by Margie O’Rourke, AIWC Dublin and Talia Southgate, AIWC Frankfurt
In their first interview of the Daring to Dream series, Margie and Talia speak with Alisa Kennan. Alisa is a “third-culture kid” and has received not one, but TWO, FAWCO Foundation Education Awards. She credits these awards with fueling both her academic path and her confidence. The Dual Cultural Award allowed her to attend a Brown University summer program in 2020, helping her connect with her American heritage, while the 2025 Sciences Award supported her studies in medical science and engineering at University College London, where she now works as a research assistant investigating CAR T-cell therapy for lupus.
Beyond the financial help, Alisa says the awards eased her imposter syndrome and gave her the confidence to campaign for and win the position of Treasurer of the MedTech Society. Looking ahead to a PhD, she reflects on the value of independent thinking and closes with her guiding motto for anyone considering a FAWCO award: “if you don't shoot, you don't score.”
Read the full interview with this impressive woman and how The FAWCO Foundation Education Awards have supported her dreams here.
Photo courtesy of Alisa Kennan.
