Nisan is an economist with an interest in climate policy, spatial economics, private sector development, and governance. Prior to her role in the Climate Finance and Economics Unit, Nisan worked in the World Bank's Office of the Chief Economist for Infrastructure. She holds a master’s degree in economics from Duke University under a Fulbright scholarship and a Ph.D. in Economics from The George Washington University. Nisan has also taught courses in energy economics, environment and policy, and regulation of markets at Copenhagen Business School, where she engaged in postdoctoral research in the dynamic field of energy economics.