AIH Comes to SIUC

Perspectives: Research and Creative Activities at SIUC, Spring 2008

:: research survey ::

AIH Comes to SIUC

Rolando Bravo, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering (see River of Hardship), is the new executive director of the American Institute of Hydrology (AIH), which is moving its headquarters from Georgia to SIUC.

The University has particular strengths in this area, with water-resources experts in several colleges. Bravo notes that having the AIH based here will help recruit students, especially graduate students, in the area of water resources, and may help faculty and students increase their grant funding because of their proximity to this resource.

The AIH has a stringent certification process. It is the only national organization that certifies qualified professionals in all fields of hydrology—surface water, groundwater, and water quality—and has only about 750 members worldwide. It also provides training and education, works with the government and the public on water-related issues, and sets ethical standards for the profession.

The AIH publishes a journal, holds conferences, and hosts an annual meeting, which Bravo will coordinate. He hopes to increase recruiting efforts abroad, building a larger base of qualified international hydrologists and ensuring the profession remains highly regarded throughout the world.

—by Tim Crosby