Celebrating Dr. Nielsen's UCR Alumni Excellence Award in Education

Photo Credit: UCR School of Education

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Selin Yildiz Nielsen, President and Founder of Human Migration Institute (HMI) and a distinguished Professor of Global Studies, has been honored with the prestigious Alumni Excellence Award in Education by the University of California Riverside - School of Education. This recognition is awarded to alumni who have notably embodied the School's mission to advance equitable educational systems and practices through their professional achievements.

Dr. Nielsen, alongside fellow awardees Angel Rodriguez ‘08, M.Ed. ‘21, and Xochilt Salgado '22, M.Ed. '23, was celebrated at this year’s award ceremony, recognizing their contributions to education and their communities. Dr. Nielsen, a Ph.D. graduate of 2011 in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from UCR, has dedicated her career to international education, refugee advocacy, and promoting global engagement.

A Journey of Impact and Leadership

Born in Ankara, Turkey, and immigrating to California in 1987, Dr. Nielsen's journey is one of resilience and dedication. After earning her undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley, she pursued her Ph.D. at UCR, which laid the groundwork for her future in educational leadership. Her career has spanned over three decades, filled with roles varying from director and professor to consultant in global education.

Dr. Nielsen co-founded Glocally Connected before establishing HMI, demonstrating her commitment to creating supportive educational environments for displaced populations. Her early initiatives began in Iowa in 2009, where she led educational projects for the Human Rights Commission focusing on displaced people. Her efforts expanded internationally, including providing trauma management to teachers in Syrian refugee camps in Southeast Turkey.

An Advocate for Refugee Education

At HMI, Dr. Nielsen has been instrumental in organizing international aid programs and advocating passionately for refugees worldwide. Her focus on educating refugee girls has led to the establishment of scholarships and educational opportunities for disadvantaged girls both locally and internationally. She currently serves as the chair of Scholars at Risk at the University of California, Riverside, further advocating for vulnerable scholars globally.

A seasoned speaker, Dr. Nielsen has twice addressed the United Nations Headquarters, emphasizing the critical issues surrounding the education of refugee women and girls. Her scholarly work includes numerous articles and book chapters, and her co-authored book, "Encounters in the Turkey-Syria Borderland," sheds light on the lives of refugees at the onset of the Syrian crisis.

A Legacy of Excellence and Compassion

Dr. Nielsen's recent publication in Nature magazine, "Telemental health provides much-needed support for refugees," highlights the importance of immediate mental health support to prevent PTSD among displaced populations. This is just one example of how her work continues to influence and reshape the landscape of global education and support for refugees.

As we celebrate Dr. Nielsen's achievement, we are reminded of the powerful impact that one individual can have on the lives of many. Her life's work not only reflects the core values of equity, evidence, excellence, community, critical thinking, and compassion championed by the School of Education but also sets a benchmark for future leaders.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Selin Nielsen on this well-deserved recognition, and in celebrating her ongoing commitment to making a difference in the world through education and advocacy.