Kristina Diefenderfer

Kristina Diefenderfer conducts qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis at the Center for Survey Research. Through writing and reporting, she enjoys communicating the story that collected data tells. She also likes to use creative media to provide educational materials in an accessible format. Outside of work, she keeps up with current events, with a particular interest in foreign policy, international affairs, and global humanitarian work. She also enjoys recurve archery, pottery/wheel throwing, and hiking in her free time.

Kristina says that working with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency on its floodplain insurance project has been “incredibly rewarding” because “I was able to explore the social elements of hazard response. Flooding is the most common natural hazard and can become quite costly for those affected. With this research, the PEMA–Penn State team can work together to understand the nuances behind behaviors that leave Pennsylvanians open to hazard exposure, and we can work toward tangibly closing those gaps.”