In a First 2 Women Awarded 2024 Catherine Lalonde Memorial Scholarship

In the nineteen-year history for the first time, two women have been awarded the Catherine Lalonde Memorial Scholarship.

The annual scholarships recognized outstanding academic achievement and research in the wood products industry. Laura Walters, a graduate student at McMaster University, and Jiawen Shen, a University of British Columbia graduate student, are the 2024 recipients named by The Canadian Wood Council (CWC).

By studying the structural load paths of pre-engineered beam hangers, Walters’ research focuses on improving the design of mass timber post-and-beam systems. Her work aims to enhance the accuracy and reliability of timber column designs

Sustainability, developing binderless bark-board panels for cladding and insulation addressed by Shen’s project. Using an underutilized by-product, her work emphasizes carbon neutrality and fire resistance while exploring commercial applications in collaboration with a Vancouver architecture firm.

“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.”

The scholarships honor Lalonde, a professional engineer and former CWC president, who was a tireless advocate for the wood products industry.