James D. Kern

Biography

James D. Kern is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Department of Business Information Technology.  He received a Ph.D. in Biological Systems Engineering and an M.S. in Agricultural Engineering from Virginia Tech, and a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from Cal Poly, Pomona.  Before returning to Virginia Tech to teach Business Statistics, Analytics & Modeling, he worked for a local environmental consulting firm, MapTech, Inc., for 17 years, as a Project Manager and Water Resources Engineer.  He also served as the company's Chief of Operations for 13 years.  During his tenure at MapTech, he developed new water quality modeling procedures, statistical analysis procedures, and a decision support system for comparing control-measure implementation scenarios.  He managed numerous water quality projects, including environmental monitoring, computer modeling, data compilation and analysis, model development, report development and public participation.  He developed a statistical model for relating water quality parameters to benthic macroinvertebrate health, and conducted applied research to assess management practice impacts on water quality.  Additionally, he has been the primary author on over 30 water quality studies.

Dr. Kern is a registered Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia.