Dean, The Henry Samueli School of Engineering

April 24, 2008

Dear Colleagues:

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Rafael L. Bras, an internationally prominent hydrologist and hydroclimatologist, as dean of The Henry Samueli School of Engineering effective Sept. 1, 2008.

Bras is currently the Edward A. Abdun-Nur Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering at MIT and holds an appointment in the university’s Department of Earth, Atmospheric & Planetary Sciences. He is well known for his contributions to modeling of the soil-vegetation-atmosphere system. He is recognized for his innovative work in combining physical and probabilistic representations of natural processes to describe and forecast hydrologic behavior, including phenomena like floods and precipitation. His work in fluvial geomorphology has led to landscape-river basin-evolution models now widely used in hydrology and geology. Bras has pioneered ideas about the impact that deforestation of the Amazon will have on the regional and continental climates. Recently he has focused on understanding the eco-hydrology of natural systems – where vegetation soil, topography and climate are inseparable. Bras has authored more than 170 refereed journal publications, two textbooks, several monographs and many other publications and presentations.

Bras’ numerous awards and accolades include the American Geophysical Union’s Robert E. Horton Medal, the Simon W. Freese Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers and his 2001 election to the National Academy of Engineering. He is an elected fellow of the American Geophysical Union and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He also brings significant administrative experience to the post, including several terms as a department head and as chair of the MIT faculty. His expertise and vision will be instrumental in building on the Samueli School of Engineering’s academic strengths and guiding the exceptional faculty, staff and students to the next level of success.

We wish to extend our appreciation to the search committee, and especially to chair Professor Bruce Tromberg, for their outstanding efforts throughout this national search.

Please join us in welcoming Professor Bras to UC Irvine.

Michael V. Drake, M.D.
Chancellor

Michael R. Gottfredson
Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost