Contact
- scrobins@mtu.edu
- 906-487-2518
- Noblet Building 118
Research Assistant Professor
- PhD, Forest Science, Michigan Technological University
- MS, Forestry, Michigan Technological University
Wood science, wood design, wood working...why the distinction?
My work aims to bridge the gap between artists, scientists, designers, architects, and engineers who utilize wood resources. As consumer preferences shift and the world becomes more focused on green materials, wood is once again becoming the material of choice for building. Unfortunately, the fields that utilize wood have become so fragmented that communication rarely occurs between those in the professional world. My research and teaching focus on reestablishing ties between the disciplines, and teaching students and young researchers how to incorporate multiple wood fields into their work.
My current research interests revolve around utilizing fungi as natural pigments for both functional and artistic woodwork. The use of fungal pigmented wood in art is a centuries old tradition, but science has made it possible to induce the pigmentation outside of the forest.