Contact: Erin Buckley

STARKVILLE, Miss.—A prestigious international organization is honoring a Mississippi State faculty member and two students for their achievements in forest products.

Assistant Professor Mostafa Mohammadabadi of MSU’s Department of Sustainable Bioproducts is the recipient of the Wood Engineering Achievement Award from the Forest Products Society, an organization representing all segments of the worldwide forest products industry. The scientist in the Forest and Wildlife Research Center was recognized at the 2024 International Conference Annual Excellence Awards for research in promoting sustainability and growing the market for small-diameter trees.

Additionally, Suman Pradhan, a doctoral student from Patan, Nepal, placed second for the Wood Award and received the Student Scholarship Award, an honor that spotlights student research. Ethan Turo, a master’s student from Biloxi, placed third in the poster presentation competition. Both students are in the sustainable bioproducts department in MSU’s College of Forest Resources.

Mohammadabadi, whose research focuses on natural fiber composites and engineered wood products, said it is an honor to be recognized for his achievements.

“This recognition inspires me to continue working hard and to expand my research further,” he said.

Rubin Shmulsky, MSU Department of Sustainable Bioproducts head, applauded the trio for their recognitions.

“As the Forest Product Society’s International Conference draws scholars and professionals from around the world, it’s humbling to know that our faculty and students compete so well at this global level,” he said.

For more on the Department of Sustainable Bioproducts, visit www.bioproducts.msstate.edu. For more on the Forest and Wildlife Research Center, visit www.fwrc.msstate.edu.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.