One year ago, Kendrick Hardaway received the unexpected and exciting news that he had been awarded a 2023-2024 Fulbright Grant to New Zealand. In the Fall 2023 newsletter, he shared his aspirations for the research journey with the Environmental and Ecological Engineering (EEE) community.

“I hope to contribute to an evolving environmental movement that looks beyond technical innovation as the singular solution. By studying hidden or neglected feedback loops in urban infrastructures, I am exploring the context in which technologies are used to create more holistic solutions,” he stated.

Kendrick poses with his Fulbright Award Certificate at the official award ceremony. Photo Credit: Hagen Hopkins

Now, ten months later, Kendrick is reaping the rewards of his efforts. The research group focused on managing the effects of rising ocean levels and other climate risks, considering social, economic, and environmental factors. One of the project’s aims was to understand how to coordinate a “managed retreat” in the face of environmental hazards like rising oceans, to ensure safety as well as access to essential services.

“The research was very rewarding. Especially its direct application to areas nearby the university. But it was even more rewarding to be able to work with passionate and driven people in an environment full of different perspectives. We made something much more valuable through that collaboration,” Kendrick shares.

Before Kendrick’s departure, the group published a paper titled “Strategic retreat: Balancing risk and societal goals in land-use planning.” The paper explains their processes and gives planners and researchers tools to determine where to relocate communities retreating from hazardous areas.

Kendrick (front row, second from left) smiles with his fellow New Zealand Fulbright Awardees at the official award ceremony. Photo Credit: Hagen Hopkins

In addition to fostering innovation, the Fulbright’s goal is to “increase mutual understanding and support friendly and peaceful relations between the people of the United States and the people of countries.” According to Kendrick, these goals were fulfilled.

“I was immersed in the culture by meeting new people, sight-seeing, learning the lingo, and eating New Zealand foods. The country is beautiful, and they care so much about it. I gained a deep respect and admiration for the country and its people as I saw how much they are doing to protect the environment and its endemic species,” Kendrick says, “I would absolutely live there again.”

Recognizing the vast support he received, Kendrick says, “I am immensely grateful to Fulbright New Zealand, Purdue NISO, my host research team, my advisors, and everyone else who played a role in making this experience possible for me.”

Kendrick is nearing the end of his doctorate in EEE and plans to continue his research through a career in academia.