October 2007

Invited Lecture & Workshop: Eric Hansen and his students recently finished a project on state of the art research in innovation in the global forest sector. The BC Forum Distinguished Lecture Series in Vancouver BC invited Eric to give a public lecture on “Innovation – the key to survival in the forest sector?” and lead a workshop after his lecture.

Wood Magic at Kid’s Day for Conservation: Wood Science & Engineering was once again well represented at the Annual Kid’s Day for Conservation, held October 24th at the Benton County Fairgrounds. Spearheaded by Starker Forests, Kid’s Day brings together nearly 30 conservation related groups to educate elementary school children (and their parents) about the environment. Leslie McDaniel, our resident Wood Magician was ably aided by Graduate student, Matt Peterson and Research Scientist, Camille Freitag as more than 1800 children learned about the always popular bubbling bazookas.  

Third annual WSU/Idaho/OSU Wood Science Graduate Research Symposium: WSU/Idaho students and faculty traveled to Corvallis from the greater Moscow/Pullman metropolis to participate in the third annual symposium. Nearly 20 students presented their research followed by group discussions on potential collaboration. The Symposium is designed to help the three universities work more closely together on wood related research projects, but also helps graduate students learn more about what is happening on other campuses. Jeff Morrell was the local organizer. Next year’s meeting will be held on the U of Idaho campus..

Other Invited Speakers: Jim Wilson was the invited keynote speaker at the Annual Meeting of the Composite Panel Association in Baltimore, Maryland. He presented his research on the environmental performance of composite panels and wood adhesives, and participated in their Environmental Committee meeting. Fred Kamke gave a presentation on structural composites from modified wood at the Fall Meeting of the Wood-Based Composites Center in Orono, Maine on October 3. He also toured the Advanced Engineered Wood Composites Laboratory at the University of Maine.

International Travels: PhD student Christoph Schauwecker recently attended the International Forest Quarantine Research Group meeting in Rome, Italy. This is an advisory group to the International Plant Protection Convention of the Food and Agricultural Organization. Christoph presented data relating to the use of wood preservative systems as a phytosanitary treatment for solid wood packaging. They group also discussed criteria for including new treatment systems into an international standard.

DEPARTMENT OF WOOD SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

What is this? A monthly capsule summary of selected project updates, new ventures, new grants/ contracts/ testing programs, major papers, accomplishments, awards and kudos, other stuff you are proud of, or activities that your colleagues (and DH) might find interesting. The goal is better awareness of the professional activities of faculty, staff and students in Wood Science & Engineering.