My research focuses on the interactions between thunderstorm winds and urban environments using computational fluid dynamics and climatology of thunderstorm winds. In addition, an experimental campaign in Montreal using lidar wind profilers and other weather observing instruments will be a part of my research project.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to human activities are identified as the main cause of global climate change. Some of the well-known GHGs are carbon dioxide and methane. Observational and numerical studies of GHG emissions and their distributions in Canadian cities are rare. My research goals are to simulate the dispersion processes of the GHGs using high-resolution numerical models. The goal is to improve our understanding of the effects of meteorological conditions and urban morphology on GHG distribution at the urban block level. My research is focused on downtown Montreal in QC, Canada.

Seismic loading is related to the effects of an earthquake on a structure. Similarly, wind loading describes the wind forces exerted on a strcture. These two profoundly different loading cases are normally investigated independently because the likelihood of these two disasters occurring simultneously is negligible. However, a series of seismic and thunderstorm wind loads over a design lifetime of a structure is non-negligible . In my research, I am developing a multi-hazard analysis framework for subsequent seismic and thunderstorm disasters.

With over 50% of global population living in urban areas, investigation of dynamics and evolution of urban boundary layers was never more pressing. Urban boundary layer is the first approximately 1 km of the atmosphere above an urban environment. The exchange of momentum, heat, pollution and moisture between the urban surface and the atmosphere is taking place through the urban boundary layer. In my research, I use a long-range Doppler lidar profiler to investigate the mean properties and turbulence in the urban boundary layer above downtown Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

My research focuses on developing a comprehensive natural hazard and risk modeling framework that integrates multiple meteorological hazards into a unified system for assessing impacts on the built and energy structure and infrastructure. This interdisciplinary framework aims to account for hazard interdependencies and spatial variability in exposure and vulnerability, making it adaptable for use in disaster risk management and weather and climate resilience planning. A second core component of my work involves conducting constrained stochastic simulations of extreme winds using Monte Carlo methods. However, these simulations are conditioned on reported damaging wind gusts that have impacted specific structures and infrastructures, enabling the generation of statistically robust wind fields that are physically consistent with reported damage.

Current research shows that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is spread via inhalation of infectious respiratory particles of varying sizes -- known as aerosol, which include both smaller particles and larger droplets. These particles suspended in the air can travel across a classroom or an office. Therefore, the effectiveness of ventilation systems in an indoor environment and the occupancy of the room play an important role in the spread of viruses. My research focuses on the measurements of the amount of endogenously versus exogenously generated aerosol particles in occupied classrooms and graduate student offices under different occupancy and ventilation scenarios.

My research centers on conducting a literature review of the policies and practices that Barbados has implemented to address meteorological and climate hazards. This work involves critically analyzing governmental reports, academic publications, and international assessments to identify how the country managesi high-impact weather risks. The review aims to evaluate the effectiveness, gaps, and evolution of Barbados’ disaster risk reduction strategies, early warning systems, climate adaptation plans, and institutional frameworks. My research will offer insights for strengthening policy responses to natural hazards in small island states.

Amna Darwish (2025)