Congratulations to Hannah Nissan

Congratulations to Hannah Nissan who has received a prestigious Fulbright Award to the US

Hannah Nissan, a research scientist from Imperial College London, has received a Fulbright-Lloyds of London Award to enable her to conduct research at Columbia University on one of the most prestigious and selective scholarship programmes operating world-wide.

As a participant, Hannah has been selected to work jointly with scientists at Columbia University and the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre to develop climate change projections for disaster risk reduction in Africa. A key focus will be on effectively communicating uncertain information about climate change to stakeholders in order to facilitate decision making that helps to reduce vulnerability to the impacts of climate extremes.

Commenting on receiving the award, Hannah said: “I am thrilled about the Award and I’m looking forward to a year full of new experiences, both professional and personal. I am particularly excited to work with people from a wide range of disciplines, both at Columbia and the Red Cross Red Crescent. I will be developing user driven projections of climate change, tailoring my research towards people who need to access climate information to make decisions about the future, in terms of managing the changing risks of floods, droughts and other natural disasters. There is a communication gap that prevents the best information from being properly conveyed to or understood by those who need it, and those who are most vulnerable. Personally, it is a chance for me to expand my field of expertise and to work in an area that I think is really worthwhile. As a Fulbright Scholar I am also anticipating meeting many diverse and interesting people; I plan to spend my year immersing myself in New York life and learning about US cultural history.”

Penny Egan, Executive Director, US-UK Fulbright Commission said: “I know our 2015 cohort will do us great credit during their time in the US and beyond. Only exceptional scholars and students win Fulbright awards: one of the world’s most competitive merit-based international scholarships.”

 Amy Moore, Director of the Fulbright Awards Programme, added: “It's very rewarding seeing a group of talented, inspirational and very deserving individuals, embark on a life changing trip to the US. This year's cohort are no exception, and have been carefully selected for their impressive accomplishments, academic excellence, and a genuine desire to delve into US culture, collaborate with new people and experience new ideas.”

The US-UK Fulbright Commission is the only bi-lateral, transatlantic scholarship programme, offering awards for study or research in any field, at any accredited US or UK university. The Commission is part of the Fulbright programme conceived by Senator J William Fulbright in the aftermath of World War II to promote leadership, learning and empathy between nations through educational exchange. Award recipients and summer programme participants will be the future leaders for tomorrow and support the “special relationship” between the US and UK.

The Commission selects scholars through a rigorous application and interview process. In making these awards the Commission looks not only for academic excellence but a focused application, a range of extracurricular and community activities, demonstrated ambassadorial skills, a desire to further the Fulbright Programme and a plan to give back to the recipient’s home country upon returning.

Typical grants include a maintenance allowance and a contribution towards tuition fees where applicable. In addition, Fulbright scholars receive a distinctive support and cultural education programme including: visa processing, a comprehensive pre-departure orientation, enrichment opportunities in country, a re-entry session and opportunity to join our alumni networks.

Hannah is a climate scientist from London. Originally a physicist by training, she holds a postgraduate degree in economics and a PhD in regional climate modelling from Imperial College London. She will take this mixed skill set with her to Columbia University in New York, where she will be conducting research which aims to reduce the vulnerability of societies in developing countries to the impacts of a changing climate. Working jointly with scientists at the International Research Institute for Climate and Society and the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, she will develop climate change projections for disaster risk reduction programmes, and examine how this knowledge can best be communicated to decision makers.