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David Nicholls

David Nicholls
Research Forest Products Technologist
Pacific Northwest Research Station
11175 Auke Lake Way
Juneau, AK 99801-8791
United States
Phone
907-747-4312

Current Research

My current research interests include bioenergy applications in Alaska, wood and coal cofiring, international bioenergy policies, life cycle analysis of wood energy systems, community energy management, and forest carbon sequestration.

Past Research

My past research has focused on marketing underutilized hardwoods in Alaska, consumer preferences for secondary wood products, and character-mark evaluations for Alaskan species.

Why This Research Is Important

This research is important because it has broad-ranging implications from community to international scales. Renewable energy issues have become increasingly important in the wake of high energy prices and a desire to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Bioenergy research can play a vital role in finding solutions that enhance both sustainable forest management and community economic development.

Education

  • Penn State University, Ph.D., Wood Science and Technology, 1989
  • University of Minnesota, M.S., Forest Products, 1984
  • Oregon State University, B.S., Forest Management, 1982

Professional Experience

  • Forest Products Technologist,  USDA Forest Service, Pacific NW Research Station, Goods Services and Values Program,  2000 - 2012
    Primary research areas: 1). wood residue and biomass utilization for energy and other products 2). hardwood utilization issues for Alaska’s primary hardwood species 3). wood products marketing and consumer preferences 4). life cycle analysis of bioenergy systems
  • Research Coordinator,  Warnell School of Forest Resources, University of Georgia,  1994 - 2000
    Responsibilities included assisting up to three faculty members conducting wood science research in several areas including computer imaging applications, wood-resin utilization, and wood quality.
  • Project Manager,  Department of Commerce, State of North Carolina,  1993 - 1994
    Responsible for renewable energy management and project development.
  • Project Coordinator- Michigan Wood Energy Demonstration Project,  Department of Forestry, Michigan State University,  1989 - 1992
    Responsible for developing a research program related to wood utilization for energy, and for coordinating wood energy technology transfer activities.

Professional Organizations

  • Member,  Society of American Foresters (SAF),  2005 - Current
    Since 2005 I have attended several conferences in Alaska and nationally, presenting research findings with an emphasis on bioenergy.
  • Member,  Forest Products Society (FPS),  1983 - Current
    Since 2000 I have been involved in several working groups, membership committees, and technical interest groups, with a focus on hardwood utilization and marketing.

Other Publications

Last updated February 28, 2024