School of Forestry professor receives Fulbright Award

Fullbright Scholar

Aregai Tecle, a professor in NAU’s School of Forestry, is receiving a Senior Fulbright Scholar Award to research and teach in Ethiopia.

Tecle, who was born in Ethiopia, will research at the African Union, formerly the organization of African States, and will teach in the Environmental Science Program at Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia during the 2009-10 academic year.

His research will focus on developing early warning systems and interventions for conflicts in African nations. Tecle also will teach two courses: Hydroclimate and Environmental Issues in East Africa, and Conflict Avoidance and Management.

“Africa has been going backward instead of forward in its economic and political development because of continuing conflicts within and among countries,” said Tecle, who hopes to develop mechanisms for predicting and preventing conflicts at African borders. “Among many of the functions of the African Union is promoting peace and security through conflict management in Africa. I hope to help the AU in its effective conflict management and sustainable economic development endeavors.”

Tecle said his environmental teaching will include educating students about the possible effects of climate change and how to predict and manage droughts and flooding.

Recipients of Fulbright awards are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership in their fields. Tecle is one of more than 1,000 U.S. faculty and professionals who will travel abroad to share their knowledge and expertise.

The Fulbright Program, America’s flagship international educational exchange program, was established in 1946 by Sen. J. William Fulbright of Arkansas and is sponsored by the U. S. Department of State.