# Doctoral Dissertation Research: Famine Science

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Columbia University (NY) · $24,986

## Abstract

This doctoral dissertation project investigates and collates the interactions of scientific disciplines of nutrition, demography, and epidemiology. It examines how scientific experts deploy new technologies and standards to measure population and disease to control famines, as well as lay knowledge about the effects of the famine on the body. This project offers insights into how scientific knowledge of disease and food changes and is created during a famine. 

This project applies mixed methods to epidemiological data sets, famine camp records, medical journals, administrative reports, scientific surveys and conference proceedings. The role of diverse actors and organizations, ranging from decision makers, nutrition scientists, surveyors, medical professionals, missionaries, and philanthropies and civic voluntary societies will be examined. Through this analysis, this project traces the ways scientific knowledge conceptualizes famines and its impact on communities and regions.

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2444909
- **Awardee organization:** Columbia University (NY)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** F4N1QNPB95M4
- **PI:** Kavita Sivaramakrishnan
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** GRADUATE INVOLVEMENT
- **Estimated total:** $24,986
- **Funds obligated:** $24,986
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 06/15/2025 → 05/31/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2444909

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2444909, Doctoral Dissertation Research: Famine Science. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-06 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2444909. Licensed CC0.

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