John Cundiff honored with emeritus status
John Cundiff, professor biological systems engineering in the College of Agriculture and Life Science at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the "professor emeritus" title by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.
The title of emeritus may be conferred on retired professors and associate professors, administrative officers, librarians, and exceptional staff members who are specially recommended to the board of visitors by Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board of visitors receive an emeritus certificate from the university.
Cundiff contributed significantly to research on efficient production, storage, and delivery of biomass feedstock; authored more than 220 publications; and received one U.S. patent and two outstanding paper awards from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.
He served the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers in numerous capacities; chaired the group's technical, conference planning, and awards committees; impacted the development of standards; chaired their Food Processing Engineering Institute; was named an American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Fellow; and received the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Presidential Distinguished Service Award.
A member of the university community since 1980, Cundiff advised and counseled numerous undergraduate and graduate students in agricultural engineering and biological systems engineering degree programs. He also served as the graduate advisor for 15 master's and three doctoral students.
Cundiff taught fluid power systems and control for 15 years and published a textbook on the subject that was adopted by other universities. He also made significant contributions to the green engineering program by teaching and enhancing the Introduction to Green Engineering course to reflect the rapidly changing subject matter as society became more interested in sustainability.
He holds a bachelor's degree from Virginia Tech, and a master's degree and Ph.D. from North Carolina State University.
