Ph.D. Wood Science Technology and Forestry Expert: Forensics, Product Performance & Educator

Technical Consultant #2553

Specific Focus

Surface properties of pine scrimber panels, (varying densities).
Agricultural and forest residues towards renewable chemicals and materials using, (microwave liquefaction).
High performance densified materials in laminating wood fiber mats.
Immunolocalization of endogenous indole-3-acetic acid and abscisic acid in the shoot internodes of bamboo during development.
Extraction and characterization of holocellulose fibers by microwave-assisted selective liquefaction of bamboo.
Characterization, isolation of cellulose nanofibers from bamboo using microwave liquefaction combined with chemical treatment and ultrasonication.
Performance evaluation of composites, (bamboo, epoxy laminated material) for wind turbine blades technology
Biobased materials: Physicochemical characterization of lignin recovered from microwave-assisted delignified lignocellulosic biomass.
Regenerated nanocellulosic fibers characteristics from cellulose dissolution in aqueous solutions for wood fiber and polypropylene composites.
Steam treatment effects in bending properties and chemical composition of moso bamboo.

Expert Witness

Cases

Improper oversight by Timber Products Inspection, PFS-TECO, and International Code Council (ICC-ERS) regarding southern pine plywood manufactured in Brazil and sold into the U.S. market.
Decayed utility pole that fell and caused property damage.
Improper wood platform construction and maintenance.
Decayed utility pole that fell and caused property damage, U.S. District Court, Eastern District
Identify the wood species of a tree involved in a car accident, (Civil Suit).

WSCL, President, 2017 - President

Provide technical assistance to companies looking to bring new construction products to market (engineered wood, preservatives, fasteners, insulation, etc.).
In house training on Wood Science, Lean manufacturing, OSHA compliance, EHS, ISO 9001, 17025, and 14001, and expert witness legal assistance.

Eco Environmental, Quality Assurance Manager, Louisville, KY, 2016

Led a team of 4 QC technicians, supervised all QC lab activities, and initiated Lean events.
Managed capital projects and interacted with plant manager to define resource and personnel needs of the plant.
Major accomplishments include reduction of scrap by 27%, ISO 9001 compliance, and improved worker engagement.

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, Professor, ISO 17025 Lab Director,2016

Primary area of original research: A value-added closed-loop recycling system for spent preservative-treated wood was developed.
The system does not allow for any discharge of preservatives into the waste stream.
Planned this research with three guidelines: Developed a high value-added composite pole from spent solid wood poles, achieve zero discharge of toxic waste into the waste stream, and minimize process cost.
Developed two novel approaches: The development of a recycling system with wood liquefaction technology and the application of microwave in acid extraction of CCA-treated wood.
These form the cornerstone of the research plan. Three key technological features of the system are the technology of recycling out-of-service poles to composite poles, the technology of wood liquefaction, and the technology of microwave extraction with a binary acid solution.
Primary area of ISO 17025 testing: Led the process to earn and maintain ISO 17025 accreditation.
Trained and lead the small, focused team that was responsible for client satisfaction, work flow, EHS, internal audits, document control, traceability, proficiency testing, machine calibration, corrective and preventative action, and client reports.
Field testing included all AWPA standards with the exception of marine borers. Lab testing focused on bending, mold, decay, leaching, termites, and fastener and coupon corrosion.

Louisiana Forest Products Laboratory, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA , 1998 - 2006

Associate Professor

Research focused on dual acid methods to extract metals from CCA-treated wood, super critical water as a means of recovery of CCA, creosote, and penta-treated wood.
Additional research used near infrared spectroscopy to rapidly predict wood properties.
Research focused on (1) development of bio-based composites from low value sources, (2) utilization of waste CCA-treated wood for structural panels, and (3) utilization and preservative recovery of spent creosote-treated wood.

Louisiana Cooperative Extension Serv., Baton Rouge, LA, Forest Products Specialist, 1996 - 1998

Programming focused on increasing value-added production in Louisiana. Specific areas of focus included lumber drying, minimizing degrade during air drying, and wood species identification.

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, Ph.D. Graduate Student – Instructor, 1994 - 1996

Credentials

LEED - Green Associate
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Vanderbilt University. Nashville, TN
Certified Pesticide Applicator. Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry
University of Illinois. Urbana-Champaign, IL, Thesis: An Assessment of Some of the Chemical Properties of Ten-Year Old Short Rotation Hardwood Biomass Grown in Illinois.
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA Dissertation: The Effects of Silvicultural Treatments on Certain Mechanical and Physical Properties of Loblolly Pine Wood

Languages

Academic and Professional Affiliations

Awards

Bronze Award for Excellence-Exceptional Programming in the Area of: Journal Publication. Hydrothermal Treatment of Mixed Preservative-Treated Wood Waste. Southern Regional Extension Forestry.
Bronze Award for Excellence-Exceptional Programming in the Area of: Journal Publication. Hydrothermal Treatment of Mixed Preservative-Treated Wood Waste. Southern Regional Extension Forestry.
Fellow, International Academy of Wood Science

Publications

Author-Co-Author of numerous peered review journals, magazines, letters, subject matters in:

Color retention, mold resistance, and surface physicochemical characterization bamboo
Properties of pine surface panels and destinies
Composite bamboo/epoxy laminated material for wind turbine blades technology
Microwave-assisted direct liquefaction of bamboo residue in glycerol/methanol mixtures
Polyurethane foams using fractionated products in liquefied wood

Patents