Shaped by Storms, Softened by Stories, Strengthened by Purpose
Shaped by Storms, Softened by Stories, Strengthened by Purpose
I’m Nowrin Fatema, a researcher, humanitarian professional, and storyteller driven by data, empathy, and justice. My journey bridges the worlds of environmental advocacy, refugee support, and global development. From coordinating emergency food responses in the world’s largest refugee camp to empowering immigrant communities through community-based research, I blend technical expertise with human connection. This site is more than a portfolio, it’s a reflection of the causes I care about, the stories I’ve lived, and the impact I strive to make.
Featured in USU Today, this story highlights my journey of finding voice, purpose, and impact through research, refugee advocacy, and community engagement.
📖 Read the full feature:
Featured in USU Today for my commitment to community-based research and engagement initiatives.
📖 Read the full feature:
Recognized as one of the 50 most impactful Aggies at USU, 2025
📖 Read the full feature:
Intersection Fellows Project Feature
As an Intersections Fellow, my work in community-engaged research was featured by Utah State University for advancing inclusive practices, equity, and community impact.
📖 Read the full feature:
Robins Awards 2025 Recognition
My photo from the 2025 Robins Awards, where I received the Master's Researcher of the Year honor, was featured in The Utah Statesman’s official coverage.
📖 Read the full feature:
Featured in CANRI Spring 2025 Newsletter
My research was featured in the Spring 2025 edition of the Community and Natural Resources Institute (CANRI) newsletter Spring 2025, highlighting my contributions to environmental justice and community-based projects in Utah.
📖 Read the full feature:
I am proud to be featured in the official Bureau of Land Management (BLM) video documenting this moment.
I had the honor of participating in the ecological restoration of Wuda Ogwa, the site of the Bear River Massacre, alongside the Northwestern Band of Shoshone, federal agencies, and over 400 volunteers.
As part of a powerful act of remembrance and reconciliation, we helped plant more than 8,000 native trees and shrubs. This effort is not only about environmental recovery but also about healing the land and honoring the lives lost.
🎥 Watch the video here
I am honored to be named Master’s Student Researcher of the Year (2025) in recognition of my contributions to environmental justice, refugee advocacy, and community-engaged research.
This award is part of Utah State University’s Research Awards, celebrating graduate students who demonstrate outstanding research capabilities and impact.
Presidential Award for Community Engagement 2025
Recognized on April 16, 2025, at the Center for Community Engagement Awards Ceremony, this award acknowledges my work in environmental justice, refugee support, and local community engagement across Utah.
Honouring the Great Salt Lake –A Gathering of Heart and Heritage
I was honoured to join the Great Salt Lake Blessing Ceremony, a powerful gathering where hundreds came together in unity for one of Utah’s most treasured and endangered landmarks. Standing among people who hold deep admiration for the lake, I felt the collective hope and urgency to protect it for future generations. The presence of Native American elders and leaders brought profound meaning to the event, as their blessings, songs, and prayers echoed generations of stewardship and spiritual connection to these sacred waters.
👉Read the full story here
I recently attended the Sociology of Development (SocDev) Conference 2024, hosted at the Johns Hopkins University
It was an incredible opportunity to present my research work among distinguished scholars and peers, exchanging ideas that push the boundaries of development studies. Beyond the academic sessions, I also joined the conference’s Trivia Night, where my team proudly secured second place, and I won a book as a prize. The combination of meaningful academic engagement and lighthearted camaraderie made this a truly memorable experience.The organisers even shared our picture from the event, capturing the fun and excitement of the night.
Honoured with the Master’s Researcher of the Year Award 2025
I am deeply honoured to have received the Master’s Researcher of the Year award at the 2025 Robins Awards, Utah State University’s most prestigious annual recognition for students, faculty, and staff. The Robins Awards celebrate excellence in leadership, academics, and service, and I am grateful to be recognised among such outstanding individuals.
My recognition for the Presidential Award for Community Engagement 2025 at Utah State University is now on display on the 2nd floor of the Taggart Student Center.
This isn’t just my achievement; I dedicate it to the marginalized communities who need our voices most, and I will continue to stand with them for as long as I live.
My achievements and contributions were shared multiple times across different social media platforms, including Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter, by various official pages from different institutions and organizations
Another chapter of my journey began in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, where I served as a news presenter for the Bangladesh Government Radio Channel. Broadcasting authentic, trustworthy information was more than just a role; it was my passion. For nearly a year, my voice carried across the airwaves, broadcast live all over Bangladesh, delivering important updates and connecting communities through accurate storytelling.
If you'd like to connect, collaborate, or learn more about my work, feel free to reach out:
Email:
LinkedIn: