Umut Lagap

Integrating Digital Twin and Machine Learning for Hazard-Agnostic Post-Disaster Recovery Management

Funding: The Ministry of National Education, Republic of Türkiye
Supervisors: Saman Ghaffarian and Roberto Gentile
Email: umut.lagap.21@ucl.ac.uk

Research summary

I am a researcher specialising in post-disaster risk management, leveraging advanced technologies such as Digital Twins (DT), Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL) to enhance disaster resilience. My research focuses on creating real-time virtual representations of physical systems, enabling dynamic, data-driven insights for effective disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. By developing frameworks for DT-based post-disaster recovery monitoring and integrating explainable AI (XAI) methods, I aim to provide transparent and accountable decision-making tools for disaster management.

Key areas of my research include the use of multi-temporal satellite imagery and deep learning models to monitor recovery progress, assess damage, and optimize resource allocation. My work addresses the critical need for accurate, efficient, and real-time data collection and analysis in hazardous post-disaster environments. My studies aim to improve the accuracy and efficiency of post-disaster recovery monitoring, ultimately contributing to the development of resilient communities capable of effectively mitigating and managing disaster impacts.

Publications

• Lagap, U., & Ghaffarian, S. (2024). Digital post-disaster risk management twinning: A review and improved conceptual framework. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 110, 104629. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2024.104629
• Lagap, U., & Ghaffarian, S. (2024). Transforming Post-Disaster Risk Management: A Comprehensive Framework for Digital Twinning with AI and Machine Learning. EGU24(EGU24-4202).
• Ghaffarian, S., Alidoost, F., Lagap, U., Chandramouli, P., Dzigan, Y., Grootes, M., . . . Kelman, I. (2024). Digital Twins for Early Warning Systems: Intricacies and Solutions. EGU24(EGU24-15738).

Qualifications

• MSc Project Management and Construction, Izmir Institute of Technology, Türkiye (2018-2021)
• Architecture Undergraduate Program, High Honor Student, Izmir University of Economics, Türkiye (2011-2016)

Teaching experience, PGTA at UCL

• IRDR0047: Geospatial Data Science 
• IRDR0021: Social and Geospatial Data Analysis
• IRDR0004: Data Analysis and Interpretation
• IRDR0024: Technology for Humanitarian Action
• IRDR0000: Introductory Math
• CEGE0016: Financial Aspects of Project Engineering