Advancing Faculty Skills in Mass Timber Construction

A recent Kent State University study found that only 27% of the 75 American Council for Construction Education (ACCE)-accredited programs include a focus on wood construction of any kind in their curricula, with just six programs making it a required course. By contrast, all programs cover steel and concrete construction. This workshop sought to address that gap by equipping faculty with the necessary tools, knowledge, and confidence to integrate mass timber construction into their teaching.

The three-day event incorporated seminars, group work, and site tours including MSU’s STEM Teaching and Learning Facility—the first large-scale mass timber project completed in Michigan. 

In addition to touring mass timber structures, attendees learned from eight leading professionals from the mass timber industry, who guided them through the latest advancements, real-world applications, and technical considerations of designing/building with mass timber. These expert-led discussions gave participants practical insights into mass timber construction, from supply chain logistics to installation techniques. At this workshop, those industry experts included George Berghorn, Assistant Professor of Construction Management and Research Director of Mass Timber at Michigan State University; William Broderick, Sales Manager at Rotho Blaas USA; Brandon Brooks, Program Manager at WoodWorks; Jerry Carlisle, Training Coordinator at Michigan Statewide Carpenters and Millwrights; Michaela Harms, Senior Director of Mass Timber at Sterling Structural; and Tym, VP of Operations at Kinsol USA. This cross-section of experts allowed faculty members to hear from all links in the chain of construction for a mass timber building, from design to fabrication, engineering to assembly, further enhancing their understanding of the dynamic and rapidly evolving mass timber field.

After learning more about the mass timber design process, the faculty members got to have hands-on experience with the material by assembling five mass timber mock-ups, experiencing firsthand the materials, connection systems, and construction sequences involved in modern mass timber projects. Designed as a kit of parts, these mock-ups provide a tangible learning experience that bridges theory and practice, enhancing faculty members’ ability to teach mass timber with confidence.

To extend the impact beyond the workshop, the mass timber mock-ups were disassembled and shipped to five participating institutions. These resources serve as instructional tools, allowing faculty to bring mass timber concepts into their classrooms and studios, fostering hands-on learning for students.

Made possible through support from the Softwood Lumber Board and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, the workshop is part of a broader effort to expand faculty development opportunities for wood-focused education nationwide. By empowering faculty with industry knowledge and hands-on experience, it helps prepare future construction professionals to meet the growing demand for efficient, innovative, and lower-embodied carbon building solutions.

For more information on upcoming workshops and how to apply to attend, contact education@thinkwood.com.