A.L. "Tom" Hammett, professor of forest products in the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors. The emeritus title may be conferred on retired faculty members who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university.

A member of the Virginia Tech community for more than 30 years, Hammett has made significant contributions to the use of sustainable forest and agricultural resources resulting in more than 50 peer-reviewed and technical papers and one book. His research on natural products enterprises and human capacity development has been adapted and implemented in his outreach and research programs across 40 countries. In addition, to support his research and outreach he has collaborated with funders, including foundations, national and state forestry agencies, forest products, agricultural agencies, and natural resource-based industries, and private landowners throughout the United States.

He has served in leadership positions for several organizations, including the Society of American Foresters, the Forest Products Society, the International Union of Forest Research Organizations, the Tropical Forest Foundation, and the New River Land Trust.

Globally, he has served as principal investigator for major projects with the Virginia Tech Center for International Education, Research and Development and the Conservation Management Institute. He has directed several international projects funded by the United Nations, Fulbright Program, regional banks, and development agencies. Hammett has served for a decade as the coordinator of international programs for the College of Natural Resources and Environment, expanding globalization through increased overseas educational opportunities, assisting graduate students and faculty in obtaining funding support, developing collaboration across campus with colleges, centers, and international organizations.

Hammett has advised more than 25 master's degree and doctoral students and has mentored many postdoctoral research associates. With his students he has introduced into the curriculum and research areas including examining the linkages between HIV/AIDS and natural resources, novel products such as forest botanicals and herbs, tree syrups, bamboo, hemp, and wool.

In the classroom, Hammett has organized and taught various courses on the topics of sustainable natural-based enterprises, global issues in natural resources, and forestry novel ecosystem services including non-timber forest products, and sustainability, society and bioenergy.  Hammett’s teaching including serving as an Erasmus Fellow in Germany and Visiting Professor in Nepal.

Hammett received his bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire and a master’s and doctoral degree from the University of Georgia. He served in the American Peace Corps, worked for a major forest products company, and helped establish a new forestry college in Nepal before joining Virginia Tech.

Written by Emily Southern, a senior majoring in multimedia journalism and student writer for Virginia Tech Marketing and Communications

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