Haoran Shi

Haoran is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Anthropology. His dissertation project investigates the enduring operational lifespan of the qanat systems in Iran and China, crediting its longevity to effective community-based management and maintenance approaches. These ancient, yet functional, irrigation systems have remarkably withstood environmental and political challenges over millennia. Building on his research, Haoran ventures to reassess and innovate strategies for heritage stewardship, leveraging the sustainable utility of this technology to continue enhancing lives in the arid landscapes of Central Asia. Haoran is also pursuing a certificate in Iranian Studies.