Isabelle Thomas

Isabelle Thomas got her PhD from La Sorbonne University. She has taught and conducted research in many universities, in particular in New Orleans.

Her research findings focus on sustainable urban planning, environmental planning, and challenges linked to vulnerability and adaptation so as to build resilient communities towards risks.

From 2007 to 2019, Mrs Thomas has been involved in more than 35 research projects as principal investigator or collaborator. Her most significant results consist in the creation of a method to analyze social and physical vulnerability of urban communities towards flooding. One major impact of her research involve the operationalization of her method in local contexts. Hence, working with the Ministere de la Securité publique and cities, she helps understanding the challenges of adapting to risks.
Mrs Thomas is full professor at the school of urban planning and landscape architecture of the University of Montreal. Since 2004, she published one book, was the co-editor of two other books. Since 2007, she published 15 book chapters, 11 articles, more than 18 research reports. She also presents in the media the issues of building in flood prone areas, especially since the last flooding events in Quebec.