The Alumni Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of alumni and showcase the impact and value of UK higher education. Award winners are leaders in their fields who have used their experience of studying at a UK university to make a positive contribution to their communities, professions, and countries. 

Souhail is a Natural Catastrophe modeler based in Paris, working for a re-insurance company. With a Master’s in Hydroinformatics and Water Management, he daily develops mathematical models crucial for providing financial adaption measures and empowering the community’s resilience.

Souhail was awarded a two-year Erasmus Mundus scholarship to pursue his Master’s degree in hydro-informatics and water management. He spent his second semester, from February to June 2022, at Newcastle University, a period he describes as a “turning point” in his studies, bridging the gap between science and real-world issues.

'It makes me extremely proud'

Professor Daniel Coca, Head of Newcastle University’s School of Engineering, said: “On behalf of the School of Engineering at Newcastle University, I extend my sincerest congratulations to Souhail on this remarkable accomplishment.

“The principles of sustainability and innovation are deeply embedded in the engineering education we provide at Newcastle. It makes me extremely proud to witness alumni like Souhail applying their skills and knowledge to drive positive change in the real world."‌

In total, Souhail attended five European universities during his two-year degree programme, alongside his semester in Newcastle.

On completion of his Master’s programme, Souhail said: "This remarkable journey was not just about earning a degree; it was a voyage of discovery, learning, and growth. It wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support of my professors, the camaraderie of my classmates, and the endless encouragement from my family.”‌

Souhail secured a highly competitive internship

Following his time at Newcastle University, Souhail secured a highly competitive internship at the prestigious insurance company, AXA, during which he led a project modelling the flood risk for the entire city of Paris. Souhail’s work answered questions about the vulnerability of homes and the magnitude of potential hazards due to fluvial, pluvial, and climate change scenarios.

Having gained full employment with AXA following this internship, Souhail worked on a project relating to water level drops for a hydroelectric dam in the United States, which powers approximately 1.3 million homes.

It is for this work that Souhail has been celebrated at the 2024 Study UK Alumni Awards in France. Souhail now has the chance to be shortlisted for the global awards, organised by the British Council and scheduled for later in the year.