Edwin J. Burke received his Ph.D. in Wood Science
and Technology from Colorado State University in 1978. Teaching
and researching at UM since 1979, he has worked with many aspects
of fundamental and applied wood research including ultrastructural
anatomy and physiology of wood, small-diameter stem utilization,
log and heavy timber engineering, design and structural grading
and mechanical and physical properties of under-utilized species.
He currently serves as Director of the University of Montana Wood
Science Laboratory, an International Accreditation Service-accredited
facility for testing and evaluation of wood, wood composite, steel
and structural timber members and structures.
Professor Burke’s teaching responsibilities include FOR
200, Natural Resources Measurements Camp, serving as instructor
and Co-Director; FOR 241,Dendrology; FOR 340 Forest Products Manufacturing
and Timber Harvesting: FOR 342 Wood Anatomy, Properties and Identification;
FOR 440, Technical Processing of Forest Products. He has also
taught classes in Careers in Natural Resources, Tree Biology,
Wood Microbiology, Tree Growth and Wood Properties, Wood-fueled
Energy Systems, and Wood Seasoning and Preservation.
His graduated students have studied fundamental wood properties,
wood-disease interactions, DNA analysis of decay organisms, optical
methods for lumber grade determination and wood joint strength
and durability.
