Shenyang Guo, the Frank J. Bruno Distinguished Professor of Social Work Research at the Brown School and assistant vice chancellor for international affairs–Greater China at Washington University, has been named a Yangtze River Scholar by the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China.
It is the highest award issued to an individual in higher education by the country’s Ministry of Education. In addition to China’s top scholars, the ministry also selects several international recipients each year.
Guo is the third person affiliated with Washington University to receive the honor. Guy Genin, professor of mechanical engineering and materials science in the School of Engineering & Applied Science, was named a scholar in 2015. Pang Xun, who earned a doctorate in political science from the university in 2010 and is currently professor of international relations at Tsinghua University in China, was also awarded a Yangtze River Scholar in the Young Scholar category this year.
Few universities in the United States have two current Yangtze River Scholars.
With the award, Guo receives the title of Yangtze River Chaired Professor at Xi’an Jiaotong University in Xi’an, China, and a significant research grant. The award brings funds to enhance collaboration and international exchange between Washington University and Xi’an Jiaotong University, which is part of the McDonnell International Scholars Academy.