As Co-Director of the Natural Hazards Center, Mary Fran Myers inspired and supported many researchers to do excellent work on gender issues and reducing disaster losses. Myers passed away in 2004, but the Mary Fran Myers Scholarship continues to honor those who share her vision.

The scholarship selection committee chose three recipients to receive the 2013 Scholarship, which recognizes outstanding individuals who share Myers' passion for disaster loss reduction nationally and internationally. The Scholarship provides financial support to recipients who otherwise could not attend the Annual Natural Hazards Research and Applications Workshop.

Mara Benadusi is a researcher and lecturer at the University of Catania and teaches in the Anthropology PhD program at the University of Messina. Benadusi’s work focuses on the educational aspect of disaster response, including how individuals and social groups learn to protect themselves in disasters. Her research deals heavily with vulnerability and resilience, especially the analysis of experiences of “community-based” disaster management and disaster risk reduction.

Hari Krishna Nibanupudi works with International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in Kathmandu where he specializes in disaster risk reduction and community resilience. He has previously worked with the World Bank Institute and Oxfam America. Nibanupudi is an active promoter of gender equal approaches in the programs and work culture of ICIMOD. He has been a member of the group’s gender source team and was nominated for the ICIMOD Gender Champion award.

Barbara Ryan is the founder and director of Emergency Media and Public Affairs, a membership organization of disaster communicators. The volunteer professionals are trained annually and can be called in whenever disaster strikes. For example, the team was deployed during the disastrous 2011 flash floods in Queensland with a focus on recovery communication. A former journalist with 25 years in the communication field, Ryan is currently completing a PhD at the University of South Australia on the topic of how people get information during disasters.

For full bios of the 2013 and past Mary Fran Myers Scholarship Winners, please visit the Natural Hazards Center website.