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Urban Planning Ph.D. Candidate is 2009 National Geographic Emerging Explorer
Posted on February 04, 2009
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| Thomas Taha Rassam "T.H." Culhane. Photo by Sybille Frütel Culhane. |
Urban Planning Ph.D. Candidate Thomas Taha Rassam “T.H.” Culhane, has been selected as one of National Geographic’s 10 Emerging Explorers for 2009. Culhane is among a select few chosen from throughout the world to receive the $10,000 award which will assist with research and exploration.
“National Geographic’s Emerging Explorers Program recognizes and supports uniquely gifted and inspiring adventures, scientists, photographers and storytellers making a significant contribution to world knowledge while still early in their careers,” said Caroline Brown, Editorial Manager of the National Geographic Society.
Culhane, who now resides in Germany was cited for his research and work in the poorest neighborhoods of Cairo, Egypt. Through his nongovernmental organization Solar C.I.T.I.E.S., Culhane works with and assists residents install solar water heaters on the roofs of their homes.
Culhane said that he chose to work with UCLA Urban Planning Professor Randall Crane on hot water demand among the poor as a topic for his Ph.D. and with the Zabaleen community of garbage recyclers on local construction of solar systems. “This is the easiest and most logical first step toward creating sustainable grass-roots industrial ecology systems,” said Culhane.
The new Emerging Explorers are featured in the February 2009 issue of National Geographic magazine. To read the National Geographic profile of T.H. Culhane online, please visit: www.nationalgeographic.com/emerging
For more information about the Emerging Explorers for 2009:
National Geographic Press Release
NPR interviews/stories featuring T.H. Culhane
Slow But Sure Environmental Progress in Cairo
In Cairo Slum, the Poor Spark Environmental Change
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