Daowei Zhang, associate dean of research and the Alumni and George W. Peake Jr. Professor at Auburn University’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE), has been honored with the Creative Research & Scholarship Award in the Sciences, Medical Sciences, Engineering and Agriculture category in the 2023 Faculty Awards.
Auburn University established the Creative Research & Scholarship Awards to honor its faculty members’ outstanding research achievements and contributions. These awards are bestowed to faculty who have demonstrated excellence through their research, scholarly work and creative contributions in their respective fields.
Zhang embarked on his career as an assistant professor in the CFWE in 1994 and attained the status of professor in 2003. He has gained renown for his 29 years of prominent research in forest economics at Auburn University. With over 130 publications, including eight books, Zhang is globally recognized for his pioneering contributions to the development of planted forests on a global scale.
Zhang has secured over $4.7 million in extramural research grants and his 2021 book, “From Backwoods to Boardrooms: The Rise of Institutional Investment in Timberland,” received the 2022 Outstanding Achievement Award from the Renewable Natural Resources Foundation. A fellow of the Society of American Foresters, Zhang has delivered lectures worldwide and mentored 24 graduate students specializing in forest economics and policy, including 16 doctoral candidates.
“We are immensely proud of Dr. Zhang’s remarkable achievements.” said Janaki Alavalapati, the Emmett F. Thompson Dean of the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment. “We strive to cultivate a culture of innovation and excellence in research in our college. His recognition is a testament to our commitment to advancing knowledge and making a positive impact on the world.”
As the award recipient, Zhang will represent the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment on the Creative Research & Scholarship Award Selection Committee, commencing in the 2024 program year. His portrait will be displayed alongside previous award recipients in Samford Hall.
The formal recognition of this honor will occur at the 2023 Faculty Awards ceremony on Thursday, November 9, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The ceremony will be hosted at the Carol Ann Gavin Garden.
Text summarized from award literature
(Written by Allison Killingsworth)
