I’m Anna Fritz, a student at the University of Iowa majoring in Environmental Policy and Planning with a minor in Urban Studies. My academic journey is deeply rooted in urban and transportation planning, and my research interests focus on public transportation and transportation risks. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to spend seven weeks in Singapore interning with the LRF Institute for the Public Understanding of Risk (IPUR), where I delved into risk communication within the environmental sector.
I chose to intern at IPUR because of their innovative work on risk communication, which aligns closely with my academic interests. My major emphasizes human-environment interactions, and I felt that IPUR would offer me a new perspective on how public understanding of environmental impacts is shaped.
At IPUR, I started with a literature review where I analyzed research on various topics, including transportation safety, vaccination perceptions, and pharmaceuticals. My assignment was to identify common trends in research conducted across different countries, examining the methodologies used and the outcomes they produced, such as changes in public perception.
Further, one of my key tasks involved evaluating risk communication strategies employed by two food safety authorities. I assessed their methods and how they communicated risks, as well as whether they evaluated their communication processes. This analysis expanded my understanding of risk communication and highlighted the importance of tailoring strategies to the specific needs and characteristics of different communities.
A major highlight of my internship was writing a case study on the South Korean Sewol Ferry tragedy of 2014. This disaster, caused by weakened maritime safety regulations, had severe consequences for the affected communities and the nation. I conducted primary research, developed a focus for my case study, and presented my findings to my colleagues. With their feedback, I refined my report, which became a pivotal learning experience for me. This was my first attempt at writing a case study, and the support and advice from my colleagues were invaluable. Their encouragement helped me view the issue from multiple perspectives and produce a well-rounded final product.
My supervisor, Dr Olivia Jensen, was instrumental in guiding me through the research and writing process. She taught me how to conduct an in-depth analysis, craft a compelling case study, and integrate AI tools into my writing. Dr. Jensen emphasized the importance of exploring different angles and continuously seeking new factors that could impact the results. This approach greatly enriched my case study and broadened my understanding of risk communication.
Beyond the technical skills and knowledge I gained, what stood out most to me was the positive and collaborative atmosphere at IPUR. Every day, my colleagues and I greeted each other and shared lunch, which created a friendly and welcoming environment. This supportive culture made my internship experience even more rewarding.
My time at IPUR not only deepened my understanding of risk communication but also broadened my perspective on public safety and regulatory issues. The skills and insights I’ve gained will undoubtedly influence my future work in urban and transportation planning