The associate dean for academic affairs of the School of Engineering and Applied Science will serve as the school’s interim dean, according to a University release Wednesday.

Rumana Riffat, who has served as an associate dean for six years and as a civil engineering professor since 2004, will step into the interim role this fall, the release states. Riffat will replace David Dolling, the longtime SEAS dean who will resign in August after 10 years in the position.

“It will be my honor to serve as interim dean,” Riffat said in the release. “I look forward to working with the SEAS faculty and building on the strong foundation created by Dean Dolling.”

During her time at GW, Riffat has led research focusing on wastewater treatment and sustainable water treatment technologies. She has also received two GW Service Excellence Awards for environmental science work, among several other scientific awards, according to the release.

Provost Forrest Maltzman said in the release that information about the search for a permanent SEAS dean will be “forthcoming.”

“Dr. Riffat is an accomplished member of the SEAS faculty who has established herself as a leader in the school,” Maltzman said. “I am confident that, under her leadership, SEAS will continue excelling in its research and educational missions.”