Careers in Applied Science and Engineering
Women Ambassadors| Job Postings | Resumes | Thesis Titles | Directory of Schools | Wood Science Programs around the World |
The Society of Wood Science and Technology (SWST) is committed to the field of wood science for the future. We are pleased to acknowledge “Women Ambassadors Creating the Future of Wood Science”. This will be a traveling SWST-sponsored exhibition designed to celebrate women ambassadors over time.
Ambassadors will be announced in a news release on February 11, 2022 (International Day of Women and Girls in Science) and the first exhibition will take place during the 2022 SWST International Convention in Kingscliff, Australia, July 10-16.
The display will be unveiled at our opening ceremony and reception and continue to be highlighted during the week. The exhibition will then be traveling around the world and join us at the 2023 SWST International Convention in Asheville, North Carolina USA, as well as be available for downloading and printing at individual institutions.
To find out about the 2022 Women Ambassadors in detail, go to the link above.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
The worldwide demand for wood scientists and technologists far exceeds the present supply. In the United States, average starting salaries are on par with those of similar technical professions, beginning at $32,000 to $42,000 or more per year. Salaries increase rapidly with experience and additional training. Some graduates have doubled their salaries in five years. Depending on personal interests, graduates find a wide array of positions ranging from basic research, to applied research in wood products, to managerial positions in manufacturing and process control, to marketing and sales, to international business and management.
If you are interested in more information about academic opportunities and career options, please contact:
Society of Wood Science and Technology
P.O. Box 6155
Monona, WI 53716
SCHOLARSHIPS AND INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE
Because of the high demand for graduates with wood science and technology training, numerous scholarships and internships are available. See “Job Postings” above for more information.
THE FIELD OF WOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Wood science is the study of the anatomical, physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of wood. Wood technology is the application of these scientific principles to the manufacture, use and in-service performance of wood products. Wood Science and Technology is an interdisciplinary field offering career opportunities for students interested in a variety of science fields — materials science, engineering, chemistry, biology, economics, management science, and marketing. Applications include manufacturing, research and development, engineering, new product development, environmental science and engineering, sales and marketing. Bachelors, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs in wood science and technology are offered at numerous universities throughout North America. See our Directory of Schools with pertinent information at
Directory of Schools
Directory of North American Schools
APPLYING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TO MEET OUR NEEDS
Wood scientists convert trees to useful wood products and recycle wood products to extend the use of this valued resource. New technologies producing engineered wood products allow us to utilize virtually all the tree and to use trees that formerly had no commercial value. Combinations of wood and plastic allow us to recycle wood products into wood and plastic composites used for decks and fences. New technologies also allow us to recycle mixed paper waste into new paper products providing more that 40% of our pulp needs. All of these innovations are the creations of wood scientists and technologists applying science and engineering to extend our natural resources.
CONSERVING FORESTS AND PROVIDING ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PRODUCTS
Wood is an important renewable natural resource that every person in the United States uses every day, in many ways that go unnoticed. Each year our nation’s 280 million citizens uses the equivalent of a 100-foot tall tree with an 18-inch trunk. The trees that supply our need for wood come from America’s forests, as well as from overseas. Meeting the demand for wood and maintaining healthy viable forests for recreation, wildlife habitat, and clean air and water is the greatest challenge facing professionals in the field of wood science and technology.
WOOD IN OUR EVERYDAY LIVES
Wood is our most important industrial raw material. In fact, more American companies produce more wood products by weight each year than the tonnage of all plastics, metals, and cement combined. More than 5,000 different products are made from wood including: framing, sheathing, siding, windows, doors, flooring, wall paneling and trim for houses; furniture and cabinets; molded door panels and roof liners for automobiles; fuel for heating; paper and packaging; chemicals used in photographic film, rayon, turpentine, and plastics; and as additives in food, cosmetics, paints, and adhesive. Wood in all forms is indispensable in our everyday lives.