Bangkok--4 Sep--AIT
Colorado State University (CSU), Fort Collins, Colorado, USA and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) aim to develop a joint self-sustaining research program in the field of alternative energy.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate the program was signed by Dr. James A. Cooney, Vice Provost (International Affairs), CSU on 10 August 2012 during a visit of an AIT delegation to CSU. The MoU seeks collaborative academic programs, joint research activities, exchange of academic and scientific information, and an exchange of faculty and students.
The MoU signing ceremony was witnessed by Dr. Steven Abt, Interim Dean, College of Engineering, CSU; Dr. V. Chandrasekar, Professor and Associate Dean for International Research, CSU; Dr. Ramchand Oad, Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, CSU, and AIT alumnus; Dr. John D. Nelson, Emeritus Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering CSU and former AIT faculty; Dr. Wade Troxell, Associate Dean for Research and Economic Development, CSU.
AIT was represented by Dr. Weerakorn Ongsakul, Dean, School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD); and Dr. Anil Kumar Anal, Associate Dean, Research and Outreach, SERD. Mr. Somkiat Kitsuwannakul, Assistant Vice President, MDX PCL, Thailand also attended the ceremony.
In April 2011, a delegation from CSU, comprising of Dr. Sandra L. Woods, Dean of Engineering, CSU; Ms. Audra Brickner, Director of Development, College of Engineering; and Dr. John D. Nelson, CEO of Engineering Analytics had visited AIT.
CSU and AIT have a long-term relationship which began in 1960 when Prof. Maurice L. Albertson, Professor Emeritus, CSU, helped create AIT’s predecessor, the SEATO Graduate School of Engineering. Prof. Milton E. Bender Jr., former Head of the Department of Civil Engineering at CSU, served as the President of AIT between 1962 and 1975. Many CSU faculty have taught at AIT including Prof. Art Corey, Prof. Edmund Shulz, and Prof. John D. Nelson. CSU alumni have also taught at AIT including Dr. Anat Arbhabirama, while CSU alumni like Dr. Subin have risen to the position of Cabinet Ministers in Thailand.
Photo caption: From left, Dr. Weerakorn Ongsakul, Dr. James A. Cooney and Dr. Wade Troxell.