Social Vulnerability in US Metropolitan Areas: Improvements in Hazard Vulnerability Assessment by

This dissertation is dedicated to everyone who believed, trusted, supported, amused, comforted, and generally had the patience to put up with me from the start of my educational expedition until the completion of this document. I would not be where I am today without the love and energy of these many people. Specifically, I dedicated this manuscript to my wife and best friend, Laurie, without whose unconditional support I would not have made it through this process, and to my family whose love and understanding has helped me to endure this research and not loose my positive outlook. To all those who find themselves in the same predicament that I was in not too long ago – to far from the beginning to drop it all, and too far from the end to notice that you have made progress along the journey – keep the faith, you will reach the goal line – after all, if I can finish anyone can. I would especially like to dedicate this piece of labor and love to my departed Uncle LJ, Aunt Heidi, Grandma and Grandpa Emrich, and Noreen Flynn. Not a day went by during the composition of this tome that their love and spiritual support could not be felt by me – especially on the days when the end seemed no where in sight. Their