How Did Maria Affect Scientific Endeavors?

At the most basic level, the psychological impact on lab personnel may necessitate medical support to address potential PTSD following the disaster. Without a dedicated team—be it graduate students, undergraduates, postdoctoral researchers, or professional scientists—a laboratory cannot function. Equipment may fill the space, but without scientists to operate it, the lab's potential is rendered ineffective.

The second crucial element of any scientific setting is the infrastructure and instruments required for research, along with essential supplies like beakers, tubing, and cell cultures. While many might argue that the instruments themselves are paramount, I contend that it is the scientists who are the true backbone of any laboratory. Instruments do not autonomously gather data; they require skilled hands for operation.

A recent piece in 'The Scientist' titled "Science in Puerto Rico Still Recovering After Hurricane Maria" highlights the severe consequences faced by scientific facilities following such a catastrophic event. The human toll is profound, and the damage to buildings and utilities is often insurmountable. Factors like mold and water damage can delay recovery efforts by months or even years.

For instance, Giray’s lab, situated in the Julio Garcia Diaz biology building, sustained significant damage. This building was already undergoing repairs when the storm hit, allowing water to infiltrate through damaged roofs and windows, ruining valuable research tools and supplies. Toxic mold flourished in the humid conditions, rendering the space uninhabitable. Prolonged power outages led to the destruction of essential genetic and tissue samples, with damages estimated between $250,000 and $2.5 million per lab, according to Giray, a behavioral biologist specializing in honeybees.

The loss of sensitive biological samples collected outside the lab is particularly devastating. Riccardo Papa, a colleague of Giray, expressed that his lab's –80 °C freezer lost power, resulting in the irretrievable loss of nearly all his DNA samples documenting butterfly diversity in South America. For a week, he lacked a dedicated lab space and had to meet with students at coffee shops to continue discussions about ongoing research. Although he has managed some experiments in another building, repairs on his insectary—where his team raises butterflies—are still in progress.

Research must persist, regardless of the challenges. In California, following the Northridge Earthquake in 1994, FEMA provided temporary mobile homes that served as classrooms and laboratories. The fact that researchers in Puerto Rico are still convening in coffee shops underscores the slow pace of recovery. Typically, educational facilities are prioritized for restoration, followed by research labs. However, it's essential to remember that each laboratory team comprises individuals who spend years securing funding through grants and publications to acquire the necessary equipment. This makes it incredibly challenging to quantify the total loss caused by a disaster like Hurricane Maria.

The complete financial toll on researchers may remain unknown for years. Some may not recover from the aftermath and might be forced to shutter their labs, leaving graduate students with uncertain paths to their degrees (M.A. and PhD). Additionally, professional researchers may find themselves unemployed, prompting relocations for their families and children’s education. The ramifications extend far beyond the individual researchers themselves.

Further discussions on the impact of disasters on research facilities could fill numerous articles. The overall cost of a disaster like Hurricane Maria can only be roughly estimated in the immediate aftermath, with the true financial implications evolving as funds are disbursed by organizations such as FEMA and Congress. The devastation of scientific institutions is heartbreaking, and prioritizing the restoration of scientific research in Puerto Rico is crucial.

Related Blog Posts:

• Parameters: What Research/Science Is Affected During A Government Shutdown?
• What does a Government Shutdown look like?
• What is the difference between General Anxiety Disorder and Trump Anxiety Disorder?
• Dimensional Analysis Of Statistics And Large Numbers — Index Of Blog Posts
• Science Topics, Thoughts, and Parameters Regarding Science, Politics, And The Environment!
• Puerto Rico Aid Should Not Be A Partisan (Political) Issue
• Natural Disasters Hit, What Happens to School Students?
• Richard Branson’s Son Produces Short Films To Illustrate The Devastation By Hurricane Irma
• Natural Disasters Have Long Term Effects Which Are Quickly Forgotten?
• What is the next big step in Mental Health Research?
• Puerto Rico Crops Devastated By Hurricane Maria