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From founding a professional organization chapter at the University of New Haven to volunteering, Israel Estrada ’19 M.S., a graduate of the University’s emergency management program, found opportunities to learn, network, and grow.

February 7, 2019

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications

For Israel Estrada ’19 M.S., getting his master’s degree was an important goal, but it was not without its challenges. His drive to succeed as a graduate student began, literally, with a drive – across the country. Determined not to miss any of his classes, Estrada drove to West Haven from Los Angeles in less than four days.

Upon arriving in a state where he did not yet know anyone and without housing secured, he slept in his vehicle for his first few nights. Estrada persevered, and he says his move across the country was worth it.

"My experiences as a student crystalized my determination to become a professional in the field of emergency management," said Estrada. "One of the best opportunities I had was serving as a graduate assistant in the emergency management department, which allowed me to concentrate full-time on my studies and on growing as a professional."

The founder of the chapter at the University, Estrada served as its first president. As a member of the organization, he represented the University at conferences and was eventually named IAEM’s National Student of the Year in 2018.

"My experiences as a student crystalized my determination to become a professional in the field of emergency management."Israel Estrada ’19 M.S.

"Though it’s been a lot of work, it is something I was proud to be a part of, and I hope that the organization continues," Estrada said.

In addition to his studies, Estrada volunteered with Team Rubicon, supporting the recovery efforts following Hurricane Harvey in Texas. He gained firsthand knowledge of the work that has to be done in a disaster zone. He also participated in training at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, where he became a wildland firefighter.

Estrada was chosen to be a part of the John D. Solomon Fellowship for Public Service, the first student fellowship in New York City devoted specifically to emergency management. Through the fellowship, he has participated in two large functional exercises, and he is developing course material about emergency operations center mobilization and activation planning, information management, resource management, consequence management, and demobilization that will be used by newer emergency managers from various New York City agencies and organizations.

He is scheduled to complete FEMA’s Emergency Management Basic Academy in March, and the New York City Emergency Management Certificate program in May, when the Fellowship will end.

"Eventually, I plan to pursue my doctorate in emergency management," Estrada said. "I believe that will give me more credibility as I conduct research, serve as a professor, and continue responding to emergencies and disasters throughout the world."