CORVALLIS - An Oregon State University senior from Salem found out that his work in forest products and industrial engineering has paid off with a Robert E. Dougherty Educational Foundation Scholarship.

Tyler Kuenzi, a 1997 graduate of North Salem High School, is a dual major in forest products and industrial engineering.

"I'm interested in larger-scale production of composite products," Kuenzi said. His studies are particularly focused on product flow and materials handling, as well as production of new composite products, which include fiberboard and particleboard.

"I started out here at Oregon State University as a mechanical engineering major," he said. "But then I received some information about forest products and I looked into it and liked what I saw.

Eventually, I decided to switch from mechanical engineering to forest products and industrial engineering." The more he learned about composites, the more focused his studies became, Kuenzi said.

The Maryland-based Dougherty foundation was formed in 1986 by the Composite Panel Association in memory of Dougherty, who led the association for 20 years. The foundation provides scholarships and other help to students in wood technology and forest products.

"The selection committee was impressed with the quality and number of applicants this year," said Wade Gregory, foundation chairman. "We believe this award is important to the industry as well as the university community and appreciate the Composite Panel Association's support."

Source: 

Tyler Kuenzi, 541-758-6532

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