Mary Fran Myers Scholarship

The Mary Fran Myers Scholarship recognizes outstanding individuals who share Myers' commitment to disaster research and practice and have the potential to make a lasting contribution to reducing disaster vulnerability.

At least one scholarship recipient each year will receive financial support allowing them to attend the Annual Natural Hazards Research and Applications Workshop and either the Researchers Meeting or Practitioners Meeting. Scholarships can cover part or all of transportation, meals, lodging, and registration costs.

Recipients are recognized at the Workshop and will be asked to present a poster or to serve as panelists, where they can highlight their research or practical experiences with hazards and disasters.

As the longtime co-director of the Natural Hazards Center, Myers recognized that many of the people and organizations that could benefit from and contribute to the Workshop—including local practitioners, students, and international professionals—were among those least likely to afford it. The scholarship was established in 2003 to fulfill Myers’ request that qualified and talented individuals receive support to attend, ensuring that representatives of all ages, professions, and communities be represented at the Workshop.

Myers served as co-director of the Center for 16 years until her death in 2004. Reducing disaster loss was her life’s work. During her tenure, she helped to bring about fundamental changes in hazards perspectives and instituted farsighted and sustainable ways of dealing with extreme environmental events. In addition, she provided leadership, guidance, grace, and laughter and established a standard of excellence admired and emulated by her colleagues. She was an innovator, a mentor, and a creative spirit who touched many lives. Her legacy has had a lasting impact on the global hazards community.

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2026 Winner

Taiwo Ogunwumi is an internationally recognized flood risk and disaster management specialist with expertise in geospatial science, climate resilience, and community-centered hazard mitigation. He currently works as a Flood Risk & Disaster Management Specialist at Deltares, a leading independent institute for applied research in water and subsurface systems. In this role, he supports governments, humanitarian agencies, and international partners with data-driven solutions that reduce vulnerability and strengthen resilience to water-related hazards across Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Ogunwumi’s work bridges cutting-edge science and practical implementation. He leverages satellite data, advanced flood modelling, Geographic Information Systems-based hazard mapping, and Earth observation technologies to generate actionable insights for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. His portfolio includes flood risk assessments and resilience planning initiatives in Nigeria, Ghana, South Sudan, São Tomé & Príncipe, Madagascar, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Ethiopia, and Germany.

As the founder and senior project lead of the Geohazards Risk Mapping Initiative (GRMI), a youth-led nonprofit focused on flood risk reduction in Nigeria, Ogunwumi led the development of real-time flood reporting platforms and interactive flood susceptibility maps. These innovations strengthened early warning systems, enhanced disaster preparedness, and informed emergency response strategies across multiple states. He also led and mentored multidisciplinary teams of geospatial volunteers, fostering local capacity in disaster risk reduction.

Beyond technical implementation, Ogunwumi contributes to international policy and capacity-building efforts. He has engaged in global disaster risk reduction dialogues, promoted youth participation under frameworks such as the Sendai Framework, and supported training programs for professionals and students in flood risk analysis and geospatial modeling. Through research, innovation, and inclusive engagement, Ogunwumi remains committed to advancing resilient communities and evidence-based solutions in the face of escalating climate-related risks.

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Previous Winners

To see a list of all previous winners, please visit: Scholarship Winners

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Eligibility and Application

Hazards practitioners, students, and researchers with a strong commitment to disaster management and mitigation are encouraged to apply.

For the 2026 competition, applicants must reside outside North America or the Caribbean. Eligibility is based on current place of residence, not citizenship. Applicants who reside within North America or the Caribbean will be eligible for the next open scholarship call. Previous in-person attendees of the Natural Hazards Workshop are not eligible. Preference is given to those who can demonstrate financial need.

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The application window for 2026 is Now Closed. Please check back again to apply in 2027.

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20 Year Anniversary of the Mary Fran Myers Scholarship Video

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Special Thanks

The Mary Fran Myers Scholarship is made possible by generous contributions from numerous individual donors, as well as support from:

• The Association of State Floodplain Managers
• The Extension Disaster Education Network
• The Red River, North Dakota, High School Classroom Teachers Association
• The Lowlander Center
• The authors and editors of Social Vulnerability to Disasters
• The author of Disasters by Design: A Reassessment of Natural Hazards in the United States
• The author of Hazards Analysis: Reducing the Impact of Disasters

We would also like to extend additional thanks to the current Mary Fran Myers Scholarship selection committee: Co-Chairs Ray Chang and Lisa Jackson, with Committee Member Shaila Shahid.

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Request for Contributions

The Mary Fran Myers Scholarship provides financial support for recipients to attend and participate in the annual Natural Hazards Workshop to further their research or practitioner career paths. To make a gift, please visit the CU Foundation site by clicking on the link below.

Donate to the Mary Fran Myers Scholarship

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Questions?

For questions regarding the scholarship, please email committee co-chairs Ray Chang at ray.h.h.chang@gmail.com and Lisa Jackson at Lisa.Jackson@emv.vic.gov.au.