Prince George, B.C.- As timber engineering continues to evolve, research that strengthens sustainable construction practices is gaining recognition. Laura Walters’ work in this field has earned her the 2024 Catherine Lalonde Memorial Scholarship from the Canadian Wood Council (CWC), making her the first UNBC-trained graduate student to receive the award. 

Walters carried out the majority of her graduate research at UNBC from 2023 to 2024, working under the guidance of UNBC Wood Engineering Assistant Professor Dr. Fei Tong and Professor Dr. Thomas Tannert. This collaboration, part of a partnership between UNBC and McMaster University, where she is completing her Master of Applied Science degree, allowed her to make full use of UNBC’s specialized facilities while drawing on mentorship from faculty at both institutions.  

The award-winning researcher's work focuses on addressing critical gaps in mass timber post-and-beam design guidelines, particularly how the use of pre-engineered beam hanger connections contributes to “bending moments” in columns during seismic events. The advanced resources at the Wood Innovation and Research Laboratory played a pivotal role in shaping her approach, providing the necessary infrastructure and support for her experimental work.  

When an explosion next to the facility severely damaged the lab and disrupted her testing plans, Walters adapted by pivoting to numerical analysis, demonstrating her capacity to innovate in response to unexpected challenges. This shift allowed her research to progress despite the setback, using advanced modelling and validation techniques to enhance the development of timber design guidelines.  

“My time at UNBC was both challenging and rewarding – it really pushed me to adapt and think outside the box,” Walters said. “The support of my mentors and the incredible resources at the Wood Innovation and Research Laboratory made a huge difference in shaping my research.”  

Walters recently defended her thesis, and her findings will be presented at the 2025 World Conference on Timber Engineering and the 2025 CSCE Annual Conference. Her work lays a key foundation for ongoing experimental studies, contributing to the advancement of sustainable construction and promoting innovative wood design on both local and global scales. 

“Spending time in northern B.C. gave me a deeper appreciation for the region’s commitment to sustainable forestry and timber innovation. The experience further reinforced my passion for wood construction and its role in creating a more sustainable future.”