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Wood Products Manufacturing Technology A Unique Curriculum |
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Wood Research Laboratory Homepage |
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A NEW APPROACH TO THE CURRICULUM Graduates in wood products manufacturing technology offer employers in the wood products industries an understanding of wood structure and properties combined with technical expertise in product development, production, and quality control. This combination of knowledge and skills places graduates favorably in the job market. The curriculum in wood products manufacturing technology is a joint effort of the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources and the School of Technology. The curriculum is industry oriented, with emphasis on eastern hardwood tree species and application to the lumber and veneer industries in the Central Hardwood Region and the secondary wood products industries manufacturing wood furniture, cabinets, and architectural millwork. Engage in the challenge of a unique curriculum combining an understanding of wood structure properties and technical expertise in wood product development and processing. |
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IF YOU . . . · like applied engineering · enjoy working with people · have initiative and organizational ability · desire to manufacture and market a product · want variety and challenge in an expanding · career area |
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...THEN WOOD PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING |
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JOIN THE FOREST PRODUCTS SOCIETY The student chapter of the Forest Products Society offers students the opportunity to belong to a professional organization. Benefits include professional experience and exposure, networking opportunities, access to job postings, and receipt of the trade publication Forest Products Journal.
COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM
Students in the Cooperative Education Program spend four semesters working with a government agency or a private business, building their work experience (and resume) while earning a salary. Several opportunities of this kind are available each year, often leading to job offers upon graduation.
EMPLOYMENT OPPPORTUNITIES
Graduates find careers in industries that manufacture hardwood lumber and veneer, wood furniture, and cabinets, and other wood products in challenging and rewarding roles such as: · Production management · Product design and development · Industrial engineering technology · Marketing
There are several ways in which students prepare for their first job after graduation. They acquire industry experience during the summer and in course related laboratories. Seasonal work in their disciplines helps develop relevant skills and contacts. Study abroad programs provide learning experiences that are valued by potential employers. A Cooperative Education position is another excellent way to gain work experience and entry to a later, permanent job.
WELCOME TO THE WOOD RESEARCH LABORATORY The purposes of the Wood Research Laboratory are: to develop new knowledge about wood and wood-based materials, with emphasis on eastern hardwood tree species and application to the lumber and veneer industries in Indiana and the secondary wood products industries manufacturing wood furniture, cabinets, and architectural millwork, and to disseminate knowledge in wood science to undergraduate and graduate students through conventional academic programs and to manufacturers and users of wood products in the state and region through outreach programs and activities.
Activities: · study product and process engineering of wood furniture and cabinets · research wood coatings applications · develop novel, cost-effective test methods for structural wood composites · analyze time-dependent performance of timber under load · research the use, reuse and care of wood in historic preservation and restoration · improve hardwood veneer quality by controlling checking and other defects · utilize small diameter logs for hardwood dimension |
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