Dr. Stephen Silliman, dean of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at Trevecca Nazarene University, has received the 2022 International Service Award from the U.S. chapter of the International Association of Hydrogeologists.
The award, presented October 11 during a meeting of the Geological Society of America in Denver, recognizes professionals who have shown an outstanding commitment to assisting the international community with needs related to groundwater.
Over many years, Silliman has led collaborative research and teaching activities focused on developing safe and sustainable groundwater resources in Africa and Haiti. These efforts included establishing and directing multiple interdisciplinary research and service learning programs aimed at improving, protecting and managing critical groundwater resources, primarily in Benin, West Africa.
“It is a tremendous honor to receive this award related to the work that I have been blessed to be a part of in the country of Benin and other locations in Africa,” Silliman said. “This recognition is very much a reflection of the beautiful relationships that God has allowed me to develop over the past decades with some wonderful, brilliant and dedicated colleagues in Benin. What a gift I have been given and hope to continue to explore!”
Silliman says one of the aspects of his work he enjoys most is pursuing courses and field studies in collaboration with his Benin and U.S. colleagues and students that are truly interdisciplinary in nature.
His teaching and research career, spanning more than 35 years, included significant periods at the University of Notre Dame and Gonzaga University prior to his arrival at Trevecca as dean of the School of STEM in 2021. A civil engineer and hydrogeologist, he has contributed to multiple studies focused on the movement of water and contaminants in groundwater systems as well as how to best work with students in pursuing their future careers in science.
The International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH/AIH) is a scientific and educational charitable organization for scientists, engineers, water managers and other professionals working in the fields of groundwater resource planning, management and protection. Their mission is to further the understanding, wise use and protection of groundwater resources throughout the world.
