Morgan Taylor, PhD
Associate Director of IDM
Assistant Research Scientist
Assistant Director, UGA Medical Reserve Corps
Dr. Morgan Taylor is the Associate Director of the Institute for Disaster Management and an Assistant Research Scientist. She received her undergraduate degree in chemistry from Emory University, along with her AEMT certification and license. Dr. Taylor then earned her MPH in Disaster Management and PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics with an area of emphasis in Data Analysis and Modeling at UGA.
Dr. Taylor’s primary responsibilities are to enhance the research activities at IDM as well as to oversee the Virtual Skills Evaluation Program and the Emergency Notification Systems Program. Her own research aims to apply innovative data integration and modeling methodologies to complex disasters and workforce-related challenges. Her recent work focuses on empowering underserved communities by developing a Geographic Information System (GIS) model that identifies regions lacking access to critical emergency notification systems. This model serves as a foundational tool for optimizing the distribution of federal funding, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations receive timely and accurate emergency alerts.
In addition to her focus on emergency notification systems, Dr. Taylor’s research encompasses nuclear threat modeling, where she employs simulation methodologies to assess risks and improve preparedness strategies. By integrating data from multiple sources, she provides actionable insights that enhance disaster management and public health responses. Her work not only aims to strengthen the resilience of communities but also seeks to translate IDM’s prolific service-based research into the peer-reviewed academic literature.
Dr. Taylor also serves as the Assistant Director for the UGA Medical Reserve Corps, which is a volunteer organization that supports the emergency management, public health, and other health care needs of the Athens-Clarke County (ACC) and UGA communities during times of need. During nonemergency times, MRC focuses mostly on training, emergency preparedness, and first aid event standby at ACC and UGA events. They also work closely with the Piedmont First Aid Dawgs to provide medical care for attendees at the Georgia football home games.
