Professor, School of
Social Work  

CB 326  
216-687-4570  
m.nair@csuohio.edu

Sri Lanka, 2007-2008

Dr. Nair will teach and conduct research at the University of Ruhuna in Matara, Sri Lanka. He will focus on developing curriculum and teaching in the areas of micro enterprise, grant writing, service learning and community development. He will also study traditional healing practices and the longevity of centenarians.

Dr. Nair will research the social vulnerability of tsunami victims in the Matara area and their natural support systems and coping capacity. His goal will be to minimize future tsunami vulnerability in the southern coastal areas of Sri Lanka. To do this, he will document the traditional belief systems of the local people towards respecting the coastal environment. He will also explore the possibility of starting micro enterprise training for tsunami survivors who may not have any skills in fishing and other related trades. The study is cosponsored by the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security.