Dr. UK Sovannara is an Assistant Professor at the American University of Phnom Penh (AUPP). He received the degrees of Master of Engineering and Doctor of Engineering from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology (now Institute of Science Tokyo), Japan in 2017 and 2022, respectively. He also obtained an engineer’s degree in Water Resources and Rural Infrastructure from the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC) in 2014 and a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the Institute of Foreign Languages (IFL), Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) in 2013.
With over a decade of integrated experience in Cambodian and international academia and applied practice, Dr. UK brings a unique blend of teaching, research, and high-level project consultation. His primary research focuses on the hydro-ecology and environmental sustainability of tropical flood-pulse systems, with Tonle Sap Lake as a central case study. His expertise is demonstrated through numerous publications and international conference presentations. Notably, his work spans from co-editing the book “Water and Life in Tonle Sap Lake” to authoring the recent comprehensive book, “Tropical Flood Pulse System: Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia—Physical, Chemical, and Microbiological Water Quality,” effectively bridging the gap between specialized science and public understanding. His practical expertise in environmental management and governance is further enhanced by consultancy and advisory work for multilateral and public institutions such as the World Bank, GIZ, and the Tonle Sap Authority.
Committed to knowledge sharing and service, Dr. UK has engaged in educational activities across Japan, Cambodia, the Czech Republic, and the United States. His dedication to community extends to volunteer work with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and local food banks.