In recognition of Steve’s services to education, the President of Pakistan has decided to confer upon him the honor/ medal of Sitara-e-Imtiaz (translation: Star of Excellence). Steve is the Principal Investigator for the USAID-funded U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water. This collaboration aims to help secure the availability of clean water through education and applied research, as well as training and graduating a vital work force to address critical water security concerns in Pakistan. Another goal of the project is increasing gender equity by developing women leaders in water science and education.