Biography
Nisreen Abuwaer completed a joint Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2021, with a specialization in Spatial Planning, a minor in Sustainable Cities, and an emphasis on Public Policy. During her studies, she gained practical experience through internships at the Urban Observatory Department of the Greater Amman Municipality and the Accessible Cities Project at the Metropolitan Planning Council, where she evaluated ADA transition plans for Public Rights-of-Way. Nisreen also served as Vice President of the Eco Educators student organization. In spring 2023, she joined KAUST to pursue a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering, aiming to advance her research in urban sustainability and environmental science.
Research Interests
Nisreen’s research focuses on biometeorology and thermal comfort in the context of climate change. Her work investigates how extreme weather events and temperatures impact livability specifically focusing on walkability in urban environments. By exploring climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, Nisreen enhances urban resilience against climate extremes. Her research uses digital twins to simulate and analyze climate change effects on urban systems, providing insights into improving thermal comfort and livability. This work contributes to developing effective climate adaptation strategies and creating more resilient, sustainable urban spaces.
KAUST Affiliations
• Climate and Livability Initiatives
• Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering
• Urban Lab
Research Interests Keywords
Urban Climate
Weather and climate extremes
Resilience
Climate change impact
Climate Change
Walkability
Digital Twins
Thermal Comfort
Biometeorology