Having been selected for the prestigious Fulbright student program, in the fall of 2024, I will embark on an academic and cultural odyssey that aligns with my deepest passions: addressing the critical intersections of climate change, security risks, and community resilience, particularly within Romania’s Danube Delta. This journey represents an individual achievement and a collective stride toward understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change on vulnerable ecosystems and their communities.

The Danube Delta, Europe’s second-largest river delta, is a testament to the delicate balance between human livelihoods and natural ecosystems. Its communities, heavily reliant on fishing, face unprecedented challenges due to climate-induced changes such as sea-level rise, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events. These changes threaten the local biodiversity, economy, and delta communities’ social fabric, potentially leading to food insecurity, forced migration, and regional instability. These issues are not just local or regional concerns; they echo global security risks, underscoring the interconnectedness of our global ecosystem.

My proposal, “Climate Change and Security Risks in Romania’s Danube Delta,” aims to shed light on these pressing issues through a comprehensive study that combines quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. I plan to conduct field surveys in the delta communities Parcheș, Letea, and Sfântu Gheorghe and analyze data from environmental sensors and global climate reports. This research is not merely academic; it is a crucial step towards developing actionable solutions that can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on these vulnerable communities and, by extension, global security. My role as a cultural ambassador goes beyond the confines of research. As a Romanian-American fluent in Romanian and English, I am positioned to bridge cultures, share knowledge, and foster mutual understanding. My engagement in Romania will extend to lectures, presentations, and volunteering, aiming to cultivate deeper cultural ties and cross-cultural connections. This initiative will enrich my research and strengthen the bond between the United States and Romania, promoting a shared commitment to addressing global challenges. Upon my return to the United States, my focus will shift to the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta in California, drawing parallels and contrasts between the two deltas to further our understanding of climate change’s impacts on global security. This comparative study will contribute to academic discourse and inform policy and practice, underscoring the importance of international collaboration in tackling global issues.

My journey from a small Romanian town to pursuing a Doctorate in Global Security in the United States has been marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to making a positive impact. My experiences across various countries and cultures have enriched my perspective, enabling me to approach this Fulbright opportunity with a deep sense of purpose and responsibility. As I prepare for this new chapter, I am mindful of the challenges ahead and optimistic about the potential for meaningful change. This Fulbright project is more than a personal achievement; it is an opportunity to contribute to a broader understanding of how climate change affects vulnerable communities and global security. It is a chance to act as a bridge between cultures, disciplines, and nations, working together towards sustainable solutions for our shared future, and a mandate to explore, understand, and mitigate the complex interplay between climate change and security risks. I undertake this journey with humility, determination, and hope, aiming to contribute to a safer, more resilient, and interconnected world.