Dr. Ryan Akers is an Assistant Extension Professor for the Mississippi State University Extension Service, which serves the State of Mississippi by providing services and programs that help people make informed decisions about their economic, social, and cultural well-being. He coordinates the Mississippi Youth Preparedness Initiative, a leadership and service program that engages Mississippi teens and trains them to enhance individual, family, and community preparedness. Dr. Akers’ innovative research focuses on individual and systemic crisis response, as well as crisis management in under-resourced communities and educational settings.