In addition to publishing in 80 peer reviewed journal publications since his graduation in 2004, Dr. Hossain has made significant contributions in fields advancing the use of satellite remote sensing products, understanding remote sensing uncertainty, overcoming transboundary limitations of downstream countries to water forecasting and understanding the impact of large water infrastructures (notably dams).

"In his research of dams, Faisal was not afraid to step outside his comfort zone to cross disciplines, persevere and work hard to receive global recognition for a problem that can only be studied in an interdisciplinary fashion," said Emmanouil N. Anagostou, Ph.D., Northeast Utilities Foundation Endowed Chair Professor in Environmental Engineering. "Today Faisal's work has been sought after and featured in magazines such as Newsweek, New Scientist, BBC, National Geographic, German Public Radio, State Radio Stations, Earth Magazine, Global Change Magazine, Huffington Post etc. More recently, Faisal was invited to present some of this work at the US Congress, which was a follow up to a written testimony (in March 2011) that extensively cited his work on dams and how it can change local climate and affect the paradigm of design and operations."

Dr. Aleksunes was the first student to complete the joint Pharm.D./Ph.D. dual degree program at the UConn School of Pharmacy. During her time at Rutgers University, she has been awarded several National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIH/NIEHS) research grants. Her laboratory has also received funding from the NIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. In 2011, Dr. Aleksunes was awarded an Outstanding New Environmental Scientist RO1 Award from the NIEHS. Her laboratory studies how chemicals are transferred between mother and child during pregnancy.

"Her work will allow researchers to predict which patients are at a greater risk for adverse effects of chemical exposure during pregnancy," said Robert L. McCarthy, Ph.D., dean of the UConn School of Pharmacy.