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Paul M. Winistorfer

Dean, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Ph.D. (Iowa State University)
Headshot of Paul Winistorfer
College of Natural Resources and Environment
324 Cheatham Hall (0324)
Blacksburg, VA
24061
pwinisto@vt.edu
(540) 231-5481

Dr. Paul Winistorfer is Dean of the College of Natural Resources and Professor of Wood Science and Forest Products with overall responsibilities for the College's programs in learning, discovery and engagement. The College of Natural Resources at Virginia Tech is a national leader in the arena of natural resources and the environment.

Dr. Winistorfer came to Virginia Tech as Department Head in May of 2001 following a 16 year faculty appointment at the University of Tennessee and a Post-doctoral appointment at the University of Georgia. He was appointed the third Dean of the College August 1, 2009.

Dr. Winistorfer, has extensive experience in the field of wood composites, directing a research program at The University of Tennessee that focused on density and densification of these products during manufacture. This work lead to successful national USDA Research Initiative Competitive grants, a stream of important publications and technology that has been commercialized in the private sector and is in place at over 120 manufacturing facilities, R&D labs, Government and university labs worldwide. Winistorfer was the founding Director of the Tennessee Forest Products Center on the UT campus, which included development and building of a new leading laboratory on that campus. He is a U.S. patent holder and twice recipient of the American Museum of Science and Energy Emerging Technology Awards in 1999 and 2000.

Dr. Winistorfer holds the Doctorate in Forestry (Wood Science) from Iowa State University and also participated in the Undergraduate Honors degree program, encompassing studies in forest products, industrial engineering and education. He is an elected Fellow in the International Academy of Wood Science.

In support of his profession, he has served as President of the Forest Products Society, and President of WoodLINKS USA, a grassroots educational platform to bring modern wood manufacturing to high schools, community colleges and universities. WoodLINKS is currently present in 125 schools in 22 states. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Virginia Forestry Association.

Winistorfer's duties currently include leadership of the college's programs in learning, discovery, engagement and development. He serves as the chief academic and fiscal officer of the college.   

Areas of Expertise

  • Densification in Wood Composites
  • Wood Performance in Application
  • Wood Composites Manufacture, Testing and Performance
  • Wood Identification and Use

Education

  • Ph.D. - Iowa State University, 1985
  • B.S. - Iowa State Univeristy, 1978

Gradaute Seminar in Wood Science
WOOD 5004 Spring 2009
Instructor: Winistorfer, Paul M.
Number of Students: 17

Graduate Seminar in Wood Science
WOOD 5004 Fall 2008
Instructor: Winistorfer, Paul M.
Number of Students: 17

Graduate Seminar in Wood Science
WOOD 5004 Spring 2007
Instructor: P. M. Winistorfer
Number of Students: 18

Gradaute Seminar in Wood Science
WOOD 5004 Fall 2006
Instructor: P. M. Winistorfer
Number of Students: 16

Graduate Seminar
WOOD 5004 Spring 2003
Instructor: Winistorfer, P.M
Number of Students: 12

Graduate Seminar
WOOD 5004 Fall 2002
Instructor: Paul Winistorfer
Number of Students: 12

  • Winistorfer, P.M. . 2003. Restricting responsible wood production results in further environmental damage. Guest Editorial. Collegiate Times. Virginia Tech Student Newspaper, Blacksburg, VA.

  • Winistorfer, P.M. 1999. Impact of high humidity on structural performance of OSB. Final report to Structural Board Association Contract No. R112218 23.
  • Winistorfer, P.M., S. Wang, and W. Moschler. 1999. Thickness swell vertical density profile relationships in wood based panels. Final report to USDA NRI Competitive Grants program. Contract No. 95 37103 2104.

  • Fricke, K.E., R.M. Bennett, and P.M. Winistorfer. 1998. Evaluation of the Wooden Roof Trusses of Garage Building 9712 at the Oak Ridge Y 12 Plant. Final report submitted to Lockheed Martin Energy Systems. February 1998. Pp. 28.
  • Idassi, J. and P.M. Winistorfer. 1998. Database of the Tennessee Forestry and Forest Products Industry. Bulletin No. 1 of the Tennessee Forest Products Center.
  • Idassi, J. and P.M. Winistorfer. 1998. The Tennessee Forest Products Industry Relative to Other State Manufacturing industries: 1984 1994. Bulletin No. 2 of the Tennessee Forest Products Center.
  • Idassi, J. and P.M. Winistorfer. 1998. Trends in the Tennessee Lumber Industry: 1984 1994. Bulletin No. 3 of the Tennessee Forest Products Center.
  • Idassi, J. and P.M. Winistorfer. 1998. Value Added Opportunities for the Tennessee Forest Products Industry. Bulletin No. 4 of the Tennessee Forest Products Center.

  • Winistorfer, P.M. and W. Xu. 1996. The influence of the vertical density profile on thickness swell of Southern pine OSB. Final report to the Structural Board Association. Pp. 22.
  • Young, T.M., P.M. Winistorfer, and F.M. Guess. 1996. Continuous Improvement Strategies for Risk Management in the Timber Harvesting Industry. Final Publication of the American Pulpwood Association, Timber Harvesting and Transportation Safety Foundation Contract No. R11 2216 84.

  • Winistorfer, P.M., and D.L. McFarland. 1990. Evaluating the Performance of Ten Wax Formulations and Three Application Rates on Properties of Oriented Strandboard. Final Report of Contract No. R11 2216 49. Industrial Raw Materials Corp. New York, NY. 16pp.

  • Winistorfer, P.M., and W. W. Moschler. 1989. Chain Saw Kickback: Evaluating the Test Method. Tennessee Farm and Home Science Issue 150:27 31.
  • Ostermeier, D. M., W. J. Watson, and P. M. Winistorfer. 1989. An Analysis of the Distribution of and Competition in the Structural Wood Composite Panel Market in Tennessee. Tennessee Farm and Home Science Issue 149:8 11.
  • Winistorfer, P.M. 1989. Forest Industry Opportunities: A Guide to Tennessee's Timber Resource. Final Report of Contract No. R11 2216 12. Tennessee Division of Forestry. Nashville, TN. 21 Pp.

  • Winistorfer, P.M. and W. W. Moschler, Jr. 1987. Comparison of the Physical Properties of Medium Density Fiberboard. Final Report Contract No. CPSC C 85 1186. U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission. Washington, D.C. 67 Pp.

  • Winistorfer, P.M. 1986. Contributions to Timely Tips (Wood Products): Agricultural Extension Newsletter .  Structural wood panel products Vol. 2 No. 2 Manufacture of structural non veneered panels Vol. 2 No. 2 Non veneered structural panels vs. plywood Vol. 2 No. 2 Grading of structural panel products Vol. 2 No. 2 Is it wood? Vol. 2 No. 3 A brush .

Wood Science Summer Camp at Virginia Tech
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M. and Audrey Zink-Sharp
Sponsor: Virginia Forestry Educational Foundation
Amount: $2,500
June 11, 2009 - August 1, 2010

Rapid, Low-termerature Electron, X-ray and Gamma-curable Resins
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M
Sponsor: Department of Energy, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Amount: $10,000
10/03-9/04

Drying Bolivian Hardwood
Investigator(s): Brian H. Bond and Paul Winistorfer
Sponsor: USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station
Amount: $60,800
9/1/02-8/31/04

E-beam curable low-temperature resin systems for manufacture of wood composites
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M
Sponsor: DOE/AF&PA
Amount: $130,000
2002-2020

Rapid, Low-Temperature Electron, X-Ray, and Gamma-Curable Resins
Investigator(s): Paul M. Winistorfer
Sponsor: Department of Energy/Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Amount: $25,000
4/11/02 to 8/30/03

A 19 County Forestry Initiative in East Tennessee. Research and development to design a program to attract wood using industry to Tennessee
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M.
Sponsor: U.S. Forest Service Southern Region Rural Development Initiative
Amount: $20,000
1990/1991

Scholarly Activity/Research Incentive Fund AwardProposal awarded for purchase of lab equipment
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M.
Sponsor: University of Tennessee, Office of Research
Amount: $50,000
2000

Material Use and Product Trends in the U.S. Flooring Industry
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M.
Sponsor: USDA Forest Service
Amount: $30,000
2000

USDA Special Wood Utilization Research Grant
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M.
Sponsor: USDA
Amount: $373,682
9/15/00-9/14/03

Wood Recycling and Final Disposal Modules for CORRIM (Consortium on Research of Renewable Industrial Materials)
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M.
Sponsor: CORRIM
Amount: $22,571
1999

Laboratory chip supply study for product development
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M.
Sponsor: Proprietary industry agreement
Amount: $30,000
1/198-12/1/98

Special Wood Utilization Research Grant
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M.
Sponsor: USDA
Amount: $421,020
1998-2000

Inspection and Evaluation of Wooden Structures at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M.
Sponsor: Lockheed Martin Energy Systems
Amount: $10,000
1998

Statistical Process Control Integration into industry composite mills
Investigator(s): Young, T.M. and P.M. Winistorfer
Sponsor: Proprietary industry agreement
Amount: $47,000
1998-1999

Impact of High Humidity on OSB Structural Performance and Durability
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M.
Sponsor: Structural Board Association
Amount: $11,000
7/1997-7/1998

Wood Recycling and Final Disposal Modules for CORRIM (Consortium on Research of Renewable Industrial Materials)
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M.
Sponsor: CORRIM
Amount: $6,850
1997

High Speed Microwave Pretreatment of Wood for Rapid Drying
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M.
Sponsor: DOE/AF&PA
Amount: $150,000
1997-1998

Vertical Density Profile Thickness Swell Relationship in Wood Based Panels
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M., W. Xu, and W.W. Moschler
Sponsor: USDA National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program. Program Area: Improved Utilization of Wood and Wood Fiber
Amount: $102,000
7/1995-7/1997

Vertical Density Profile Thickness Swell Relationship in Wood Based Panels
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M., W. Xu, and W.W. Moschler
Sponsor: USDA National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program. Program Area: Improved Utilization of Wood and Wood Fiber
Amount: $102,000
7/1995- 7/1997

Development of a Manual for Timber Bridge Inspection
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M. and R.M. Bennett
Sponsor: USDA Timber Bridge Initiative Grants Program
Amount: $58,000
10/1995-7/1997

Evaluating the Performance of Three Wax Formulations and Three Application Rates on Properties of Oriented Strandboard
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M.
Sponsor: Industrial Raw Materials Corporation
Amount: $3,000
12/1994-3/1995

The Influence of the Vertical Density Profile on Thickness Swell of Southern Pine Oriented Strandboard
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M.
Sponsor: Structural Board Association (Canada)
Amount: $20,000
10/1994-10/1995

The Influence of the Vertical Density Profile on Thickness Swell of Southern Pine Oriented Strandboard
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M
Sponsor: Structural Board Association (Canada)
Amount: $20,000
10/1994 -10/1995

Evaluating the Performance of Three Wax Formulations and Three Application Rates on Properties of Oriented Strandboard
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M
Sponsor: Industrial Raw Materials Corporation
Amount: $3,000
12/1994 - 3/1995

Scanning Densitometry of Particleboard
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M.
Sponsor: Masco Corporation
Amount: $1,300
1993

Scanning Densitometry of Hardboard Siding
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M
Sponsor: Composite Products Inc
Amount: $4,950
8/1993 -11/1993

Scanning Densitometry of Hardboard Siding
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M.
Sponsor: Composite Products Inc
Amount: $4,950
8/1993-11/1993

Scanning Densitometry of Gypsum Board
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M.
Sponsor: U.S. Gypsum Corporation
Amount: $2,100
9/1993-10/1993

200 Year Old Tree Cross Section to Celebrate the Bicentennial Anniversary of the University of Tennessee
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M.
Sponsor: UTK Bicentennial Committee
Amount: $1,050
1993

Scanning Densitometry of Gypsum Board
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M
Sponsor: U.S. Gypsum Corporation
Amount: $2,100
9/1993- 10/1993

Scanning Densitometry of Particleboard
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M
Sponsor: Masco Corporation
Amount: $1,300
1993

Enhancing Instruction of Forestry 331 and 332: A Request for a 1992 UTK Professional Development Award: Career Enhancement
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M.
Sponsor: Graduate College, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Amount: $4,000
1992/1993

The Application of Statistical Process Control to the Logging Industry
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M.
Sponsor: American Pulpwood Association Timber Harvesting and Transportation Safety Foundation
Amount: $2,500
6/1992-6/1993

Monitoring Changes in Density of a Wood Particle Mat During Pressing
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M., and W.W. Moschler, Jr.
Sponsor: USDA National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program. Program Area: Improved Utilization of Wood and Fiber
Amount: $77,000
7/1992-7/1994

Scanning Densitometry of Particleboard
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M.
Sponsor: Merrilat Industries
Amount: $1,000
1992-1993

Evaluating the Performance of Ten Wax Formulations and Three Application Rates on Properties of Oriented Strandboard
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M.
Sponsor: Industrial Raw Materials Corporation
Amount: $6,500
1990

Scanning Densitometry Service for Industrial WoodComposite Manufacturers
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M
Sponsor: Multiple Industry Sponsored
Amount: $7,500
1990

Multiple Industry Sponsored Scanning Densitometry Service for Industrial WoodComposite Manufacturers (similar to a water or soil testing service)
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M.
Sponsor:
Amount: $7,500
1990

Contractual Research Service for Borden Chemical Adhesives Division
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M.
Sponsor: Borden Chemical Adhesives Division
Amount: $5,000
1990-present

Forest Industry Opportunities: A Guide to Tennessee's Timber Resource. Used to develop an international recruiting brochure for use by the Tennessee Division of Forestry and the Department of Economic and Community Development to recruit industry to Tenne
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M.
Sponsor: Tennessee Division of Forestry
Amount: $6,500
1998

Process Variable Effects on Spray Characteristics of Phenolic Resins. Used to construct a laboratory blender for research on resin spray characteristics and manufacture of laboratory composite panels
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M.
Sponsor: Idea Grant. Institute of Agriculture, Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
Amount: $1,200
1987

Comparison of the Properties of Medium Density Fiberboard. Research on the relationship between fiberboard properties and chain saw kickback energy
Investigator(s): Winistorfer, P.M. and W. W. Moschler, Jr.
Sponsor: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Amount: $23,000
1986

 

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  • Winistorfer, P.M. 2005. Competitiveness, Manufacturing, and the Role of Education in the Supply Chain for the Forest Industry. Forest Products Journal 55(6):6-16.

 

  • P.M. Winistorfer, A. Chen, B. Lippke and N. Stevens. 2005. Energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions related to the use, maintenance, and disposal of a residential structure. Wood and Fiber Science 37(Special Issue):128-139.

 

  • D. Yelle, B. Goodall, D.J. Gardner, A. Amirbahman, P. M. Winistorfer and S. Shaler. 2004. Bonding of wood fiber composites using a synthetic chelator-lignin activation system. Forest Products Journal 54(4):73-78.

 

  • Winistorfer, P.M., I. de la Roche, W. R. Smith, N. Kutscha and A.B. Brauner. 2004. Visioning for the future of the Forest Products Society. Forest Products Journal 54(7/8):8-17.

 

  • Wang, S., P.M. Winistorfer, T.M. Young. 2004. Fundamentals of vertical density profile formation in wood composites: Part III. MDF density formation during hot-pressing. Wood and Fiber Science 36(1):17-25.

 

  • J.H. van Houts, P.M. Winistorfer, S. Wang. 2003. Improving dimensional stability by acetylation of discrete layers within flakeboard. Forest Products Journal 53(1):82-88.

 

  • Winistorfer, P.M.. 2003. The future of wood science and forest products - in our hands or theirs?. Wood and Fiber Science 35(4):481.

 

  • J.H. van Houts, J., P.M. Winistorfer, and S. Wang. 2003. Analysis of OSB mat structure made from industrially manufactured strands using simulation modeling. Wood and Fiber Science 35(3):351-362.

 

  • Wang, S. and P.M. Winistorfer. 2003. Monitoring resin cure during particlebord manufacture using a dielectric system. Wood and Fiber Science 35(4):532-539.

 

  • Wang, S. and Paul M. Winistorfer. 2003. An optical technique for determination of layer thickness swell of MDF and OSB. Forest Products Journal 53(9):64-71.

 

  • Winistorfer, P.M. 2003. Associations and organizations in the forest products arena: Understanding the landscape. Forest Products Journal 53(6):2-11.

 

  • Steidl, C.M., S. Wang, R.M. Bennett and P.M. Winistorfer. 2003. Tensile and compression properties through the thickness of oriented strandboard. Forest Products Journal 53(6):72-80.

 

  • Xu, W. and P.M. Winistorfer. 2002. A procedure to determine water absorption in wood composites. Wood and Fiber Science 27(2):119 125.

 

  • Wang, S., P.M. Winistorfer, T.M. Young, and C. Helton. 2001. Step-closing pressing of medium density fiberboard: Part 1. Influences on the vertical density profile. Holz als Roh-und Werkstoff 59(1/2):19-26.

 

  • T.M. Young and P.M. Winistorfer. 2001. The effects of autocorrelation on real-time statistical process control with solutions for forest products manufacturers. Forest Products Journal 1(11/12):70-77.

 

  • J. Bowyer, D. Briggs, L. Johnson, B. Kasal, B. Lipppke, J. Meil, M. Milote, W. Trusty, C. West, J. Wilson, and P. Winistorfer. 2001. CORRIM - A report of progress and a glimpse of the future. Forest Products Journal 51(10):10-22.

 

  • Andrews, C. K., P.M. Winistorfer, and R.M. Bennett. 2001. The influence of furnish moisture content and press closure rate on the formation of the vertical density profile in oriented strandboard. Forest Product Journal 51(5):32-39.

 

  • Wang, S. and P.M. Winistorfer. 2000. Consolidation of flakeboard mats under theoretical laboratory pressing and simulated industrial pressing. Wood and Fiber Science 32(4):527-538.

 

  • Wang, S. and P.M. Winistorfer. 2000. Fundamentals of vertical density profile formation in wood composites: Part II. Methodology of vertical density formation under dynamic conditions. Wood and Fiber Science 32(2):220 238.

 

  • Bennett, R.M., K.E. Fricke, and P.M. Winistorfer. 2000. Splice failures in split-ring connected wood roof trusses: case study. Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities Aug. 2000 (14) 3:97-103.

 

  • Wang, S., P.M. Winistorfer, W. Moschler and C. Helton. 2000. Hot pressing of oriented strandboard by step closure. Forest Products Journal 50(3):28 34.

 

  • Wang, S., and P.M. Winistorfer. 2000. The effect of species and species distribution on the layer characteristics of OSB. Forest Products Journal 50(4):37 44.

 

  • Winistorfer, P.M., W. Moschler, S. Wang, E. DePaula, and B.Bledsoe. 2000. Fundamentals of vertical density profile formation in wood composites: Part I: In-situ density measurement of the consolidation process. Wood and Fiber Science 32(2):209 219.

 

  • Young, T.M., P.M. Winistorfer, and S. Wang.. 1999. Multivariate control charts of vertical density profile attributes. Forest Products Journal 49(5):79 86.

 

  • Young, T.M. and P.M. Winistorfer. 1999. Statistical Process Control in the Wood Industry. Theme article for March issue of Forest Products Journal 49(3): 10 17.

 

  • Winistorfer, P.M., W. Xu and C. Helton. 1996. Influence of three wax formulations and three application rates on thickness swell performance of southern pine flakeboard. Forest Products Journal 46(3):63 67.

 

  • Winistorfer, P.M., W. Xu and C. Helton. 1996. Influence of three wax formulations and three application rates on thickness swell performance of southern pine flakeboard. Forest Products Journal 46(3):63 67.

 

  • Xu, W. and P.M. Winistorfer. 1996. A procedure to determine water absorption in wood composites. Wood and Fiber Science 27(2):119 125.

 

  • Xu, W. and P.M. Winistorfer. 1996. Fitting an equation to vertical density profile data using Fourier analysis. Holz als Roh und Werkstoff 54(1996):57 59.

 

  • Winistorfer, P.M. and W. Xu. 1996. Layer water absorption of medium density fiberboard and oriented strandboard. Forest Products Journal 46(6):69 72.

 

  • Winistorfer, P.M., T.M. Young, and E. Walker. 1996. Predicting and comparing density profiles using nonparametric regression. Wood and Fiber Science 28(1):133-141.

 

  • Xu, W. and P.M. Winistorfer. 1995. A procedure to determine thickness swell distribution in wood composite panels. Wood and Fiber Science 27(2): 119 125.

 

  • Xu, W. and P.M. Winistorfer. 1995. Layer thickness swell and layer internal bond of medium density fiberboard and oriented strandboard. Forest Products Journal 45(10):67 71.

 

  • Winistorfer, P.M., W. Xu, and R. Wimmer. 1995. Application of a drill resistance technique for density profile measurement in wood composite panels. Forest Products Journal 45(6):90 93.

 

  • Idassi, J.O., T.M. Young, P.M. Winistorfer, D.O. Ostermeier, and R.B. Woodruff. 1994. A customer oriented marketing method for hardwood lumber companies. Forest Products Journal 44(7/8):67 73.

 

  • Chen, C.M. and P.M. Winistorfer. 1993. Effects of molar ratio of formaldehyde to phenol on bonding flakeboards with copolymer resins of peanut hull extracts, phenol, and formaldehyde. Holzforchung 7:507 512.

 

  • Moschler, W.W., and P.M. Winistorfer. 1990. Direct scanning gamma densitometry: An effect of sample heterogeneity and aperture area. Wood and Fiber Science 22(1):31 38.

 

  • Winistorfer, P.M., and W.W. Moschler, Jr. 1989. Variation of physical properties of medium density fiberboard. Forest Products Journal 39(5):39 42.

 

  • Winistorfer, P.M., and D. DiCarlo. 1988. The effect of moisture content, resin non volatile content, and assembly time on properties of mixed hardwood strandboard. Forest Products Journal 38(11/12):57 62.

 

  • Winistorfer P.M., W.C. Davis, and W.W. Moschler. 1986. A direct scanning densitometer to measure density profiles in wood composite panel products. Forest Products Journal 36(11/12):82 86.

 

  • Winistorfer, P.M. 1985. A concentric rotary laboratory screen for wood particle classification. Forest Products Journal 35(3):3941.

 

  • Mize, C.W., and P.M. Winistorfer. 1982. Application of subsampling to improve precision. Wood Science 15(1):14 18.

 

  • Mize, C.W., and P.M. Winistorfer. 1982. Woodkey: An interactive program for the identification of common U.S. woods. Journal of Forestry 80(11):721.