ICPS intern named a Fullbright Student Scholar
Vivica Williams
News Source: International Centre for Policy Studies, Ukraine
Vivica Williams, who interned with the International Centre for Policy Studies (ICPS) in Kyiv during 2010-2011 as a Gilman Scholar, has been awarded a Fulbright Student Scholarship in Ukraine for 2011-12. She will continue to work with ICPS in the field of energy.
From September until June 2012, Williams will analyze the implementation of energy conservation programs in Ukraine. Increasing energy efficiency is widely recognized as the most cost-effective method for decreasing energy consumption, reducing energy-related environmental damage and lowering energy bills for consumers. The Ukrainian government has already committed to meeting the requirements the extensive energy efficiency directives of the Energy Community Treaty (ECT). Foreign organizations operating in Ukraine are also heavily involved in implementing efficiency programs. In May 2011, for example, the World Bank approved a US $200 million loan for energy conservation projects. Many problems arise, however, when shifting from making commitments to actually implementing programs.
Williams will cooperate with analysts at ICPS and other organizations to analyze the implementation of energy conservation programs, identifying potential problems and developing action plans that will potentially either avert failure or reduce costs. She will also explore public awareness of energy efficiency. Often overlooked, public opinion and understanding are inherent to the success of any program. Her project is part of a series of studies addressing Ukraine’s requirements under the ECT.
As a Gilman International Scholar, Williams cooperated with ICPS on another ECT-related project. She was a member of the think-tank’s energy team, headed by Ildar Gazizullin, which addressed the problem of thermo-electric station (TES) emissions and Ukraine’s ability to meet ECT commitments. Williams participated in several roundtables and conferences. She also wrote an article called “Playing with Power: The US role in Europe-Russia natural gas politics” for European Focus, an ICPS series, and was a contributing author on several papers.
Williams received a BA with a concentration in Russia-Eurasia studies from Evergreen State College, including a year at the Jackson School for International Studies in Seattle. She also studied foreign affairs at Georgetown University in Washington DC.
Recipients of US Fulbright grants are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. For the 2011-12 competition, more than 4,200 people applied for US Fulbright grants to Europe and Eurasia. Ms. Williams was one of less than 900 selected.
