VISITING INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP (VIF) APPLICATION
World Water and Environmental Resources Congress
Cincinnati, Ohio, May 19-23, 2013
PART I: GENERAL INFORMATION and INSTRUCTIONS
Benefits of the Fellowship:
Selected fellows receive special recognition at the World Water and Environmental Resources Congress
through presenting a technical paper and serving on a panel discussion with other International Fellows.
Fellows participate in Technical and Cultural Exchange Activities arranged by host before or after the
Congress. Fellows also receive a monetary award that covers a one-year membership in ASCE and
EWRI, full Congress registration, and the remainder in cash (typically less than $1,000) to partially cover
travel expenses.
Eligibility Criteria:
▪ Applicant must be both a citizen of and residing in a developing country (see application web site for
a link to current list of eligible countries). For example, a person who grew up in Bangladesh but is
currently attending school in Japan would not qualify.
▪ Applicant is a professional, faculty member, or graduate student working in the field of
water/environmental resources.
▪ Applicant must apply with a United States or Canada-based host.
▪ Previous, non-selected applicants may re-submit.
Evaluation of Applications:
A limited number of fellowships are granted each year (typically 3). The VIF committee selects fellows
from a pool of applicants by a competitive review process. The evaluation criteria used to make a
particular selection include the following:
1. Quality of Abstract (topic, methodology, clarity)
2. Quality of proposed of Technical and Cultural Exchange Activities
3. Quality of networking activities
4. Applicant’s demonstration of capability to make the trip through additional funds.
In addition, the selection committee may consider the diversity of the top ranked applicants before
making final decisions. Note that the applicant’s educational and professional history is not an explicit
evaluation criterion, and we welcome professionals, faculty members and graduate students of all levels
of experience to apply.
Instructions for completing application:
▪ This application must be completed by a United States or Canada-based host, in coordination with the
applicant. The host should complete parts II and IV, while the applicant can complete the remaining
sections. Note that the host must be a current member of ASCE and/or EWRI and provide their
membership number on the form. Hosts should be willing to assist fellows with logistics of travel
arrangements and congress participation.
▪ All sections must be completed in full. Although incomplete applications will still be considered,
information gaps are penalized and decrease the chances of selection.
▪ Complete information about the fellowship, including deadlines and past recipients can be found on
the VIF website.
▪ When submitting electronically, please rename this file using the applicant’s family name. Submit
only one file with the abstract and resume included.
▪ The host must submit the application (this form), along with the abstract and resume, by the deadline.
Late applications will not be accepted. IMPORTANT NOTE: the applicant’s abstract MUST be
submitted separately before the abstract submittal date.
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VISITING INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP (VIF) APPLICATION
World Water and Environmental Resources Congress
Cincinnati, Ohio, May 19-23, 2013
PART II: CONTACT INFORMATION
EWRI/ASCE Host Information:
Title: Prof.
Name (Given name, Family name): Doe, John
Suffixes:
[insert here]
EWRI (or ASCE) Membership Number†: 123456
Job Title/Position:
Professor
Company/Organization: ABC University
Address:
12435 Generic Drive
City, State/Prov, Zip/Postal Code: Any City, California, 98765
Phone Number:
xxx yyy-zzzz
Fax Number:
xxx yyy-zzzz
E-mail Address:
[email protected]
† Host must have active membership in either ASCE and/or EWRI.
Applicant (International Fellow) Information:
Title:
Mr.
Name (Given name, Family name): Do, Jian
Suffixes:
[insert here]
Job Title/Position:
Assistant Engineer
Company/Organization: XYZ Water Resources Institute
Mailing Address:
123 Great Wall Road
Chinese City, China
123123
Country of Current Residence*:
China
Country of Citizenship*:
China
Phone Number:
[]
Fax Number:
[]
E-mail Address:
[[email protected]]
*Required to determine eligibility.
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VISITING INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP (VIF) APPLICATION
World Water and Environmental Resources Congress
Cincinnati, Ohio, May 19-23, 2013
PART III: TECHNICAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE ACTIVITIES
Please provide a description of supplementary cultural and technical activities that the Visiting
International Fellow will participate in during his/her visit, and how these activities will promote
sustained professional exchange. Please include as much detail as possible on dates, locations,
and how housing, meals and transportation will be provided for the participant. We understand
that such details may not be finalized until the Fellows are chosen, but information on the
proposed activities will be used to evaluate applications and likelihood of value of the experience
to the potential Fellow. You may view reports from previous Fellows for examples of activities
on the fellowship website.
Please describe how the technical and cultural exchange will be further extended after the Fellow
returns to his/her home country, both within the Fellow’s own organization and beyond.
Please also indicate whether there is a capability of covering part of applicant’s expenses (by
host or host institution), since the fellowship typically does not cover all travel and lodging costs.
Dr. Doe of ABC University and Dr. Doeson of XYZ University would co-host this fellow if
approved.
1.
Visit the Rio Grande Project
The Rio Grande Project delivers surface water to Southern New Mexico and West Texas. The
river’s conveyance system, composed of several water conveyance features such as dams, canals
and laterals among others, will offer the visiting scholar the possibility to see a holistic approach
to the management of surface water resources under different legal frameworks derived from the
fact that the system encompasses four states in two countries (Colorado, New Mexico and Texas,
in the United States, and Chihuahua, in the Mexico). In addition, the Fellow will be exposed to
ongoing research conducted by different educational institutions, federal and state agencies and
bi-national teams, and will see firsthand the efforts undertaken by project’s stakeholders oriented
towards the improvement of surface water delivery efficiency, conjunctive use of surface and
groundwater resources, and water conservation alternatives, and inland brackish groundwater
desalination. In addition, the host will bring the fellow to visit the headwater and reservoirs of
the Rio Grande during or after the conference because the conference city is conveniently located
close to the headwater.
2.
Exposure to a Culturally Diverse Region
The Paso Del Norte Region along the US-Mexico border, originally explored by Spaniards, is a
multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, and multifaceted area which offers visitors the opportunity to see the
impact of the different cultures, present in the area, reflected in the food, the architecture, and the
friendliness and welcoming attitude of the natives. The Fellow will experience the richness of
the history of the area symbolized by the different Spanish missions along the Santa Fe Trail, of
which the Ysleta Mission, within El Paso city limits, is the oldest mission in the North American
territory. The scholar will have the opportunity to see how the mixing of the Spanish, Mexican,
Native American, Anglo Saxon and Chinese cultures have made the El Paso Del Norte Region
unique in the United States and the world.
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VISITING INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP (VIF) APPLICATION
World Water and Environmental Resources Congress
Cincinnati, Ohio, May 19-23, 2013
3.
Exposure to the geological features of the area
The geological history of the El Paso del Norte Region ranges from 1.2 to 1.4 billion years.
Scholar will have the opportunity to visit different geological features of the area including
White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns. These three features will give the fellow the opportunity to
appreciate the dynamism of the geology of the area, which in turn shaped the composition of the
hydrological resources of the region.
At White Sands, the scholar will have the opportunity to see one of the world's great natural
wonders. The dunes of gypsum sand that have covered 275 square miles of desert have made
White Sands the world's largest gypsum dune field. At Carlsbad Caverns the scholar will have
the opportunity to see one of the most remarkable geologic features of the world located within a
Permian age fossil reef composed of 83 separate caves, one of the world’s largest underground
chambers and countless formations.
The host will be happy to provide local transportation at both locations: El Paso, Texas for
culture exchange and collaboration, and Albuquerque during the conference. The host will also
share local Mexican foods with the Fellow and may provide housing in El Paso as needed.
Besides international fellowship, the remaining travel expenses will be c overed by the
applicant’s own resources. Following is a sample itinerary for the Fellow’s visit.
May 13-14: Leave Chinese City for Any City, USA;
May 15: Arrive at Any City from China and meet with the host & visit the Ysleta Mission and
historical museum in El Paso;
May 16: Visit ABC University’s agricultural research and extension center for scientific
exchange, visit lab and meet scientists. The fellow will give a seminar presentation on his
research program.
May 17: Visit Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
May 18: Visit Department of Civil Engineering, XYZ University (co-host) and the White Sands
national monument in New Mexico;
May 19: Visit the Rio Grande Project, Texas, and New Mexico (U.S. Bureau of Reclamation);
May 20: Visit the upper Rio Grande Basin, and drive up to Albuquerque, NM to attend the
EWRI conference;
May 21-24: The hosts and the Fellow attend the EWRI World Water and Environment
Conference, and make presentations.
May 24-25: Visit the headwater of the Rio Grande and reservoirs.
May 26: Return to China.
After the visit, the host and the Fellow are expecting to develop collaborative research proposals
and conduct research related to hydrology in arid region and innovative technology for water
conservations. We will also promote scientific exchange through conferences, seminars and
workshops and bring more engineers together to address issues related to sustainable
development of water and environmental resources.
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VISITING INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP (VIF) APPLICATION
World Water and Environmental Resources Congress
Cincinnati, Ohio, May 19-23, 2013
PART IV: NETWORKING ACTIVITIES
First, please briefly describe your current involvement with professional organizations or
networks. Describe the organization, your role, and your level of involvement. Highlight any
existing linkages with ASCE/EWRI.
Second, for planned future activities, please describe the organization and your anticipated
involvement. Please highlight continued or future involvement with ASCE/EWRI after the
fellowship activities are completed.
I have been serving on technical committees of several professional organizations, including
President-Elect of Association of Oversea Chinese Agricultural, Biological and Food Engineers
(AOCABFE); International Affairs Committee Chair of AWRA; Associate Editor: 2010-2012;
Associate Editor for Transactions of ASABE and Journal of Applied Engineering in Agriculture;
and ASCE/EWRI (details listed below). I have served as host for one International Fellow in
2006. He is very active in his home country to promote international exchange.
My current involvement in ASCE/EWRI includes:
Chair, Groundwater Hydrology Committee
Voting Member, Groundwater Council
Secretary, Land Subsidence Guidelines Task Committee
Past Chair, Committee on Symposia and Continuing Education
Associate Editor: Journal of Hydrologic Engineering, ASCE
Member, Technical Committees: (1) Artificial Recharge Standard Committee and (2)
Fitting of Hydraulic Conductivity with Statistical Spatial Estimation (KSTAT) Standard
Committee.
I will continue to serve on several technical committees of ASCE/EWRI and will continue to
promote exchange and cooperation with other sister professional organizations such as AWRA
and ASABE. I will serve as President of AOCABFE in 2013 and will further promote and
enhance scientific exchange with engineers, researchers, and educators from in China and around
world. I will also encourage colleagues to serve on ASCE/EWRI councils/committees, including
International Cooperation Council, and participate in international exchange programs.
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VISITING INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP (VIF) APPLICATION
World Water and Environmental Resources Congress
Cincinnati, Ohio, May 19-23, 2013
PART V: TECHNICAL ABSTRACT
Please paste your Congress abstract at the end of these instructions.
**NOTE: You must also submit your abstract directly to the Congress by the posted abstract
deadline
Abstract No. 467 submitted successfully.
Sustainability of Ancient Karez Systems in Arid Lands: A Case Study in Turpan Region of
China
Jian Do1
1
XYZ Water Resources Research Institute
Abstract: A karez (also called as qanat) is a gently sloping underground tunnel that conveys
groundwater by means of gravity to the ground surface. It is a unique and ancient engineering
methodology of providing water in a reliable and sustainable way in arid regions. One of the
world largest karez water supply systems is located in the Turpan oasis, Xinjiang Uyghur
Autonomous Region, China. In this paper the authors evaluate the vitality of the ancient karez
systems in various aspects in modern society by providing examples from Turpan region of
China. These aspects include the historical and cultural importance, socio-economic impacts,
interactions with the surrounding environment, contribution to agricultural biodiversity in arid
lands, and the unique regional characteristics of karezes. The results show that the karez systems
are not only economically feasible but also a sustainable water supply for irrigation and domestic
uses in the region. Furthermore, karezes have invaluable historical, cultural, and social
significance. However, karez systems are facing abandonment due to introduction of new
technologies to meet soaring water demands. Karezes are particularly susceptible to impairment
by groundwater withdrawals with modern wells and pumps. In such regions, the proper
conservation and maintenance of karez systems will help sustainable water supplies and
contribute to economic development.
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VISITING INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP (VIF) APPLICATION
World Water and Environmental Resources Congress
Cincinnati, Ohio, May 19-23, 2013
PART VI: FINANCIAL SUPPORT and COST ESTIMATE
Please complete the following Cost Estimate, based on your best guess.
COST ESTIMATE FOR TRIP:
Transportation
Airfare between home country and U.S.
Travel within U.S. and/or Canada
Local transportation (shuttle, taxi, etc.)
Accommodation:
Conference = $[150]/night @ [4] nights
Other = $80/night @ 6 nights
Meals/per diem:
$50/day @ 10 days
Incidentals/Other
COMMENTS:
$1300
$500
$100
$600
$480
$500
$30
EWRI Conference Registration
Conference hotels are typically
$150/night for one person in a room.
About $40-70/day; some meals are
included with conference registration
$30
$700
Covered by Fellowship
Membership dues for ASCE and/or EWRI
$137
Covered by Fellowship; ASCE dues are
approximately $137 for A class
countries or $68 for B class countries*
(includes EWRI dues); or approximately
$85 for EWRI-only dues
TOTAL COST ESTIMATE (US Dollars):
$4347
Costs covered by Fellowship
$[000]
REMAINING COSTS
$[xxxx]
Typically $1250 - $1800; amount
determined each year
Applicant is responsible for costs not
covered by Fellowship
Please identify expected source(s) and reliability of funding for costs not covered by Fellowship.
It is important that a recipient understand the cost of the trip and explore complementary financial
resources to support it. The VIF committee needs to have a clear indication that the applicant,
if selected, will be able to participate in the Congress.
Besides the international fellowship if awarded and local transportation and part of housing
covered by the host, the remaining costs will be covered by XYZ Water Resources Research
Institute, China (see attached letter).
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VISITING INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP (VIF) APPLICATION
World Water and Environmental Resources Congress
Cincinnati, Ohio, May 19-23, 2013
PART VII: EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Please attach a one-page resume (summary) of your educational and professional experience.
I am a professional hydro engineer and hydrologist, working as an assistant engineer at the XYZ
water Resources Research. My area of expertise is in the theoretical and practical R&D of water
saving techniques and irrigation devices, installation, operation and quality inspection of water
saving and irrigation devices, planning and designing of capital farmland construction. My
current research includes the improvement of irrigation efficiency in arid and semi-arid regions,
and climate change and its impact on inland river`s stream flow.
Over last XX years, I have received several intensive professional trainings both within China
and oversee at different academic levels and topics, and experienced a lot in the field of water
science and engineering. I have been graduated from the College of Hydraulic Engineering,
Shihezi University in 19XX, majoring in farmland hydraulic engineering. From September
20XX to July 20XX I had finished all the required courses in the master science program in the
College of Hydraulic and Civil Engineering, XYZ Agricultural University. From February 20XX
to March 20XX, I went to Israel for a short-term training in water saving and irrigation
technology. From November 20XX to January 20XX, I studied in the research program on the
interaction of irrigation and fertigation in controlled environment in the International Training
Center, Ministry of Agriculture, and Israel. From April 20XX to May 20XX, I studied in the
program of theory of the solution of inventive problems LMN Training Center, Chinese City,
China. From May 20XX to November 20XX, I conducted research as a visiting scholar in the
program of regional evapotranspiration research at XYZ University, USA.
As a project leader, I have completed a number of important projects that were funded by the
Chinese government and other foundations. They include “Research of Arid Land Oases Water
Saving Technology”, sponsored by the ABC Foundation of China, “Inspection Technology of
Water Saving and Irrigation Devices”, sponsored by the “123” Foundation of the Ministry of
Water Resources of China and others. I have published several peer reviewed papers in my
research field, have registered several patents on the R& D of Water Saving and Irrigation
Devices, and have received many honors and awards.
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