by Margie O’Rourke, AIWC Dublin and Talia Southgate, AIWC Frankfurt
Margie O’Rourke and Talia Southgate had the pleasure to speak to an inspiring individual who shared her dreams and aspirations, her struggles and her achievements, and her remarkable educational journey. In many ways, FAWCO has been woven into this young woman’s life for years—not simply as an organisation that provided an award, but as a community that has encouraged her to learn, to contribute, and to believe in what she can accomplish.
Alisa Kennan, a twenty-one year old “third-culture kid” grew up in Frankfurt, Germany. While neither of her parents are German - her father is American and her mother is Turkish and a naturalized American - she was defined, in many ways, by all three, and grew up mixing parts of her parent’s native cultures and her local German one. This beautiful mixture of identities enabled her to feel both connected and disconnected to these parts of herself. “I sound American, people think of me as American, but I had not spent a whole lot of time there, and I was yearning for more of a connection to this part of myself.” So Alisa applied for the Dual Cultural Award, hoping it would provide a meaningful way to explore her American heritage.
Photo Credit: Photo provided by Alisa Kennan
The Dual Cultural Award can be granted to an applicant with one parent/grandparent who is a U.S. citizen and has lived outside of the United States for the last six years. Since Alisa fit the requirements, she applied and was granted the award in 2020. Only a junior at the time, Alisa spent three weeks attending a summer program at Brown University in Rhode Island. She filled the summer with a course in organic chemistry and learning what it means to be “American”. As Alisa spoke about this adventure, she couldn’t stop smiling - reminiscing on the people she met, the places she saw, the experiences she shared, and of course, the classes she took. “The time there helped me feel more connected to other American kids; it was really cool.”
Alisa is now living in London and attending University College London (UCL). She explains, “London is closer to Germany, and I love how international it is; it really feels like home to me.” While pursuing her degree at UCL in medical science and engineering, she applied for and received the Sciences Award in 2025. The award enabled her confidence to continue to grow, as she began to realize she had truly earned a “seat at the table”. A few years ago, “I decided to take the scientist route and make an impact through healthcare. I really appreciate that FAWCO was willing to encourage my dreams and support me in my educational journey.” Her transition from studying medicine to science has cultivated a strong commitment to scientific research, specifically in cell and gene therapy. Alisa is currently working as a research assistant for Professor John Counsell at UCL, a role she secured after applying to various PhD programs.
Surrounded by other aspiring scientists, Alisa talked about the reality of imposter syndrome. Alisa says the award helped ease her financial concerns while also reinforcing her belief that she was a good scientist. While it has taken her time, she realizes not all questions have to be answered and not all paths forward have to be clear. What she does know is that she has found a place where both she and her research are valued.
Alisa’s current research involves CAR T-cell therapy, a treatment where T-cells are modified to better identify and destroy cancer cells. Her lab is currently investigating the application of this therapy for the autoimmune disease Lupus. While the price of these treatments currently run into the millions, her hope is that this research will pave the way for more affordable treatments. For Alisa, receiving two FAWCO Foundation’s Education Awards was about far more than financial assistance, the awards gave her something equally valuable: confidence.
That confidence has already played a role in opening doors. As a junior, Alisa campaigned for Treasurer in the MedTech Society, a position that required time and dedication, in addition to her studies. While she is understandably proud of that achievement, Alisa believes that her experience with FAWCO played a part in giving her the confidence to pursue - and secure - the position.
Alisa also mentioned the role her parents have played in her successes. With a smile, she explained how “fortunate she is to have been born to people who valued education.” Both of her parents continuously push her to aim high while supporting her goals and dreams. Alisa’s mother, Didem Kennan, has been a part of the FAWCO community since 2006. As a result, Alisa’s connection to FAWCO extends beyond being an award recipient. Because of her mother’s involvement in the AIWC Frankfurt club, Alisa was inspired to raise funds by tutoring for a former FAWCO project called S.A.F.E. (Safe Alternatives for Female Genital Mutilation Elimination).
Today, Alisa is looking ahead to another important milestone: a PhD. However, this next stage of academic life brings about a new kind of challenge - Alisa will eventually have to develop her own research idea. Creating something uniquely her own is both an exciting prospect and a daunting one. It is also a natural next step for a young scientist who is beginning to discover where her own curiosity might lead.
Alisa is a firm believer in giving oneself a chance. Her advice to individuals considering the FAWCO Education Awards application process is, “Go for it. If you don't shoot, you don't score.” She highlights that uncertainty or self-doubt should not prevent someone from trying. For Alisa, the awards themselves became part of a lesson in believing in herself.
In addition to her studies and research, Alisa tries to find time for other hobbies. She is currently listening to the audiobook Sophie's World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy, by Jostein Gaarder. “Philosophy for a scientist?” we asked. Alisa believes it is important to “cultivate her mind outside of just science.” She is drawn to the way Sophie's World introduces philosophical ideas through questions—many of which are questions she has asked herself. The audiobook “helps me explore my curiosity and cultivate my brain,” she explains, and in turn, helps me to become a better scientist.
In the age of artificial intelligence, Alisa mentions that critical thinking will be more important than ever. AI is already a part of her academic experience, noting how AI is permitted, with regards to her assignments, for planning, grammatical assistance, and assignment structure. Rather than viewing technology as a replacement for thinking, Alisa sees the need to strengthen the human capacity to question, analyze and think independently. For her, exploring philosophy is another way of exercising that intellectual muscle.
Now, as Alisa reflects on her personal journey and her educational goals, she considers how others might benefit from the same sense of encouragement. Perhaps the most fitting way to sum up Alisa's outlook is in her own words, “go for it.” Take the chance. Apply for the award. Ask the question. Explore the idea. Challenge your thinking. Believe in yourself. Because, as Alisa reminds us, “if you don't shoot, you don't score.”
Explore Education Awards
Alisa received the Dual Cultural Award in 2020. Learn more about this award and explore the full range of FAWCO Foundation Education Awards.
