W. Cully Hession

W. Cully Hession is a Professor and Graduate Program Director in the Biological Systems Engineering (BSE) department at Virginia Tech, where he has served since 2012. He directs the StREAM Lab, focusing on ecological engineering, stream restoration, and human-natural system interactions. His career spans roles at the University of Vermont and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.

• Education: PhD in Biosystems Engineering (Oklahoma State), MS & BS in Agricultural Engineering (Virginia Tech)
• Licensure: Professional Engineer (VA), Certified Ecological Designer (AEES)

Research Interests center on stream channel processes, floodplain connectivity, UAV applications, and climate resilience. Current projects include Beaver Dam Analogs for stream restoration, drone-based LiDAR for floodplain mapping, and virtual watershed exhibits to bridge community-scientist dialogue. His work integrates hydrology, ecological design, and interdisciplinary education.

Scientific Contributions include 15 recent articles on topics like UAV monitoring, streambank erosion, and antibiotic resistance in soils. He has secured over $278,911 in USDA funding for undergraduate research training and leads NSF-REU initiatives involving 14 faculty across 5 colleges.

• Awards: Fellow of the American Ecological Engineering Society (2024), UCOWR Education & Public Service Award (2021), and VT-BSE Faculty of the Year (2006, 2019).

Teaching & Outreach includes directing BSE design projects and co-developing Virtual Watershed exhibits. As Graduate Program Director, he expanded BSE enrollment from 40 to 70 students and secured $50k+ for graduate recruitment. The StREAM Lab engages 14+ classes across 4 colleges with real-time monitoring data.