Scholarships for this year have been awarded to 4 Env students at UEA. They are as follows;

Tijani Bojang is to undertake a study of long term rainfall patterns in Gambia.
The main aims of the project are to
1. Quantify the rainfall data to be used as a tool in choosing better crop cycles and irrigation system of the Gambia.
2. Determine the onset and cessation of the rainy season so that farmers can be appropriately advised to enhance better crop yields.
3. To study the variability of the rainfall in relation to the disappearing ecological diversity in the Gambia.
4. To look at the link betweenthe rainfall quantity and distribution with the Gambia River flow catchments, fisheries and agriculture productions.

Lindsey Jones is to assess the feasability of constructing a small dam across the Ndembera River in Tanzania.
The main aims of the project are to
1. Assess the potential benefits of the dam’s construction.
2. Gather opinions from the local stakeholders mainly the Ruahu National Park, WWF and TANESCO the local electricity supplier.
3. Assess the implications for fisheries and grazing as well as other livelihood activities on the area.
4. Establish contact with potential owners of the dam.
5. Explore the available funding for the project.

Hannah Kate Rickett is to explore how different religious belief systems influence recovering female substance users’ responses to their addiction. this study is to be undertaken in Delhi.
The main aims of the project are to
1. Extend our understanding of how different religious belief systems interact with responses to drug addiction in a non western context.
2. To consider whether claims that health practitioners should collect spiritual histories as a matter of course are substantiated in a non western drug rehabilitation context.
2. To consider how differences in religious interpretations of addiction could translate into improved rehabilitation services.

Vicky Simmonds is to carry out an investigation into the diffuse carbon dioxide anomaly on the island of Montserrat.
The main aims of the project are to establish the size and extent of the carbon dioxide releasing area and to record the flux of carbon dioxide accross the area. Then to compare results with the volcano observatory to find out whether any volcanic activity coincides with increased levels on carbon dioxide.To conclude whether carbon dioxide is a precurser or side effect of volcanic eruptions.

These studies are to take place between July and October of this year. We wish them all good luck and look forward to seeing the conclusions of their projects.