IN LEHIGH TODAY.” —Former Board Chair and Trustee Emeritus Daniel E. Smith, Jr. ’71 Gast’s presidency strengthened Lehigh’s partnerships in South Bethlehem, launching initiatives such as the South Side Initiative and community school collaborations.
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