Wood Science 101

Description

Fundamentals of Wood Structure, Properties, and Protection

This introductory course provides a comprehensive overview of wood as a material, from its cellular structure to its mechanical performance and vulnerabilities. Students will explore wood anatomy, including planes of wood and cell structures, and examine key physical and mechanical properties. The course covers the relationship between wood and water, addressing moisture content, shrinkage, swelling, and modern wood modification techniques such as thermal, dual, and acetylation treatments. Emphasis is placed on identifying and mitigating wood deterioration caused by weathering, insects, fungi, and other wood-destroying organisms, with practical strategies for protection and treatment.

Instructor: Micah joined Nova in December 2023 as Wood Technology Expert, providing technical support to the sales team and customers, developing product documentation, and overseeing product testing and development. He brings over a decade of diverse experience, beginning with eight years of service in the U.S. Air Force. Following his military career, he entered the wood products industry as a fine woodworker specializing in the reproduction of architectural moulding and millwork. Micah earned both a B.S. in Renewable Materials and an M.S. in Wood Science from Oregon State University’s Department of Wood Science and Engineering. He later served as an applications engineer for Arclin, a chemical company specializing in adhesive technologies for wooden substrates, where he led experimental design, product development, and standards compliance as a member of the ASTM Wood Adhesives Committee.