Paul M. Winistorfer

Paul M. Winistorfer serves as Dean of the College of Natural Resources and Environment and Professor of Wood Science and Forest Products at Virginia Tech. With a career spanning academic leadership, research innovation, and industry collaboration, he shapes learning, discovery, and engagement programs for one of the nation's leading natural resources colleges.

• Education: Ph.D. in Forestry (Wood Science) from Iowa State University (1985), B.S. in Forest Products (1978)
• Leadership: Third Dean of the College since 2009, previously Department Head at Virginia Tech (2001-2009)
• Expertise: Wood composites densification, performance analysis, manufacturing processes, and sustainable materials development

Dr. Winistorfer's research focuses on wood composites, including vertical density profiling, resin curing dynamics, and moisture resistance. His work has led to commercialized technologies used in 120+ global facilities and earned him recognition in the International Academy of Wood Science.

Scientific Leadership:

• Developed Tennessee Forest Products Center (1990s)
• Pioneered scanning densitometry techniques
• Holds U.S. patents for composite manufacturing
• Founded WoodLINKS USA educational initiative

Funded Research: Secured $1.3M+ in grants from USDA, DOE, and industry partners over two decades, including awards for:

• Wood recycling systems
• E-beam resin curing
• Timber bridge inspection
• Composite density optimization