The Center for Resilient Metro-Regions (CRM) will host two new research fellows through the US State Department’s Young Southeast Asian Leadership Initiative from September 14th through October 14th. Suriwassa (Emma) Thanyanattawit from Thailand and Minh Luu from Vietnam will participate in several CRM projects: Northfield Placemaking, Beverly Sign Diagnostic, Westborough Open Space plan, and Windham Regional Housing Needs Assessment. The fellows will also give guest lectures in LARP classes taught by Wayne Feiden this fall semester.
Suriwassa (Emma) Thanyanattawit serves the nation as a Thai instructed negotiator for climate change and coordinator of Thailand's National Focal Point to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Royal Thai Government sponsored Suriwassa’s undergraduate and master's degrees at Thammasat University and King's College London respectively through a scholarship program. Suriwassa’s interests include public policy and management, and applying these theories into practice. Suriwassa would like to learn how cities are responding to climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and implementing climate resiliency measures.
Minh Nguyet Nguyen Luu is a highly accomplished professional with an MSc in Project Management from Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK. With a diverse international background, Minh gained valuable experience as an exchange student at the University of Groningen, Netherlands, and as a Senior Economic Officer at the Dutch Consulate in HCM, where she monitored economic and political issues, developed business networks, and facilitated high-level visits and trade missions. Minh is a dedicated researcher, having contributed to the Marine Energy Engineering Centre of Excellence project at Cardiff Metropolitan University. She also actively engages in community development and education, serving as a Student Insight team member and intern at the Board Game Center, Pingtung University in Taiwan. Minh is a passionate advocate for positive change and has played leadership roles in entrepreneurship and youth empowerment initiatives. Minh is driven to continue making a significant impact on the global community.