UW Professor Receives Fulbright Scholar Award for Energy Transition Research in Australia

Saman Aryana, professor and Occidental Chair in Energy and Environmental Technologies, as well as head of the University of Wyoming’s Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to Australia. He will engage with the University of New South Wales, studying and exchanging ideas on topics related to energy transition.

“I feel privileged to have been afforded such an incredible opportunity to expand my work globally by developing strong ties and fostering collaborative relationships with Australian colleagues who have deep, complementary expertise,” Aryana says. “Australia and the U.S., especially the state of Wyoming, share significant similarities in the economic significance of their subsurface resources and agriculture sectors. Given its energy policy and the prominence of its mining and agriculture sectors, Australia presents an ideal location for building intentional collaborations focused on engineering the subsurface.”

Aryana is among 800 U.S. citizens who will conduct research or teach abroad for the 2024-25 academic year through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. Fulbright Scholars engage in cutting-edge research and expand their professional networks, often continuing research collaborations started abroad and laying the groundwork for future partnerships between institutions.

“I am thrilled to see Saman selected for this well-deserved opportunity and recognition. He has certainly earned it,” says Cameron Wright, Carrell Family Dean of UW’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. “To put this in more context, past Fulbright Scholars include 62 Nobel laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize winners, 80 MacArthur Fellows, and thousands of leaders and world-renowned experts in academia and many other fields across the private, public and nonprofit sectors.”

Aryana joined the UW faculty in 2013, where he has contributed significant scholarship to his discipline and provided educational opportunities for students.

“Dr. Aryana’s recognition as a Fulbright Scholar brings honor to UW and contributes significantly to our reputation as a world-class research university,” says Kevin Carman, UW’s provost and executive vice president.

The Fulbright Program, the U.S. government’s flagship program for international educational and cultural exchange, was established by Congress in 1946. The program offers passionate and accomplished students and scholars, in more than 160 countries, the opportunity to study, teach, conduct research, exchange ideas, contribute to mutual understanding and address shared international concerns.

Since its inception, the Fulbright Program has empowered more than 400,000 dedicated and accomplished students, scholars, artists, teachers and professionals from diverse backgrounds. Scholars have enhanced their skills and connections; gained invaluable international insights; returned home to share their experiences with their students and colleagues; and enriched their local communities with a wider perspective.

For more information about the Fulbright Scholar Program, visit www.cies.org.

For an advising appointment with the UW Center for Global Studies, call (307) 766-3677.