Extension Specialists

Wood products

Professor Brian Bond, Ph.D.

Professor Brian H. Bond, is the associate dean of Extension, Outreach and Engagement for the College of Natural Resources and Environment. He also serves as a professor and extension specialist in the area of wood products, where his focus is on improving the sustainable use and manufacturing of wood products. He has been working to improve in wood drying, hardwood utilization, and the performance of wood products (flooring, furniture, etc.) since 1998 when he started supporting the industry as an extension specialist at the University of Tennessee. His recent efforts have included the incorporation of hardwoods for use in cross laminated timber structures and increasing the use of thermally modified hardwoods.  He is currently on the board of the Woodwork Career Alliance, Secretary and Treasurer of the Allegheny Kiln Club, a Unit Leader and Executive Committee member of Southern Regional Extension Forestry and  a member of the Virginia Wood Council.
Contact Information: bbond@vt.edu, 540-231-8752.

Manufacturing systems

Professor Urs Buehlmann, Ph.D.

Professor Urs Buehlmann works in the area of manufacturing systems engineering and business competitiveness. His activities also address issues relating to globalization. He teaches secondary wood products manufacturing. He is a member of the Sloan Foundation Forest Industries Center, an Adjunct Professor at Université Laval, a member of the board of WoodLINKS USA, and a member of the education committee of the Association of Woodworking and Furnishing Suppliers (AWFS). Urs moved to Virginia Tech in 2007 from Enkeboll Designs, where he was General Manager.
Contact information: buehlmann@gmail.com, 540-231-9759.