By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 31: Dr Ashiho A Mao has been appointed as the new Vice Chancellor of Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU).
According to a statement here, he was formally introduced and welcomed by Chancellor Dr Glenn C Kharkongor during the handing-over ceremony held on Thursday.
Dr Mao brings with him over three decades of experience in research, higher education and scientific leadership. A PhD holder in Agricultural Botany from the University of Reading, UK, Dr Mao has served as the National Director of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) from 2019 to 2025
An accomplished scholar, Dr Mao has published 172 research papers, authored or edited 46 books and monographs, and identified 19 new plant species, including orchids and rhododendrons.
He has also represented India at international biodiversity conventions such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).
It may be mentioned that Dr Mao’s contributions to ethnobotany and conservation have earned him numerous national and international honours, including the Vishwambhar Puri Medal, Arthur Hoosier Award, Schlich Prize and Harshberger Medal.
