Thomas Burbey honored with emeritus status

23 Nov 2022

Sporting glasses and bright blue. shirt, a man smiles as he poses for a portrait. — Tom Burbey. Virginia Tech file photo.

Thomas Burbey, professor of hydrogeology in the Virginia Tech College of Science’s Department of Geosciences, has been conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emeritus title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1996, Burbey made significant contributions to the science of hydrogeology through his work on the flow of water in fractured bedrock and the interactions of hydrology and surface deformation. He also served as a program manager at the National Science Foundation.

Burbey taught a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate courses ranging across the geosciences curriculum. He advised numerous master’s degree students and Ph.D. students with their dissertations and helped them develop successful careers in both academic and industrial settings.

Burbey earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Nevada.