International Studies and Programs at Michigan State University has named Jiaguo Qi director of the Office of China Programs. In this role, Qi will provide leadership on MSU’s international programs and engagement with institutions in and related to China.
Established in 2005, the Office of China Programs works to build strategic partnerships with key Chinese research and educational institutions; increase MSU’s visibility in China and the region through transformative projects and programs; expand university commitment and capacity for China and regional programs; and build cultural, economic and civic bridges between China, the region and the state of Michigan.
During the 2015-16 academic year, MSU hosted 4,700 students and scholars from China and offers 10 study abroad programs in China. The university also conducts dozens of research projects in partnership with Chinese institutions.
“China and its global role is an important focus for MSU’s international engagement, and through Dr. Qi’s leadership we seek to strengthen and deepen that commitment,” said Steven Hanson, associate provost and dean of international studies and programs. “Dr. Qi has spent much of his career collaborating internationally, including years of research in China, so this position is a natural fit.”
A Spartan since 1998, Qi is also currently serving as director of MSU’s Center for Global Change and Earth Observations. As director, Qi has led the center in several large-scale research efforts to quantify impacts of climate change on ecosystems services and functions, including grasslands carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions as well as agricultural yields production. Under his leadership, the center obtained millions of dollars to support global change research.
Qi has 22 years of research experience in several technical areas critical to global change science. His most recent developments include innovative approaches to integrate human, environment and climate to understand the coupling nature of human and environment for sustainable development in developing countries in East and Southeast Asia, Central Asia and East and West Africa. Qi earned his Ph.D. in soil and water science from the University of Arizona.