Chapman University to host event: “The Great Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami One Year later – Lessons for California” on March 21

ORANGE, Calif., February 21, 2012 – Chapman University will host a half-day event on March 21, 2012, featuring speakers who will provide insight and education for both businesses and the general public on the lessons learned one year later from the March 2011 Japanese Tohoku-Sendai earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster. Implications for California’s businesses are the focus of the event with experts speaking on a range of topics, including an overview of the Tohuku Earthquake and its impact on the nuclear power industry, Japan’s recovery efforts, earthquake prediction advances, risk management and disaster preparedness.

“Every business along the Pacific Coast has a vested interest in disaster preparedness and recovery,” said Menas Kafatos, dean of Chapman’s Schmid College of Science and Technology. “The same holds for the general public. Learning from Japan’s experience is crucial given the similarities in population and nuclear energy production here.”

Experts from Chapman University’s Schmid College of Science and Technology, UCI, UC Davis and business related to emerging technologies and energy services, as well as emergency preparedness will discuss the science and economic implications and risks if or when a disaster like this happens in Southern California. Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait and Irvine Mayor Sukhee Kang will also participate in a panel discussion. Business leaders, civic leaders, emergency planners and the energy sector are encouraged to attend.

The conference is Wednesday, March 21, from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Chapman University’s Beckman Hall Room 404.

The Chapman University Technology Group, a business partnership run by OCTANe and Chapman will host this event. The event is open to the public and registration is required. For more information and to register, please click on www.chapman.edu/SCS/events/japanese-earthquake/default.asp

Consistently ranked among the top universities in the West, Chapman University provides a uniquely personalized and interdisciplinary educational experience to highly qualified students. Our programs encourage innovation, creativity and collaboration, and focus on developing global citizen-leaders who are distinctively prepared to improve their community and their world. For more information visit www.chapman.edu.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Sheri Ledbetter, PR Specialist   714-289-3143  sledbett@chapman.edu

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