UBC Reports | Vol. 46 | No. 15 | October 05, 2000

Professor named dean of Forestry

Former head of Wood Science Dept. plans to build community links

Prof. Jack Saddler, head of the Dept. of Wood Science, has been appointed dean of the Faculty of Forestry effective Dec. 1. "I think UBC's Faculty of Forestry is one of the strongest in the world," says Saddler. "We have to build on the university's commitment to enriching the already high quality of our research and scholarly activity.

"The faculty will continue to build on both disciplinary and interdisciplinary activity within the university while forging new relationships with industry and the community," he says.

"Jack will provide outstanding leadership to a faculty that must continue to play a critical role in the evolution of forest practices and in increasing society's appreciation for the multiple uses and demands on our forests," says Barry McBride, UBC vice-president, Academic. "He brings an international research reputation and excellent administrative skills."

Saddler has served as head of Wood Science since 1998. He also holds the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)-Industry Chair of Forest Products Biotechnology.

He has held positions in the public sector, academia and private industry where he has been involved in science, natural resources, industry and trade, policy and foreign affairs, developing major strategic initiatives at the regional, national and international levels. He joined UBC as a professor of Forestry in 1990.

As a researcher, Saddler has gained recognition for his work in the application of micro-organisms and enzymes in the forest products sector. His main interest is the conversion of wood and forestry residues into ethanol to serve as an alternative fuel source to gasoline. He has conducted extensive research on alternative methods of bleaching pulp, modifying and enhancing paper and fibre products and treatment of wastewater streams and holds a number of patents in these areas.

Saddler has garnered numerous awards, among them the International Union of Forestry Research Organizations' Scientific Achievement Award in 1996 and the Charles D. Scott Award for Scientific-Technical Contributions to Biotechnology in 1998.

He will take over from acting dean John McLean.