Sinafekesh Girma

Sinafekesh Girma
Postdoctoral Associate
Yale Center for Environmental Justice
Dr. Sinafekesh is a Postdoctoral Associate, Integrated Water Resource Manager, and Civil Engineer specializing in holistic research and project implementation. She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental and Infrastructure Engineering and has extensive research experience in environmental changes, hydroclimatic extremes, slow-onset events, and migration patterns in Sub-Saharan Africa. Her expertise spans global water governance, the land-water-energy-climate nexus, and sustainable water use for food and livestock production.
She is skilled in hydrological and climate modeling, remote sensing data analysis, and interdisciplinary planning for climate change adaptation and mitigation. Additionally, she has hands-on experience in water supply, rainwater harvesting, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) project implementation across both humanitarian and development sectors.
Dr. Sinafekesh is a dedicated researcher and published author, passionate about youth representation in decision-making, fostering international water cooperation, ensuring access to clean water for all, and advancing practical projects that support the most vulnerable and further the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. In her current role, she is committed to challenging the negative narrative surrounding climate and environmental migration, focusing on the resilience and adaptive capacities of displaced populations. Her efforts are dedicated to supporting communities displaced by the adverse effects of climate change and advocating for sustainable solutions that integrate environmental migration into policy, legal frameworks, and development strategies. Through her leadership and collaborative approach, she bridges cutting-edge research with impactful field applications, ensuring innovative solutions address global challenges.
People and Partners
Yale Center for Environmental Justice
Yale School of the Environment
Kroon Hall
195 Prospect Street
New Haven, CT 06511
Email: ycej@yale.edu
Yale School of the Environment
Kroon Hall
195 Prospect Street
New Haven, CT 06511
Email: ycej@yale.edu