Dr. François Birgand was selected as a 2017-2018 University Faculty Scholar.

Dr. Birgand, an Associate Professor of Hydrology and Ecological Engineering in the department, directs the Biogeochemistry and Ecological Engineering Water lab where his team works to improve the treatment efficiencies of streams, wetlands, soils or woodchip bioreactors.

Prior to his time at NC State, he worked as an engineering researcher at Cemagref in France (now Irstea) where he played an active role in maintaining longterm environmental observatories. Much of his current research methods are rooted in the metrology of flow and water quality in small catchments.

The scholars program, established in 2012 by Chancellor Woodson, recognizes and rewards emerging academic leaders among NC State faculty and identifies approximately twenty tenured or tenure-track faculty scholars each year.  Faculty members selected as University Faculty Scholars will carry the title for the duration of their faculty appointment at NC State.

Since the program began other faculty in BAE that have received this honor include Dr. Bill Hunt, Dr. Lingjuan Wang-Li, and Dr. Wayne Yuan.