CWC Celebrates Student Innovation with 2024 Catherine Lalonde Memorial Scholarships
The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) has awarded the 2024 Catherine Lalonde Memorial Scholarships to Laura Walters of McMaster University and Jiawen Shen of the University of British Columbia. The scholarships, established 19 years ago to honor the legacy of Catherine Lalonde, recognize graduate students conducting groundbreaking research in the structural wood products industry.
This year marks a historic milestone for the program as it honors two recipients, both of whom are women, for their academic excellence and innovative contributions to advancing wood-based solutions.
Laura Walters: Pioneering Mass Timber Design
Laura Walters, a third-year Master of Applied Science student in Civil Engineering, is working under a joint collaboration between McMaster University and the University of Northern British Columbia. Her research focuses on pre-engineered beam hangers used in mass timber post-and-beam systems. By analyzing the impact of design and modeling assumptions on structural load paths, Walters’ work offers valuable guidance for improving the accuracy and reliability of mass timber column designs. Her research addresses key challenges in optimizing the structural performance of mass timber systems.
Jiawen Shen: Sustainable Bark-Board Cladding Solutions
Jiawen Shen is a first-year Master’s student in Wood Science at the University of British Columbia. Her research explores the development of binderless composite bark-board cladding and insulation panels. These panels are designed to be durable, ignition-resistant, and carbon-neutral, utilizing an underutilized byproduct that is often burned, landfilled, or used for low-value purposes. Collaborating with a Vancouver-based architecture firm, Shen aims to accelerate the commercial viability of these sustainable and innovative wood-based products.
Recognizing Excellence in Wood Research
“This year marks a historic milestone for the Catherine Lalonde Memorial Scholarship program as, for the first time, it is awarded to two exceptional women,” said Martin Richard, Vice President of Market Development and Communications at the CWC. “Their achievements highlight the outstanding talent driving innovation in wood research and construction. We are inspired by their contributions and the growing diversity shaping the future of wood-based solutions.”
Honoring a Legacy of Leadership in Wood Science
The Catherine Lalonde Memorial Scholarships were established to honor Catherine Lalonde, a professional engineer and former president of the CWC. Known for her passion and leadership in the wood industry, Lalonde’s legacy continues to inspire emerging talent.
By awarding these scholarships, the CWC underscores its commitment to supporting research and fostering innovation in wood science. As the organization celebrates its 65th anniversary, it remains dedicated to advancing sustainable, high-performance wood products and solutions.