Rice University professors Pedro Alvarez and Menachem Elimelech were named honorary members of the Chinese-American Professors in Environmental Engineering and Science (CAPEES) during the organization's 2026 annual conference, held May 29–31 on the Rice campus.
“Hosting CAPEES at Rice confirms our department’s support for our international students, postdocs and faculty, and the wonderful connections they have developed with this community over the years. Pedro and Menachem truly embody the scholarship and mentorship that CAPEES celebrates, and having them recognized by their peers makes this conference particularly special for all of us at Rice," said Qilin Li, professor of civil and environmental engineering and conference co-chair.
Founded in 2007 by a group of pioneering Chinese American professors, CAPEES has grown into the first and largest academic association of Chinese environmental engineering and science scholars in North America, with more than 300 faculty and student members worldwide. The organization promotes the discovery and dissemination of knowledge in environmental engineering and science, fosters the professional development of its members and provides expert scientific and technical services to the broader community.
The three-day conference, co-chaired by Li and Tiezheng Tong of Arizona State University and organized with support from the U.S.-China Environmental Education Foundation, featured workshops on artificial intelligence in environmental engineering research and education, and on career development and pathways for translating laboratory research into commercial applications.
Among those honored, Alvarez, the George R. Brown Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and director of the WaTER Institute at Rice, was recognized for his sustained contributions to water treatment, environmental nanotechnology and the remediation of emerging contaminants, as well as his exceptional mentorship of students, postdoctoral researchers and visiting scholars.
"China and the United States are the major generators of global environmental pollution, and from a planetary health perspective, we are united by a common future. Thus, it is important that we collaborate to protect environmental quality at multiple scales. This recognition is very meaningful to me not only because it underscores the importance of such collaborations that many CAPEES members participate in for the good of our planet, but also because it reflects gratitude from former research mentees," said Alvarez.
The honorary membership also recognized Elimelech, the Nancy and Clint Carlson Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rice, for his pioneering work in membrane technology and water purification and his longstanding engagement with the global environmental engineering and science community.
"I am honored to receive this recognition from CAPEES. Over the years, I have had the privilege of mentoring numerous talented Chinese PhD students and postdocs who have gone on to hold faculty positions at major research universities in the United States and abroad, including some who have served as CAPEES presidents," said Elimelech. "Engaging with these exceptional scholars has profoundly enriched my own research and shaped the collaborative spirit of my laboratory, and I look forward to our continued partnership in advancing environmental engineering."