A. L. Hammett

Dr. A. L. Hammett serves as Professor of Sustainable Biomaterials in the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials within the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech. With expertise spanning non-timber forest products, sustainable nature-based enterprises, and international capacity building, Dr. Hammett has established himself as a leading researcher and educator in sustainable forestry and biomaterials. His work bridges academic research with practical applications across 40 countries worldwide.

Dr. Hammett's educational background includes:

• Ph.D. from the University of Georgia
• M.S. from the University of Georgia
• B.S. from the University of New Hampshire

Dr. Hammett's research focuses primarily on non-timber forest products (NTFPs), including forest botanicals, maple syrup, and bamboo, with particular emphasis on their sustainable utilization, marketing, and role in nature-based enterprises. His work extends to specialty crops and international capacity building for educational institutions in agriculture and natural resource sectors. With extensive field experience across Central Appalachia, Nepal, Africa, and South and Central America, his research addresses critical issues in sustainable forest management, value chain development, and community-based natural resource management. His innovative approaches to experiential learning have significantly influenced how sustainable resource management is taught and implemented globally.

Analysis of Dr. Hammett's recent publications reveals consistent focus on non-timber forest products, sustainable forestry practices, and international development. His work spans disciplines including forestry science, natural resource economics, sustainable business models, and education methodology. Key trends include the examination of market dynamics for forest products, the role of NTFPs in community development and food security, innovative educational approaches for sustainable resource management, and the impacts of political and social contexts on forest management practices. His interdisciplinary research bridges scientific, economic, and social dimensions of sustainable resource use.

Dr. Hammett has received notable recognition for his work:

• Distance Learning Scholar at Virginia Tech
• Erasmus Fellow in Germany
• Visiting Professor in Asia

Dr. Hammett has mentored numerous graduate students, including PhD candidate Richard Bonsi (2009) and Master's students Jason Steele and Rebecca Murray (2007). His extensive grant portfolio demonstrates significant research impact, with over 50 funded projects totaling millions of dollars. These grants span diverse areas including international capacity building (USAID, The Nature Conservancy), sustainable forestry initiatives (BOLFOR projects in Bolivia), non-timber forest product development (numerous USDA and State Department grants), and educational innovation (Enterprise Fund grants for online course development). His projects consistently emphasize practical applications, community engagement, and sustainable economic development.

Dr. Hammett leads Virginia Tech's program focused on non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and has organized and taught more than 20 study abroad courses in 12 countries. His international experience includes serving as project director for Innovate, a global agricultural education and training capacity building program, and holding leadership positions including Coordinator of International Programs and Associate Dean for Academic Programs in the College of Natural Resources and Environment. Through these roles, he has built extensive international networks and collaborative research teams focused on sustainable natural resource management.