Laya Khademibami

STARKVILLE, Miss.—A Mississippi State assistant research professor is receiving international recognition for early career achievements in wood engineering, success that’s enhancing efficient, sustainable wood construction. MSU Forest and Wildlife Research Center’s Laya Khademibami has earned the Wood Engineering Achievement Award for Young Engineers from the Forest Products Society. The FPS, a global organization promoting advancements in forest products research, education and industry, recognized Khademibami during its international conference held this month in Eugene, Oregon. …Khademibami’s research focuses on improving long-term performance of structural insulated panels. Working with collaborators at MSU, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Products Laboratory and the Structural Insulated Panel Association, Khademibami cultivated a series of full-scale studies designed to answer questions about building code development. …“This award reinforces the importance of conducting research that not only advances scientific knowledge but also creates meaningful benefits for industry and society,” she said.