This one-hour recorded Collegial Conversation brings together institutional representatives—including experts from risk management offices—to explore how education abroad programs can adapt to the growing challenges of weather-related and climate emergencies. The discussion focuses on practical strategies for program design, student support processes, and risk management procedures. Panelists share research, sights, office practices, and collaborative approaches to ensure safety, resilience, and continuity in global learning experiences amid an evolving climate landscape.
This conversation was recorded on September 22, 2025.
This discussion was designed by the 2025 Health & Safety subcommittee of the Education Abroad Knowledge Community.
Speakers
Tonya Veltrop, MBA
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University of Missouri
Poster Chair, 2021/2022 Annual Conference Committee
Tonya joined the International Center as assistant director of international health, safety and security in August 2019. She has worked in the field of international education for more than 20 years and has enjoyed experience in a variety of areas, including enrollment management, student...
Derek Smallwood
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Tufts University
Derek Smallwood serves as the Assistant Director for International Health and Safety in Global Operations at Tufts University. In this role he identifies, mitigates, and responds to hazards and world events impacting the University’s international footprint. Before this role, he served as...
Dr. Gillian Bowser
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Colorado State University
Gillian Bowser is a faculty within Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University. Her research focuses on ecological indicators of climate change and nature-based solutions using the frameworks of the United Nations Climate Change Convention. Her research explores pollinator...
Bailey Koch
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Temple University
Bailey Koch is the Assistant Director of Global Health, Safety, and Security at Temple University, where she leads crisis response efforts and prepares pre-departure training materials for students. Prior to arriving at Temple, Bailey worked in operations at International SOS, where she specialized...
Colleen O’Hara
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George Washington University
Colleen O’Hara is an Analyst, International Operations, Travel & Safety at George Washington University. Colleen is responsible for managing the University’s international travel policy, monitoring international incidents, reviewing high risk travel proposals and developing mitigation strategies to...
Resources
- Preparing for the Impacts of Climate Change: Reducing the Risks of International Travel
- Safe Abroad Forecast Report: IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION SAFETY IMPLICATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
- Graduate Certificate in Climate Adaptation and Risk Management (CARMA)
- The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
- Global Risks Report 2025