b'Dr. Mukhopadhyaya feels that the building science focus enjoyed support immediately because of its practical applications. We are quite lucky because we are well supported by local industry for various research projects, and we have also had a lot of support from BC Housing, he says. We did a couple of projects with them, and we are planning to do many more; theyve both been quite helpful. There is more and more interest in working with us by industrymore than we can handle.Industry is also snapping up program graduates as quickly as they become available. Local industry is constantly asking if we have any good students who are interested in building science, continues Dr. Mukhopadhyaya. Some of the students also go into government policy and into the energy sector, some doing energy simulations and other things that the govern- THE WOOD INNOVATION RESEARCH LABORATORY AT UNBC.ment needs them to work on, like energy optimization. All are getting jobs, however,not only understand societal needs but whoColumbia nearly boasted the first integrated either out of the BSc level, the masters or thealso have strong engineering backgrounds. Wewoods design program in the province as a PhD levels. are trying to strike the correct balance, and Iresult, but the program fell apart due to staffing In its relatively short history, Dr. Mukhopad- think that is where we differ from many otherissues. In 2012, UNBC decided it would make hyaya is confident that the UVic Buildingbuilding science programs. sense to create a program in Prince George Science research program has become oneThe B.C. Government identified advanced as the geographic centre of the forestry of the leading national labs. Were focusingwoods education as one of its key educationindustryand Dr. Guido Wimmers came on on trying to produce graduate students whogoals a decade ago. The University of Britishboard in 2014 to get the program on its feet.Azon Saves EnergyDaylighting systems produced with Azon structural thermal barrier technologiesthe MLPPROUDLY CELEBRATING OURor Dual Cavityfor aluminum windows and40 THANNIVERSARYcurtain wall, along with high performance glazingToro Aluminum is a leading window, wall and components fordoor supplier for high-rise condominiums, insulating glass, will yieldoffice buildings and hotels across Canada, a fenestration systemthe United States and Mexico.capable of upholding the highest efficiency andUNITIZED CURTAIN WALLsustainability standards. UNITIZED WINDOW WALLContact us to learn about theRAILINGSrole of Azon thermal barriers in energy conservation.1-800-788-5942 | www.azonintl.com (866) 320-7307 | www.toroaluminum.comSPRING/SUMMER 2020 19'