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Oronde Drakes

Oronde Drakes is a physical scientist in the Decision Support Branch of the Integrated Information Dissemination Division in the USGS Water Resources Mission Area.

Oronde’s research interrogates the intersections among natural hazards and society, focusing on social vulnerability in multiple hazard contexts, and its implications for disproportionate hazard exposure, impacts, and recovery. His current work assesses socioeconomic indicators of water insecurity for the Social Dimensions Program, and he leads stakeholder engagement for the Water Hazards Program. He co-chairs the USGS Human Dimensions Community of Practice and serves as a primary member of the USGS Environmental Justice Task Force.

Professional Experience

  • Physical Scientist, Water Resources Mission Area USGS (08/2023 – present)

  • Mendenhall Postdoctoral Fellow| Research Geographer, Water Resources Mission Area, USGS (01/2022 – 08/2023)

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D., Geography, University of Iowa, Department of Geographical and Sustainability Sciences (Iowa City, IA) 2021

  • Graduate Certificate, Informatics (geoinformatics), University of Iowa, Department of Geographical and Sustainability Sciences (Iowa City, IA) 2018

  • M.Sc., Environmental Hazards and Geographical Information Systems, Coventry University (Coventry, UK)

  • B.A., Geography, University of Guyana (Turkeyen, Guyana)

Science and Products

Literature Summary of Indicators of Water Vulnerability in the Western US 2000-2022

This data release contains records from research focused on understanding social vulnerability to water insecurity, resiliency demonstrated by institutions, and conflict or crisis around water resource management. This data release focuses on social vulnerability to water insecurity. The data were derived from a meta-analysis of studies in the empirical literature which measured factors of social
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Social vulnerability and water insecurity in the western US: A systematic review of framings, indicators, and uncertainty

Water insecurity poses a complex challenge for the western United States. Large populations are exposed and susceptible to physical and social factors that can leave them with precarious access to sufficient water supplies. Consideration of social issues by water managers can help ensure equitable supply. However, how social factors affect water insecurity conditions remains unclear. This paper re
Authors
Oronde Oliver Drakes, Diana Restrepo-Osorio, Kathryn Powlen, Megan Hines
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Social vulnerability and geographic access barriers to earthquake early warning education in museums and other free choice learning environments

Given the earthquake risk on the West Coast of the United States, individuals and communities require a basic understanding of ShakeAlert earthquake early warning technology, which may provide crucial seconds of warning. Free choice learning environments (FCLEs), such as museums, public libraries, and national parks, are uniquely positioned to expand the reach of earthquake early warning through e
Authors
Danielle F. Sumy, Oronde Oliver Drakes, Sara McBride, Mariah R. Jenkins
By
Western Geographic Science Center

Science and Products

Literature Summary of Indicators of Water Vulnerability in the Western US 2000-2022

This data release contains records from research focused on understanding social vulnerability to water insecurity, resiliency demonstrated by institutions, and conflict or crisis around water resource management. This data release focuses on social vulnerability to water insecurity. The data were derived from a meta-analysis of studies in the empirical literature which measured factors of social
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Social vulnerability and water insecurity in the western US: A systematic review of framings, indicators, and uncertainty

Water insecurity poses a complex challenge for the western United States. Large populations are exposed and susceptible to physical and social factors that can leave them with precarious access to sufficient water supplies. Consideration of social issues by water managers can help ensure equitable supply. However, how social factors affect water insecurity conditions remains unclear. This paper re
Authors
Oronde Oliver Drakes, Diana Restrepo-Osorio, Kathryn Powlen, Megan Hines
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Social vulnerability and geographic access barriers to earthquake early warning education in museums and other free choice learning environments

Given the earthquake risk on the West Coast of the United States, individuals and communities require a basic understanding of ShakeAlert earthquake early warning technology, which may provide crucial seconds of warning. Free choice learning environments (FCLEs), such as museums, public libraries, and national parks, are uniquely positioned to expand the reach of earthquake early warning through e
Authors
Danielle F. Sumy, Oronde Oliver Drakes, Sara McBride, Mariah R. Jenkins
By
Western Geographic Science Center
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