DTSC Lab / Products
The DTSC Lab Book
How we work — the lab’s principles, practices, and culture, in full. Version 1, April 2025.
WELCOME
Welcome to DTSC Lab Book!
Greetings, folks!
If you’re flipping through this lab book, you’re now a part of our team, or perhaps you’re just curious about what we do. Either way, we’re happy to have you! This lab book serves as your inspiring guide to the research practices, principles, and methodologies that fuel our work in disaster studies, trust, and social change. As part of the Florida Institute for Built Environment Resilience (FIBER), our efforts are rooted in the interdisciplinary study of community interactions and responses to disasters.
In our journey, we have been shifting from monologue to dialogue, embracing a whole chorus of diverse voices to improve our understanding and actions. We are powered by a philosophy that jams with anti-colonialism, participatory methods, and feminism — ensuring our research not only talks the talk but walks the walk toward equity, inclusivity, and empowerment. We will also share the experiences we’ve gathered from around the world and the US right here in this book.
We hope that this lab book serves as a valuable resource for you, whether you’re a fellow researcher, student, or practitioner in the field. It captures the essence of our approach, which emphasizes community engagement, resilience, and the importance of trust in disaster response and recovery. As you turn these pages, you’ll discover not just the foundations of our research methodologies but also the shared values and principles that vibe our lab’s daily operations. To this end, this book is broken down into two main sections: Book Orientation and Protocols. The first part is mainly about our values, detailing how they inform and direct the ethical and collaborative framework within which we operate. The second part, Protocols, provides a detailed look at the specific methodologies and procedures we follow in our research.
PART ONE · BOOK ORIENTATIONS
Book Orientations & DTSC Core Values
We use diverse methods to understand the psychology behind disaster perceptions, attitudes, and decision-making. To empower communities towards change organizing and the reduction of disaster risk, the team studies how narratives and communication shape understandings of disaster phenomena and build or inhibit trusting relationships between stakeholders.
We believe that bi-directional trust between communities and researchers is key to disaster prevention and recovery. Community members’ perspectives are centered and community-centered methodologies are used to gather data first-hand.
Currently, our primary focus is to support Floridian citizens and advocates who wish to reduce risk in their communities. We especially aim to incorporate and amplify the perspectives of historically vulnerable Floridians in our work. In the longer-term, we hope that our work can be applied in ways that benefit historically vulnerable communities on a broader geographic scale (via research collaborations or informing policy change).
Our approach in any activity is shaped by our core values — flip each card
Cultivating Networks and Practices of Care
Through Cultivating Networks and Practices of Care, we focus on building and nurturing networks that enhance caring practices, connecting individual, collective, and methodological dimensions to foster genuine relationships and a deep understanding of community contexts.
Ethical Commitment & Reflexivity
Ethical Commitment and Reflexivity reinforce our commitment to conducting rigorous and ethical research, maintaining transparency in our positionality, and ensuring accountability to the communities we engage with. We recognize that our identities, backgrounds, and relationships with communities shape the research process.
Understanding Our Positionality
By emphasizing Positionality, we critically reflect on our biases and perspectives, continuously adjusting our methodologies to be both responsible and responsive. Collectively, these values guide our research with integrity, humility, and a profound commitment to community well-being and empowerment.
Reflexivity is a cornerstone of our methodology, requiring continuous reflection on power dynamics and the impact of our work. For example, in Jacksonville, we learned the value of relinquishing control and embracing multiple forms of knowledge. Researchers reflected on the tension between academic deliverables and the need for flexibility to honor the community’s evolving insights. By acknowledging and examining positionality, we ensure our research is both ethical and transformative. This process requires humility and openness to feedback, as well as a commitment to critical self-reflection.
Moreover, at the DTSC Lab, our work is guided by more set of values that shape everything we do, from research methodologies to community engagement. These values reflect our commitment to transformative change, addressing inequalities, and fostering meaningful partnerships with the communities we serve. Our approach is also rooted in the principles of participatory action, adaptability, and equity, with a focus on creating co-ownership of the research process.
PART ONE · BOOK ORIENTATIONS
We Are Also…
A Community-Centered Research Lab
Our primary focus is on conducting research that directly benefits the communities we study. We prioritize partnerships where both researchers and community members are co-creators of knowledge, moving beyond traditional researcher-participant dynamics. This means recognizing and respecting the wisdom, narratives, and insights of the community, as well as balancing insider and outsider perspectives.
One example of this is our Participatory Action Research (PAR) project in Jacksonville, Florida, where our work goes beyond data collection to include dialogue, collaboration, and relationship-building. By engaging with residents at events, during surveys, and through ongoing partnerships, we co-create solutions that reflect the lived experiences of the community. In Jacksonville, we’ve learned that open and intimate engagement unlocks insights that are otherwise inaccessible. Through this work, we foster a shared sense of belonging and empowerment that centers the community as experts and leaders in their own right. If you would like to know about this work, you may explore the insights and reflections detailed in the published paper, “The Importance of Belonging: Reflections on a Participatory Action Research Project in Jacksonville, Florida.”
We are looking for…
Social Equity
Addressing social equity is central to our mission. Our work focuses on understanding and addressing the disparities that disasters often exacerbate, particularly in communities of color and low-income neighborhoods. By returning to these communities over months and years, we build trust and ensure our research remains meaningful and impactful.
We strive to highlight how intersecting social factors—such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status—shape vulnerability and resilience. Our engagement practices prioritize listening to what changes residents want to see and working collaboratively to implement solutions. Whether through youth development events or discussions on local politics, our efforts promote empowerment, justice, and inclusion at all levels of the community.
We hold a firm belief in…
Empowerment and Collaboration
We believe that everyone—youth, community members, and researchers alike—has the potential to be a change-maker. This value is reflected in our emphasis on grassroots activism, community feedback, and the co-creation of solutions. Our lab fosters environments where all voices are valued and collective action is prioritized. The events and interactions we participate in are not just about work—they are also opportunities for celebration, relaxation, and relationship-building. This balance ensures that our partnerships are rooted in mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to positive change.
Adaptability and Improvement
We embrace adaptability as an essential component of community-centered research. Our work in Jacksonville exemplifies how research methodologies must evolve in response to community needs and feedback. Flexibility ensures that research remains ethical and impactful, even when it diverges from rigid academic norms or funder expectations.
This adaptability requires researchers to relinquish control, embrace uncertainty, and advocate for processes that reflect the messy, dynamic reality of community engagement. As one researcher noted, it involves shielding transformative but unconventional processes from unfair criticism while remaining open to the lessons they bring.
PART ONE · BOOK ORIENTATIONS
DTSC Rules and Guidelines
Lab Meetings
Think of our lab meetings as the social highlight of your week where the ideas come up! They’re not just meetings; they’re epic brainstorming sessions where we work on our next events, projects, and ideas. If you can’t make it for any reason, please let us know.
Sync with Your Fellows
Even if you’re working solo on a project, remember, you’re still part of a team. Summon your fellow experts for a brainstorm or a problem-solving session.
Keep the Peace
If you feel any conflicts or concerns, please speak up respectfully. Use your peace-making spells from training — such as “I notice this, and it makes me feel that; how can we find a solution together?” If you need a little extra support regarding your concerns, we are here to help to resolve the conflicts.
Champion Your Ideas
Our lab is a ground for your brainstorming, and we’re always eager to hear your fresh perspectives and novel approaches. Whether it’s ideas to improve the lab functionality to a proposal — for example, do have a proposal for a new project or a new way to approach our ongoing activities? We’re all here to listen! So, never hesitate to bring your ideas to the lab meeting.
Open Door Policy: Life Comes First
We get it—life can throw curveballs, and sometimes you need to step away to catch them. Whether it’s for a quick timeout, an extended break, or if you need to pause your duties for a while, it’s completely okay. We’re here to support you. Just keep us in the loop about your plans so we can manage your projects.
PART ONE · BOOK ORIENTATIONS
A Glossary of Terms and Their Politics
Every term we use is a choice against another. Expand each pair to see both sides — and the politics between them.
Empowerment vs. Authority
Empowerment Enabling individuals and communities to take action for themselves, increasing autonomy and self-determination.
Authority Often associated with imposed power and top-down decision-making.
Participatory Action Research (PAR) vs. Conventional Research
Participatory Action Research (PAR) Engages community members as co-researchers, emphasizing collaborative inquiry and mutual learning.
Conventional Research Typically researcher-driven, with subjects participating in a more passive role.
Anti-colonialism vs. Colonialism
Anti-colonialism Seeks to dismantle legacies of colonial power that oppress and exploit marginalized communities.
Colonialism A historical and ongoing process of dominating and exploiting territories and peoples.
Adaptability vs. Pre-structure
Adaptability The capacity to change approaches and strategies in response to environmental and social feedback.
Pre-structure Adhering to strict, predefined plans and frameworks, regardless of changing circumstances.
Feminism vs. Patriarchy
Feminism Advocates for equality and challenges systemic injustices.
Patriarchy A social system that holds primary power and predominates in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.
Social Equity vs. Inequality
Social Equity Fair and just distribution of resources and opportunities.
Inequality Uneven allocation of resources and opportunities, often based on social, economic, or racial differences.
Ethical Commitment vs. Exploitation
Ethical Commitment Conducting activities and research with a strong adherence to ethical standards, including honesty, transparency, and respect for participants.
Exploitation Taking unfair advantage of individuals or communities, often for personal or institutional gain.
Positionality vs. Objectivity
Positionality Acknowledging ourselves and others’ backgrounds, biases, and influence within the research process.
Objectivity The ideal of remaining detached and neutral in observation and analysis.
PART TWO · PROTOCOLS
Lab Members
Since 2019, the number of members in DTSC has been steadily increasing. Our diverse team includes graduate and undergraduate students, postdoctoral researchers, community members, and faculty. This growth reflects our expanding scope of research and our commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration.
The DTSC Lab operates with different levels of engagement, recognizing that individuals participate in the lab in various capacities based on their roles, interests, and responsibilities. These categories help to structure our collaborations and ensure that everyone is contributing meaningfully to our projects.
Guest Members
Guest members are individuals who participate in a specific project or collaboration with the lab on a temporary basis. These members might be students, community partners, or external collaborators working on defined tasks or short-term initiatives. They are expected to align with the lab’s protocols, particularly those focused on ethics, empathy, and community engagement.
Full Lab Members
Full lab members are the core contributors to the DTSC Lab. Whether a new or long-term member, these individuals actively engage in research projects, participate in community collaborations, and are involved in decision-making processes. They play a crucial role in shaping the lab’s direction and ensuring that its values are upheld in all activities.
Figure — Lab Members and Papers by Category from 2019 to 2024 (original chart from the Lab Book, page 14). — chart not yet uploaded to the Media Library.
PART TWO · PROTOCOLS
Onboarding Procedures
To support the integration of new members into the DTSC Lab, we have developed tailored onboarding protocols to ensure alignment with the lab’s values, expectations, and community-centered approach.
Guest Members
Guest members receive an orientation focused on the specific project or initiative they are involved in. This includes training on lab values, ethical considerations, and community engagement protocols to ensure that their contributions align with the lab’s mission. To get more familiar with the lab you may watch the short video DTSC Lab Introduction .
Full Lab Members
Full members undergo a more comprehensive onboarding process, including an introduction to the lab’s history, core values, and ongoing projects. They are also trained on data sharing, authorship protocols, and community collaboration practices to ensure long-term alignment with the lab’s principles.
PART TWO · PROTOCOLS
Running the Lab
The DTSC Lab operates based on a set of protocols designed to facilitate collaboration, maintain ethical standards, and ensure effective communication.
Lab Meetings
Meetings are structured to encourage active participation, collaborative problem-solving, and inclusive decision-making. Facilitation practices prioritize equity and safer collective conversations. Weekly meetings typically include discussions on ongoing projects, brainstorming sessions, and reflective check-ins to ensure alignment with the lab’s goals and provide opportunities for idea sharing.
Lab Tasks
Lab tasks are distributed based on individual strengths and interests, with an emphasis on transparency and accountability.
Knowledge Sharing and Dissemination
Protocols for sharing findings, including publishing and presenting research at conferences, seminars, and other professional gatherings to amplify the lab’s visibility and impact.
Collaborative Writing and Authorship
We have guidelines for co-authorship and collaborative writing that ensure fair recognition of contributions.
Data Sharing and Ownership
Ethical protocols for data ownership, including community consent, data sharing agreements, and respect for privacy.
Training and Capacity-Building
The lab fosters technical skill development through training sessions, such as GIS workshops, and encourages members to actively seek opportunities to present their work professionally.
Empathy in Research
Highlighting the importance of empathy in all aspects of our work, particularly in community engagement, survey administration, and collaborative projects.
PART TWO · PROTOCOLS
Protocols for Fieldwork in Communities
Participating in Community Clean-Up Activities
Preparation and Safety
Together, we will discuss the scope of the clean-up, designated areas, specific tasks to be completed, and safety protocols.
Engagement and Conduct
We approach the community with respect and ensure that all interactions are courteous and culturally sensitive. We encourage team spirit and community involvement by facilitating inclusive activities that engage various community members. We also maintain a positive and professional demeanor throughout the activity, promoting a collaborative environment.
Post-Activity
We will conduct a debrief session with both participants and community leaders to gather feedback and discuss the outcomes. We ensure that all tools and materials are collected and disposed of properly or stored securely. We will be sure to thank community members and participants for their involvement and support.
Surveying Residents
Training on Ethical Practices
We provide comprehensive training for all team members on ethical survey practices, focusing on the importance of informed consent and the maintenance of confidentiality. We also ensure understanding and compliance with any local regulations regarding data protection and privacy.
Data Handling
Collected data is securely stored and only accessible to authorized personnel. We adhere to strict guidelines to protect the anonymity and confidentiality of participants’ survey responses, ensuring that the information is handled with the utmost care and respect.
Photography and Film Permissions
Permission Protocols
We obtain explicit permission from participants before capturing any photographs or videos. We explain how the images or footage will be used and ensure the explanations are understood.
Documentation
We maintain records of all permissions granted for the use of images or footage, detailing the scope of the permission. We provide options for you to view, approve, or disapprove the final use of images or footage where practical.
Respecting Privacy
We are mindful of cultural sensitivities and personal privacy when photographing or filming, especially in community settings. We avoid using images or footage that could be potentially harmful, invasive, or disrespectful to individuals or the community.
Building the Team (Hiring)
Exiting the Lab
PART TWO · PROTOCOLS
Starting DTSC
How the DTSC Lab Started
The Disasters, Trust, and Social Change (DTSC) Lab, directed by Dr. Jason von Meding, originated from a need to focus on the intersection of disasters, social inequality, and community resilience. Rather than naming the lab after Dr. von Meding, the goal was to create a name that reflects the lab’s broader mission of understanding trust and social dynamics during disaster recovery.
Location
The DTSC Lab is one of the core labs within the Florida Institute for Built Environment Resilience (FIBER) and shares its space with FIBER at the University of Florida. FIBER is located at Jonathan and Melanie Antevy Hall, Room 160, 1480 Inner Road, Gainesville, Fla. 32611.
Lab Structure
DTSC is co-directed by its two founders, Dr. Jason von Meding and Dr. Colin Tucker Smith. While the lab is not named after any individual, it is essential to recognize the leadership and vision that both founders bring to our work. They are jointly responsible for the lab’s direction and are accountable for all of its activities, ensuring that our efforts align with the highest standards of excellence and integrity. Supporting the dynamic nature of our lab (Haleh Mehdipour), which includes over 10 members, we also have a lab manager to coordinate activities.
Directors
Lab Manager
UN Students · GR Students · Faculty · Community Members
PART TWO · PROTOCOLS
Expanding Impact
Grant Awards
The increase in grant awards has been a key driver of our growth and success. These grants have empowered us to deepen our research, broaden our reach, and strengthen our partnerships. The financial support from various prestigious institutions and organizations acknowledges the relevance and necessity of our work in disaster risk reduction and social justice.
Publications
Alongside our success in securing grants, our lab’s contributions to academic and industry knowledge are also evident in our publications. These publications, which range from peer-reviewed articles to conference proceedings, reflect the commitment and impactful work conducted at DTSC.
Outreach Presentation
At DTSC Lab, we utilize ArcGIS Story Maps to enhance our outreach presentations. This dynamic tool allows us to combine maps with narrative text, images, and multimedia content, creating interactive and engaging presentations that effectively communicate our research findings and the stories behind them. We could visually guide our audience through the geographical and social dimensions of our studies, making complex data more accessible and understandable, which is particularly valuable in our efforts to educate and involve community members in disaster risk reduction and social justice initiatives.
Attending Conferences and Workshops
In addition to our research activities, members of the Lab actively participate in various conferences and workshops. These engagements provide our team with valuable opportunities to share insights, learn from other experts in the field, and stay updated on the latest developments in disaster studies and social change.
Communication Dashboard
At DTSC Lab, we use Microsoft Teams as our primary communication platform. We saved and managed data there, facilitate real-time chat for day-to-day communication, and share schedules and updates seamlessly. We always be sure that all team members stay connected and informed, no matter where they are.
PART TWO · PROTOCOLS
Social Media
Our Instagram handle is @the.spatial.justice.collective, where each student is required to post weekly. These posts should share insights into their current projects or activities in the lab, offering a glimpse into the day-to-day operations and innovations at our facility.
Strategy
Our lab aims to expand the impact of our research through social media engagement. By nurturing open dialogue on platforms like X and Instagram, we hope to bridge the gap between academic efforts and real-world change. Our focus areas—disaster, climate change, and spatial and social inequality—demand in-depth discussions of human psychology and societal structures. We are committed to conducting these conversations with respect and actively listening to diverse voices. Social media allows us to transcend geographical barriers and collaborate with partners worldwide—from community organizations to policymakers. By sharing evidence-based insights in real time, we can advocate for equitable disaster policies and raise awareness of invisible inequalities. Our lab will prioritize transparency, inclusion, and community-building throughout this process.
Goals and Objectives
- Raise awareness about disaster understanding and risk emphasizing societal inequality.
- Present research findings that illuminate the relationship between disasters and societal inequalities.
- Use storytelling to make disaster risks relatable.
- Promote evidence-based solutions for disaster risk reduction and social justice.
- Demonstrate how evidence-based approaches improve resilience and encourage policy adoption.
Target Audience
- Floridian Citizens concerned about disaster impacts.
- Advocates and Community Leaders in Florida working towards disaster risk reduction and social justice.
- Historically disadvantaged Floridians, focusing on those disproportionately affected by disasters.
Content Strategy
- Educate on disasters, spatial and social inequalities, and risk reduction.
- Share research findings, success stories, and case studies.
- Highlight perspectives of historically underserved communities.
- Use storytelling and interactive content to engage the audience.
- Include calls to action for community involvement.
Guidelines
- Ensure all interactions are respectful, inclusive, and empathic.
- Communicate complex ideas clearly and avoid jargon.
- Fact-check information before sharing to maintain credibility.
- Highlight the importance of justice and equality in disaster narratives.
- Promote constructive discourse on social media.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Additional Resources & Appendices
Additional Resources
- FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions from Lab Members and Community)
- Seminal Readings List
- Guidelines for Safer Collective Conversations
Appendices
- Using Our Google Spreadsheets
- Sharing Writing for In-Lab Review
References
CLEAR. (2021). CLEAR Lab Book: A living manual of our values, guidelines, and protocols, V.03. St. John’s, NL: Civic Laboratory for Environmental Action Research, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Want to work with us?
We welcome prospective students, community partners, and collaborators.