News Release
For Immediate Release —August 5, 2008
Eric Drumm to Lead UT Biosystems Engineering & Soil Science
Dr. Eric Drumm
Following a national search, Dr. Eric Drumm has been selected to lead the Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. His appointment was effective August 1.
Drumm, formerly a professor in UT’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, brings both knowledge of the university system and versatility to the position, according to Dr. Joseph DiPietro, UT vice president for agriculture.
“Dr. Drumm has distinguished himself in research and teaching in numerical methods, soil mechanics, water movement through soils, and the impact of soil and water on structural integrity,” DiPietro said.
“He has collaborated in research with faculty members in the BESS department, and he has been actively involved with student organizations. These assets position him well to lead and coordinate activity in the department.”
Drumm holds a Ph.D. in civil engineering from the University of Arizona and a master’s of engineering and bachelor’s of science in structures and mechanics from the University of South Carolina. He has been a faculty member at the University of Tennessee since 1983, where he has published more than 120 journal articles, conference proceeding abstracts, and poster presentations in collaboration with other faculty and graduate students.
The Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science works at the interface of biological systems, soils, and engineering to understand basic processes, manage our environmental resources and assist agricultural and related industries. The department offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees, a low student-to-faculty ratio, and an award-winning tradition. In addition to teaching, 37 faculty and 26 staff members are involved in fundamental and applied research across the state, as well as educational outreach and extension at field days and other events throughout the year. The department is one of seven in UT's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
###Contact: Dr. Eric Drumm, (865) 974-7266
Margot L. Emery, 974-7141