Rachael Lau

Rachael Lau is an engineer and researcher with a background in geospatial intelligence, disaster
risk, and predictive modeling. She completed her Ph.D. at Duke University, where she founded
and led the Kathmandu Geo Lab, a 30-member research initiative combining methods across
behavioral science and engineering to map hazard exposure and support early warning system
development in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Her work has supported partners across government, academia, and the development sector, with
a focus on climate-related shocks, conflict-affected regions, and decision-making under
uncertainty. She brings systems-level thinking and field-tested experience to Peloria’s work at
the intersection of data, risk, and global stability.