Brian Benham
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering
- College of Engineering
Synopsis:
Dr. Brian Benham joined Virginia Tech’s Biological Systems Engineering department in August 2001. His integrated extension and research programs strive to develop and disseminate knowledge that promotes effective water resources management to improve water quality. He works with state and federal agencies, and citizens to develop watershed management plans that, when implemented, reduce the level of pollution in surface waters. He also works with home owners reliant about private water supplies (wells, springs, and cisterns) to empower them to better care for and maintain their private water supply systems to improve the quality of their drinking water while protecting groundwater quality, a shared resource.
Description:
The goal of Dr. Benham's research program is to minimize adverse water-quality impacts of agriculture and other land-disturbing activities. Much of his research program stems from the practical experience gained and challenges faced while developing watershed management plans. His research objectives are 1) to advance hydrologic and water-quality modeling and 2) to assess practices used to control nonpoint source (NPS) pollution.
Dr. Benham's laboratory focuses primarily on issues related to total maximum daily load (TMDL) development and implementation, and strives to develop and disseminate knowledge, tools, and expertise for sustainable water resources management and protection. The BSE department is a nationally recognized leader in advancing the science and methods used to develop TMDLs.
In 2004, Dr. Benham led the effort to create the Center for Watershed Studies at Virginia Tech to expand Virginia Tech’s TMDL-related activities and to address Virginia’s needs regarding watershed management and water quality issues (www.cws.bse.vt.edu). The Center’s mission is to conduct interdisciplinary research, teaching, and outreach programs to improve the integrity of the Nation’s waters and watersheds by advancing the science, tools, and expertise available for developing, evaluating, and implementing effective watershed planning.