Nisha Krishnan Email & Phone Number

Manila, National Capital Region, Philippines

Washington, United States

Austin, Texas

Lead and supported research and analytical tasks related to assessing vulnerability to climate change and disasters in Africa and South and South-East Asia. Devised methodologies to track disaster-related foreign aid to 11 countries in South and South-East Asia to assess patterns in prevention versus emergency response and recovery. Tasks undertaken are highly reliant on spatial and statistical methods. Managed upwards of 10+ coders. Interviewed over 90 government, donor, and NGO representatives in Bangladesh and Nepal. Co-authored articles and presented at various conferences and workshops, including events on conflict, adaptation, disasters and climate change resilience.

Austin, Texas Area

From January 2013 - August 2014, assisted in key management tasks, including grant writing, interfacing with donors and research partners, and marketing tasks. Managed 10 graduate research fellows and ~60 graduate and undergraduate research affiliates. Collaborated with Graduate Research Fellows and their thematic teams to ensure progress in assigned projects. From August 2015 - August 2017, managed the Climate Change and Food Security team (~5 - 10 people). Designed and applied research methodology to examine patterns in climate and disaster-related foreign aid and related national policies in 11 South and South East Asian countries for a U.S. Department of Defense Minerva Research Program funded project. Found that aid predominantly is still directed at general development concerns, despite international commitments to climate and disaster programs.

Designed and conducted research on political economy of climate-related funds, institutional arrangements, and resilience policies in Bangladesh, one of the most climate vulnerable countries in the world. I interviewed over 70 government, donor, and NGO representatives and collected and analyzed spatially specific financial and climate-related vulnerability data. Analysis indicated that climate-related institutions should better accommodate existing individual and institutional interests and operational procedures within the country.

Collated, processed, and analyzed global climate exposure and its possible impacts on governance and state stability and strength. Supported assessments of government fragility. Coordinated with USAID and integrated feedback on case studies.

Co-devised methodology to understand relationships in piped water access and service in urban poor. Assisted in data collection and analysis of water and sewer pipe status for 16 cities in Sub- Saharan Africa and provided insights on factors driving piped network and service coverage.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

For a range of private and public sector clients, I supported and conducted climate risk and vulnerability screens and assessments, including for 11 Central and West Asian countries; provided recommendations for appropriate adaptation programs and policies; provided research support on several projects, including on how to conduct economic valuation of impacts and risks posed by climate and environmental factors, the effects of climate change on the elderly, and the Clean Energy Ministerial's Resource Center. Extensively supported and helped pursue international business development opportunities, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa and South East Asia.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Managed the Global Adaptation Atlas, a global dynamic mapping initiative that bridges the gaps between the science, policy and action on adaptation to climate change. Project clients ranged from government officials, to international policy makers, business strategists, academics and field practitioners. Actively sought out and established partnerships with organizations involved in researching, planning, and financing of adaptation activities. Served as the public face of the Atlas and presented frequently at technical and policy meetings, conferences and working groups. Designed the framework and methodology behind the Atlas, as part of core team.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Public Policy

M.A., Applied Economics

B.A., Economics, Political Science