ISEF/Hebrew University Ph.D. scholar Shelly Engdaw Vanda, was awarded the 2017 Nira Shenhar Prize for Excellence for research on risk perception and protection of social workers in relation to Ethiopian-Israeli children in distressed communities.

She signed a contract last year for the publication of her Master’s thesis. Originally from Ethiopia, Shelly moved to Israel at age five. She has worked for the Tel Aviv Municipality in several different capacities, including helping families in distress and different projects that support the Ethiopian community. She lives in Beer Sheva with her husband and two-year-old daughter.