Gifts in Action - Professor Fen Sheng Hu

MEET PROF. HU

Professor Fen Sheng Hu, a professor of plant biology in the University of Illinois’ College of LAS in Urbana-Champaign, was named a University Scholar. He will receive $10,000 to aid his ongoing work.

Hu is known worldwide for his research in global change biology and ecosystem science, specializing in the use of pollen analysis to study the evolution of the climate system and the function of ecosystems. In one of his publications in the journal Natur, Hu described the climate in the Midwest during the Holocene epoch using carbon dating, as well as measurements of the pollen in layers of lake sediment.

As a member of the plant biology department since 1998, Hu has introduced students to contemporary issues and concepts in ecology. He has also won a Packard Fellowship and a Center for Advanced Study Fellowship.

Dr. Hu is a young faculty member whose contributions will aid U of I. for many years to come.

THE UNIVERSITY SCHOLARS PROGRAM

The University Scholars program was established in 1985 and has since distributed about $9.9 million to 436 scholars. The University Scholars Program was initiated to honor outstanding faculty and to provide them with a modest amount of funds annually for three years. Awards of $10,000 per year may be used at the faculty member’s discretion to enhance their scholarly work. Funding for this program is provided by private gifts to the Advancement Fund of the University of Illinois.

Story courtesy LAS.