Jim Armstrong, associate professor of wood science and technology at West Virginia University, will serve as president of the Society of Wood Science and Technology (SWST) for the coming year. He took over the top spot during the organization’s annual meeting in June after serving terms as president-elect and vice president.

SWST is the leading professional organization in the wood science and technology discipline. It defines its mission as”to develop, maintain, and promulgate the educational, scientific, and ethical standards that define the profession; and to advocate the socially responsible production use of wood and lignocellulosic products.”

SWST sponsors scholarly exchange, publishes the Journal of Wood and Fiber Science, mediates educational and industrial domains, sets program accreditation standards, and maintains a jobs database. It is dedicated to growing the wood science professions and keeping them vigorous in a changing economy.

It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by my peers with a leadership role in the Society of Wood Science and Technology,said Armstrong.It will also be a great opportunity to represent WVU and our wood science and technology program in an international forum and promote the excellence of our programs in teaching, research, and service.

WVU s program in wood science and technology, housed in the Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, already enjoys a substantial reputation in the industry. Graduates often find themselves fielding multiple job offers with high starting salaries. It is one of many programs that house a Center for Wood Utilization Research, funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. It is also one of only 10 programs accredited by the SWST .

Armstrong assumes the SWST presidency during a period of ongoing refinement in the organization’s offerings. For example, Wood and Fiber Science, already a rigorous quarterly, has adopted a double-blind review system and SWST is considering moving to a more specialized model of associate editorships.

Armstrong has also served on the SWST Accreditation and Education Committees, positions he will retain as president. Since 2005, SWST accreditation standards have shifted from a prescriptive, hours-based measure to a competency-based model. During the same time, the industry and profession have seen emergent interests in new technologies, especially non-wood lignocellulosic materials and biofuels technologies that will shape the future of wood science.

Next year, Dr. Armstrong will preside over the first SWST convention outside North America when the organization will convene in Concepcion, Chile.