Wood Award

The Forest Products Society’s Wood Award (first and second place) recognizes and honors the most outstanding research in the field of wood and wood products conducted by graduate students.

The First Place Award winner receives a $1,000 honorarium and an engraved plaque; the Second Place Award winner receives a $500 honorarium and an engraved plaque. Both winners also receive complimentary registration to the Society’s International Convention, where the Wood Award is presented during the Official Luncheon, and are offered an opportunity to present their research findings during a Technical Forum at the International Convention.

The first Wood Award was presented in 1948 and, with the exception of the years 1951 and 1952, it has been given annually since its inception. The honorariums connected with the first and second place awards have, for most years, been supported by contributions from a co-sponsor. From 1948 through 1976, the Wood Award was sponsored by Wood and Wood Products magazine. In 1977, the sponsorship changed to Kirby Forest Industries of Houston, Texas; Kirby sponsored the award until 1980. The award was without an outside sponsor from 1981 until 1986 when The Coe Manufacturing Co., a leading supplier to the forest products industry and a long-time Sustaining Member of the Society, agreed to sponsor the award. In 1991, Borden, Inc., offered to share sponsorship with Coe on an alternating year basis. The Coe Manufacturing Co. discontinued its sponsorship after the 2001 Award. Dynea USA, Inc., formerly Neste Resins, agreed to alternating sponsorship of the award with Borden, Inc. and sponsored the 2003 award. In 2004, Borden Chemical terminated its support and Dynea accepted sole sponsorship of the award.

To be eligible, the graduate student(s) must have been registered for a full quarter or semester at a university or college during the year prior to the presentation of the Award. Papers may relate to practical and applied as well as fundamental characteristics of wood and wood products. Consult the official rules for submission information.

Winners of the Wood Award

Awards Committee Chair, Rado Gazo (right), presented the first place award to Joseph Jakes.

The second place award was presented to Young-Min Kang.

2008 First place: Joseph Jakes, University of Wisconsin–Madison: Characterization of Modified Wood Cells Using Nanoindentation
Second place: Young-Min Kang, Mississippi State University
Proteomic Analysis for Fresh and Decayed Wood of Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda L.) by Two-Dimensional Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis and Mass Spectrometry
2007 First place: Natalie Vadeboncoeur, University of British Columbia: Separate-Sided Surface Measurement Using a Handheld Profiling Device
Second place: Jinwu Wang, Washington State University
Kinetic Analysis and Modeling of Mechanical and Chemical Cure Development for Wood-PF Bonds
2006 First place: Sangyeob Lee, Louisiana State Ag Center: Argon- and Oxygen-Based Plasma Treatment Effects at the Thermomechanical Pulp Fiber and Isotactic Polypropylene Interface
Second place: Sudipto Das, Virginia Tech
Probing the Interactions Between Isocyanate Resins and Wood Polymers
2005 First place: David B. DeVallance, Oregon State University: Douglas-fir Plywood Gluebond Quality as Influenced by Veneer Roughness, Lathe Checks, and Annual Ring Characteristics
Second place: Richard K. Johnson, Virginia Tech
Thermoplastic Composites with Lyocell Fibers
2004 First place: Nicole Robitaille Brown, The Pennsylvania State University: Understanding the Role of NMA Distribution in Crosslinking Poly(vinyl acetate) Latex Adhesives
Second place: William Tze, University of Maine
Evaluation of Load Transfer at the Cellulosic-Fiber/Polymer Interphase Using a Micro-Raman Tensile Test
2003 First place: Cheng Piao, Louisiana State University: Theoretical Modeling and Experimental Analyses of Laminated Wood Composite Poles
Second place: Ronnie Vun, Lousiana State University
Ultrasonic Characterization of Horizontal Density Variations in Oriented Strandboard
2002 First place: Brian Tucker, Washington State University: Using Antisymmertic Ultrasonic Plate Waves to Determine Flexural and Transverse Shear Properties in Wood Composite Panels
Second place: Milan Sernek, Virginia Tech
Comparative Analysis of Inactivated Wood Surfaces
2001 First place: Hwanmyeong Yeo, State University of New York-Syracuse: Evaluation of Mass Transfer in Wood Utilizing Colorimetric Technique and Numerical Analysis
Second place: Jun Zheng, Virginia Tech
Fundamental Studies of Phenol-Formaldehyde/Polymeric Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate Hybrid Adhesives
2000 First place: Svetlana Vasic, University of New Brunswick: Fracture Analysis of Wood Cracking Perpendicular to the Grain
Second place: Robert Emerson, Washington State University
Ultrasonic Inspection of Large Timber Bridges
1999 First place: Alexander Salenikovich, Virginia Tech: The Racking Performance of Light-Frame Shear Walls with Various Aspect Ratios
Second place: Jong-Bum Ra, Mississippi State university
Determination of Boron Diffusion Coefficients in Wood
1998 First place: Li-Heng Chen, University of California-Berkeley: Acousto-Ultrasonics Evaluation of Bonding Development of Particleboard During Pressing
Second place: Christian Heine, Virginia Tech
Cyclic Response of Full-Scale Shear Walls with Various Openings and Overturning Restraints
1997 First place: Robert Schmidt, Virginia Tech: 13C CP/MAS NMR Characterization of the Wood Phenol-Formaldehyde Bondline
Second place: Darrell Wong, University of British Columbia
Crowned Bandmill Wheels for Improved Sawblade Tracking Stability
1996 First place: Laurence Mott, University of Maine: Experimental Micromechanics: Quantifying Fiber Cell Wall Deformation and Fracture
Second place: Ackah Toffey, Virginia Tech
Chitin Films from Waterborne Chitosan as Potential Wood Coatings
1995 First place: Jianbin Chen, University of Toronto: A CCA-C Fixation Model Based on the Relationship Between Wood Temperature and Fixation Time
Second place: Chunping Dai, University of British Columbia
Modeling and Simulation of Mat Formation Process in Wood Composite Manufacturing
1994 First place: Greg C. Foliente, Virginia Tech: Response Analysis of Wood Structures Under Natural Hazard Loadings
Second place: Qinglin Wu, Oregon State University
Effect of Creep and Mechano-Sorptive Effect of Stress Development During Wood Drying
1993 First place: Yi Zhang, Michigan Technological University: Modeling Wood Composite Consolidation Behavior
Second place: Bernard Kreber, University of British Columbia
Advances in the Understanding of Hemlock Brown Stain
1992 First place: Yifu Tang, North Carolina State University: A Numerical Model for Heat Transfer and Moisture Evaporation Process in Hot-Press Drying
Second place: Thomas D. Skaggs, Texas A&M University
Shear Deflection of Composite Wood Beams
1991 First place: William K. Motter, Washington State University: A Study on the Formation of the Colloidal Phase in Low Mole Ratio Urea-Formaldehyde Resins
Second place: Bohumil Kasal, Oregon State University
A Nonlinear Two-Dimensional Finite-Element Model for Wood Frame Stud Walls
1990 First place: Perry N. Peralta, Virginia Tech: Irreversible Thermodynamics and Nonisothermal Transport of Moisture in Wood
Second place: Michael P. Wolcott, Virginia Tech
Fundamental Aspects of Wood Deformation Pertaining to Manufacture of Wood-Based Composites
1989 First place: Gwo-Huang Chen, Auburn University: Creep Analysis of Wood Composite I-Beams and Lumber Subjected to Changing Humidity
Second place: John J. Janowiak, Washington State University
An Empirical Investigation of Impact Loading with Reconstituted Wood Plates
1988 First place: Edward C. Stalling, Virginia Tech: The Competitive Position of Wood as a Residential Siding Material: A Model of Consumer Perceptions
Second place: Nian-hua Ou, Clemson University
Thermoplasticization of Wood
1987 First place: Stephen S. Kelley and Timothy G. Rials, Virginia Tech: Relaxation Behavior of the Amorphous Components of Wood
Second place: Andrew R. Zahora, Oregon State University
Decomposition of the Fumigant Methylisothiocyanate in Douglas-fir Heartwood
1986 First place: Stephen J. Smulski, Virginia Tech: Elastic Behavior of Glass Fiber Reinforced Hardboard
Second place: Philip H. Steele, Mississippi State University
Simplified Procedure for Computing Best Opening Face Position for Hardwood Sawlogs
1985 First place: Robert J. Ross, Washington State University: Nondestructive Evaluation of Particle Composites with Longitudinal Stress Waves
Second place: Stephen J. Boyd, University of Toronto
The Durability of Gluebonds in Poplar Glued-Laminated Timber
1984 First place: Thomas M. Gorman, State University of New York-Syracuse: Juvenile Wood in Trusses—Longitudinal Moisture Response Causes Seasonal Arching
Second place: Frederick A. Kamke, Oregon State University
Analysis of a Rotary Dryer: Drying of Wood Particles
1983 First place: Todd A. Vincent, Louisiana State University: Rational Design of Radial Reinforcements in Pitch-Cambered Glulam Beams
Second place: Charles D’Angelo, III, University of California-Berkeley
Pressure, Stiffness, and Damping in Saw Guides
1982 First place: Robert W. Petterson, Colorado State University: Prediction of Fracture Toughness of Conifers
Second place: Wang-Zong Wu, University of California-Berkeley
Analysis of Vibration in a Band Saw System
1981 First place: Gary S. Schajer, University of California-Berkeley: Analysis of Roll Tensioning and Its Influence on Circular Saw Stability
Second place: Ming C. Leu, University of California-Berkeley
Origin of Idling Noise in Circular Saws and Its Suppression
1980 First place: Clark J. Radcliffe, University of California-Berkeley: Active Control of Circular Saw Vibration Using Spectral Analysis
Second place: Shiro Saka, North Carolina State University
Lignin Distribution of Douglas-fir Wood by the SEM-EDXA Technique and Its Application to the Topochemistry of Delignification by Soda-Anthraquinone, Kraft, and Soda Pulping
1979 First place: A. Galip Ulsoy, University of California-Berkeley: An Analysis of the Dynamic Behavior of Band Saws
Second place: Jerry P. Chlopecky, University of Toronto
An Experimental Investigation of Composite Wood-Concrete Bridges
1978 First place: Richard J. Sazinski, Colorado State University: Design of Wood Joist Floors
Second place: Jonathan W. Martin, Washington State University
The Statistical Analysis of Life Data for Wood in the Bending Mode
1977 First place: Shih-Chi Wang, Michigan State University: Heartwood Extractives of Maclura pomifera and Their Role in Decay Resistance
Second place: John Philippou, University of California-Berkeley
The Chemical Bonding of Wood
1976 First place: Raymond Ellis, University of California-Berkeley: Reduced Saw Vibration Through Feedback Control
Second place: Vijaya Gopu, Colorado State University
Design of Double-Tapered Pitched and Curved Glulam Beams
1975 First place: Alan T. Quaile, University of Toronto: Shear Strength of Small Composite Wood Beams
Second place: Paul R. Dawson, Colorado State University
Variability Simulations of Wood Joist Floor Systems
1974 First place: Robert M. Knudson, University of California-Berkeley: Performance of Structural Wood Members Exposed to Fire
Second place: Benedito R. Vital, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Effects of Species and Panel Densities of Properties of Exotic Hardwood Particleboards
1973 First place: Neil D. Nelson, University of Wisconsin-Madison: Effects of Wood and Pulp Properties on Medium-Density, Dry-Formed Hardboard
Second place: Fred J. Keenan, University of Toronto
The Shear Strength of Glued-Laminated Timber Beams
1972 First place: Miin Ming Chen, University of Minnesota: A Proposed Explanation for the Phenomenological Rheology of Prefrozen Redwood
Second place: Paul R. Blankenhorn, Pennsylvania State University
Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Some Hardwoods from 100 to 300K
1971 First place: William F. Lehmann, Colorado State University: Moisture-Stability Relationships in Wood-Base Composition Boards
Second place: James B. Wilson, State University of New York-Syracuse
Mechanics of Slip Planes in Fibrous Materials
1970 First place: J. David Barrett, University of California-Berkeley: Theoretical Shrinkage Model for the Wood Cell Wall
Second place: Clayton T. Keith, State University of New York-Syracuse
The Anatomy of Compression Failure in Wood
1969 First place: W.T. Galdstone, State University of New York-Syracuse: Kraft Pulping of Earlywood and Latewood from Loblolly Pine
Second place: Bruce E. Cutter, Pennsylvania State University
An X-Ray Diffraction Analysis for Residual Cellulose in Decayed Wood
1968 First place: C.E. Dunning, Institute of Paper Chemistry: Cell-Wall Morphology of Longleaf Pine Latewood
Second place: John F. Siau, State University of New York-Syracuse
A Geometrical Model for Wood Polymer-Composites
1967 First place: Robert Megraw, University of Minnesota: A Hydrodynamic Particulate Approach to Pit Membrane Pore Size Distribution
Second place: Robert W. Meyer, State University of New York-Syracuse
Ultrastructural Ontogeny of Tyloses in Quercus Alba L.
1966 First place: Floyd G. Manwiller, Iowa State University: Tension Wood Anatomy of Silver Maple
Second place: Emanual D. Bello, State University of New York-Syracuse
The Effect of Transverse Compressive Stress on the Equilibrium Moisture Content of Wood
1965 First place: W. Wayne Wilcox, University of Wisconsin-Madison: Fundamental Characteristics of Wood Decay Indicated by a Sequential Microscopical Analysis
Second place: Richard T. Lin, State University of New York-Syracuse
A Study on the Electrical Conduction in Wood
1964 First place: Andrew W. Porter, State University of New York-Syracuse: On the Mechanics of Fracture in Wood
Second place: Geza Ifju, University of British Columbia
Tensile Strength Behavior as a Function of Cellulose in Wood
Honorable Mention: Carl A. Jentzen
1963 First place: Eugene L. Bryan, University of Michigan: High Energy Liquid Jets as a New Concept for Wood Machining
Second place: Elvin T. Choong, State University of New York-Syracuse
Movement of Moisture Through a Softwood (Abies sp.) in the Hydroscopic Range
1962 First place: Gilbert L. Comstock, North Carolina State University: Moisture Diffusion Coefficients in Wood as Calculated from Adsorption, Desorption, and Steady State Data
Second place: Irving L. Plough, University of Michigan
The Use of a Vibrational Knife to Machine Superior Wood Surfaces
1961 First place: Robert H. Kunesh, University of Michigan: The Inelastic Behavior of Wood: A New Concept for Improved Panel Forming Processes
Second place: Richard Mark, Yale University
Wood-Aluminum Beams Within and Beyond the Elastic Range, I. Rectangular Sections
1960 First place: William M. McKenzie, University of Michigan: Second place: Robert M. Kellogg, Yale University
1959 First place: Arno Schniewind, University of Michigan: The Transverse Anisotropy of Wood as a Function of Gross Anatomic Structure
Second place: Harlan G. Freeman, Yale University
An Analysis of Some Physical and Chemical Properties of Wood Related to Adhesion
1958 First place: Howard Spalt, Yale University: The Fundamentals of Water Vapor Sorption by Wood
Second place: Robert W. Kennedy, Yale University
Strength Retention in Woods Decayed to Small Weight Losses
1957 First place: Robert L. Youngs, Yale University: Mechanical Properties of Red Oak as Related to Drying
Second place: Charles W. McMillin, University of Michigan
The Relation of Mechanical Properties of Wood and Nosebar Pressure in the Production of Veneer
1956 First place: Selwyn P. Fox, University of Toronto: An Investigation into the Effects of Certain Variables in Scarf-Jointed Timber Laminations
Second place: Norman C. Higgins, Pennsylvania State University
The Effect of Species on the Relative Humidity-Equilibrium Moisture Content Relationship
1955 First place: Benjamin Jayne, Yale University: A Non-Destructive Test of Glue Bond Quality in Laminated Wood
Second place: Wallace Pearson, University of British Columbia
Reduction in Strength of Phenolic Resin Bonds of Douglas-fir Veneers Produced by Accelerated Weathering and Test Fence Exposure
1954 First place: Charles R. Morschauser, University of Michigan: Effects of Rays on Shrinkage of Red Oak
Second place: Robert H. McAlister and Robert L. Myers, University of Idaho
The Accuracy of an Electric Moisture Detector in Determining the Moisture Content of Living Trees
1953 First place: Eric L. Ellwood, Yale University: Effect of Temperatures and Moisture Content Upon Strength and Elastic Properties of Beech in Tension Perpendicular to the Grain
Second place: James T. Rice, Alabama Polytechnic Institute
Effect of Loading on Glue Line Strength
1950 Stephen B. Preston, Yale University: The Effects of Fundamental Glue Line Properties on the Strength of Thin Veneer Laminates
1949 John L. Hill, Yale University: A Simple Method for Selecting Balsa (Ochroma Lagopus Sw.) of High Tensile Strength
1948 Nicholas V. Poletika, Yale University: A New Method for Studying the Elastic Behavior of Wood

Rules for the 2009 Wood Award Competition

Below are the official rules for the 2009 Wood Award Competition.

The Annual Wood Award competition is open to all graduate students who were registered for a full quarter or full semester at any university or college after January 2, 2008.
Cash awards and engraved plaques will be given as follows for reports of studies considered best in the opinion of the judges appointed by the Chair of the Wood Award Committee. Winners will also receive a complimentary conference registration.

First Place Award — $1,000 and engraved plaque
Second Place Award — $500 and engraved plaque

Tentative titles of all entries must be submitted to the Forest Products Society by February 6, 2009. All completed papers must be submitted to the respective advisors, deans, or heads of departments, who in turn will submit the papers and supporting documentation prior to March 1, 2009 to the Forest Products Society. All entries will be promptly transmitted to the judging committee.
The submission packet must include the original paper, a short autobiography, and one photo of the author. Please submit in electronic format.
The subject of the paper should be in the area of wood or wood products. Wood Award papers need not be limited to studies of the fundamental properties of wood. The industry has a wide range of problems that start with harvesting trees, extends through the development and manufacture of products, and ends with distribution and marketing. Papers addressing an interesting subject, as well as one that will be helpful to the forest products industry are encouraged. The paper should be limited in length to 2,000 to 4,000 words. Any reference to the university or institution where research is or was conducted, and any mention of the author’s name must be deleted from the title page and the body of the text. References of this nature may be included under separate acknowledgments. Judges will rate the essays on the basis of subject, skill of treatment, conclusions, applicability, and conformance to competition rules.
The committee of judges reserves the right to cancel the Wood Award in the event that fewer than five entries are submitted by March 1, 2009.
The winners of the Wood Award will receive the Award and will be requested to give a Technical Forum (poster) presentation at the Forest Products Society’s International Convention to be held in Boise, Idaho, June 21–23, 2009.
Review for the Wood Award does not constitute review for publication. Authors who wish to have their award entries reviewed for publication in the Forest Products Journal must make separate submission directly to the Editorial Department in accordance with FPJ publication submission procedures.

If you have additional questions, contact the Society by telephone: (608) 231-1361.

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