Brian Benham

Brian Benham is a Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech, actively engaged in watershed management and water quality research since 2001. He serves as Director of the Center for Watershed Studies, established in 2004 to address Virginia's water resource challenges.

• Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering (University of Tennessee, 1995)
• Focus on nonpoint source pollution control, TMDL development, and household drinking water quality
• Co-founder of the Virginia Household Water Quality Program and Virginia Master Well Owner Network

His research spans hydrological modeling, microbial pollution analysis, and climate change adaptation strategies, with recent work examining:

• Chesapeake Bay nutrient reduction challenges (2025)
• Emerging contaminants in private wells (2023)
• Hydroclimatic impacts on water quality (2022)
• Risk-based pollutant reduction frameworks (2020)

Recognized with multiple awards including:

• Virginia Tech Alumni Association Award for Excellence in Extension (2014)
• ASABE Outstanding Manuscript Reviewer (2014)
• Gamma Sigma Delta Faculty Extension Award (2012)

He has secured over $3 million in funding from agencies like:

• USEPA ($2.4M for Chesapeake Bay BMP review)
• VADEQ (multiple TMDL studies)
• USDA-NRCS (soil health and grazing management)