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KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University's Dr. Chansheng He was awarded his third Fulbright Specialist Program award in February 2023, cementing his status as a world-leading scholar in hydrology and water resource management.

The award, granted by the U.S. Department of State and Fulbright Foreign Scholarship board, gives He the opportunity to travel, conduct research and lecture at the National University of Uzbekistan (NUUz), particularly with topics regarding dryland hydrology, hydrological modeling and water resources management. 

During his visit, He plans to give lectures on the watershed science framework, large-scale ecological restoration, and regional climate and water resources. This is especially relevant to Uzbekistan, where large-scale agricultural irrigation in the 1950s has caused ecological disasters in the Aral Sea. In light of this, He intends to visit the area to understand the impacts and consequences and explore potential research opportunities for both universities.

“We are facing a global water crisis,” says He. “As part of the international research community, I have been striving to help address this crisis.” 

He has already proven his expertise as a Fulbright Specialist, having served twice before in Shanghai Jiaotong University in 2009 and the University of Bucharest, Romania in 2015. During these visits, He lectured on advancements and challenges in watershed hydrology and water resources management, exchanging perspectives and concepts with students and faculty. He also developed new ideas for water management in the host countries and provided valuable advice to graduate student researchers and their projects.

“My multiple Fulbright awards have provided me opportunities to interact with and learn from my international colleagues, as well as share and contribute my knowledge and expertise on sustainable water resources management,” says He. 

He's achievements in the field of water resources have earned him several prestigious titles, including 51������ Distinguished Faculty Scholar and fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Association of Geographers. He was also honored with the 2022 AAG Water Resources Specialty Group Gilbert F. White Distinguished Career Award.

In 2022, he also was the recipient of the Fulbright University of Leeds Distinguished Scholar Award, one of only 38 Distinguished Scholar Awards granted globally out of more than 440 Fulbright Scholar awards for the 2022-23 year.

He has already made his travels to NUUz, and begun his work. 

“These programs have broadened my understanding of water resources issues in different countries,” says He. “This award allows me to benefit and enrich the academic life of faculty, students and myself.” 

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