From pesky little Emerald Ash Borers to the tall masts of the historic U.S. Brig Niagara… Xiping Wang’s wood research is constantly evolving. And he likes it that way.
“The research in nondestructive testing and evaluation of wood materials has a significant impact on how we use wood and conserve our forest resources,” said Wang.
As a research engineer for NRRI’s Wood Engineering Research Program, Wang conducts basic and applied research for efficient use of wood materials and forest resources. His current focus is using new technologies to assess wood quality (as in the masts of historic ships) and heat sterilization of wood to eradicate invasive species (like the ash borer). To accomplish this, Wang coordinates partnerships at the federal, state and local levels, with other research institutions, and with private industry.
“Someday I’d like to figure out if, or how, some of the cutting-edge technologies developed for inspecting aerospace composite repairs and aircraft structures could be used in forest operations,” said Wang. “Or even if we could use those technologies to advance our knowledge of historic wood structures.”
Wang is grateful for the work environment and research support at NRRI, especially the people who make work more efficient and enjoyable.
Ping pong and sport shooting are two of Wang’s hobbies. His wife, Ruijuan, is an accountant and their daughter, Katie, will be a senior in high school this fall.
Xiping’s favorites: