Exciting Wood Processing Education Development in New Zealand

There is still so much to learn in the field of wood science. Obviously, the forestry sector needs talented people who are really dedicated in this field to answer the questions.

The WIDE Trust is proud to have supported Thomas Lim’s appointment for an initial 3-year term as the WIDE Trust Senior Lecturer in Wood Processing at the University of Canterbury. Thomas has a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Engineering from the University of Toronto.

Thomas has already made a massive impact in his new role. He has developed the new Advanced Wood Products Processing course at the University of Canterbury which he began teaching this semester. The course covers a wide range of essential concepts, including production yield, product evaluation, quality control management, manufacturing technology, and environmental impacts.

He also identified the need for an upgrade to the wood processing laboratory at University of Canterbury and approached the WIDE Trust with his ideas, having already identified the machinery needed. The Trust agreed to contribute to the upgrade, which, alongside the new course Thomas is delivering, provides students with practical skills in the processing of solid wood, wood-based composite, and modified wood products. 

Thomas is keen to conduct comprehensive research on the performance evaluation of timber products, structures, building technology, and the development of engineered wood products, which would expand and strengthen the markets for NZ timber products.