Ximena is a PhD candidate in the Department of Geography interested in the science-policy interface, knowledge brokerage, risk communication, and ethical technology design.

Ximena completed her BA in Geography at the University of Cambridge, focusing on natural disaster governance and risk perception. She also holds an Msc in Risk Analysis (Distinction) from King's, where she specialised in decision-support technology and user research. Before academia, Ximena worked in education consulting and research co-ordination.

Research

Thesis title: 'Mapping engagement with climate adaptation information: What’s used, by whom, and to do what?'

Ximena is looking to investigate how climate information is used, by whom it is used, and for what goal it is used. Climate models, scenarios, and projections are crucial sources of information that can help to decide how to minimise future risks and how to realise new opportunities. Too often, though, climate information goes unused. It can be too complex, or too uncertain, and the high level of skill needed to use climate information may limit who uses it and how they use it. Climate service providers need a method to distinguish between users, their different needs, and the barriers they face.

Working with the UK Met Office, the aim of this project is to understand what the use of climate information really means, and map out how use varies between users. A mixed-methods approach will be used to capture the experiences of different decision-makers. This project will (a) maximise the Met Office’s strategic investment and confidence in designing new climate information; and (b) develop an evidence-based how-to guide to improve the usability and use of climate information for all users.

PhD supervision

• Principal supervisor: Dr James Porter
• Secondary supervisor: Dr Maud Borie

Further details 

See Ximena's research profile