Oct 14, 2024

MSU Institute of Water Research names new director

Pouyan Nejadhashemi has been appointed director of Michigan State University’s Institute of Water Research (IWR), effective Oct. 15, 2024. He will also continue as a professor in MSU’s Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering and Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences departments.

Nejadhashemi, an expert in ecohydrology, will oversee the institute’s initiatives, collaborating with researchers and stakeholders on water use and quality issues in Michigan and beyond. His role includes increasing IWR’s research activity and securing additional funding.

“We’re fortunate to bring Pouyan into this position given his vast expertise in water research,” said George Smith, director of AgBioResearch, who will supervise Nejadhashemi in his new role.

Nejadhashemi’s research program, supported by multiple government agencies, focuses on water resource challenges, including the use of machine learning to monitor harmful chemicals in Michigan’s water.

The IWR, one of 54 U.S. water institutes created by the Water Resources Research Act of 1964, focuses on developing science-based solutions to address water issues, such as water quality for agriculture, PFAS risks, and protecting Michigan’s lakes and streams.

Nejadhashemi succeeds Dana Infante, who served as interim director.

Read the full press release from MSU here.