Rubin Shmulsky, the Warren S. Thompson Professor of Wood Science and Technology at Mississippi State University (MSU), has been honored with the Distinguished Service Award at the 24th International Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium.
The award recognizes Shmulsky’s long-standing contributions to wood science, nondestructive testing and evaluation (NDT/NDE), and engineering research. He received the recognition during the symposium held in Vicksburg, which was cohosted by MSU’s Department of Sustainable Bioproducts and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Products Laboratory.
A faculty member in MSU’s sustainable bioproducts program for more than two decades, Shmulsky has played a significant role in advancing nondestructive evaluation research and education. His work has contributed to the development of inspection methodologies for timber structures and the broader application of NDE technologies within the forest products industry.
Kevin Ragon, associate professor in MSU’s Department of Sustainable Bioproducts and a member of the nominating committee, highlighted Shmulsky’s impact on the field and the next generation of researchers.
“Throughout our time working together, Rubin has consistently demonstrated a profound understanding of wood products research. His extensive knowledge has not only earned him the trust and respect of our entire industry but also has made him a pivotal figure in supporting tomorrow’s leaders,” he said. “Rubin is known for his integrity and commitment to excellence and is someone colleagues and industry partners can always count on, whether for advice, collaboration or leadership.”
An MSU alumnus with a master’s degree in forest products and a Ph.D. in forest resources, Shmulsky has served on the university’s faculty for 22 years. During that time, he spent 18 years as department head and six years as associate director of MSU’s Sustainable Energy Research Center.
His contributions to nondestructive evaluation extend beyond research and teaching. Shmulsky has mentored numerous graduate students, scientists, and faculty members whose work has influenced industry, research institutions, and academia worldwide. He has also secured approximately $15 million in funding from the USDA Forest Products Laboratory to support NDE research initiatives and has led collaborations involving MSU researchers and international experts.
In addition, Shmulsky has overseen condition assessments of timber structures across the United States and authored several widely used industry reference documents related to nondestructive evaluation. Under his leadership, NDE became an integral component of MSU’s teaching and research programs while strengthening connections with industry practitioners and stakeholders.
Reflecting on the recognition, Shmulsky emphasized the importance of nondestructive testing and evaluation in the forest products sector.
“I’m humbled to receive this recognition. Nondestructive testing and evaluation have major implications and opportunities for adding value to Mississippi forestland, timber and lumber and making forest products last longer,” Shmulsky said. “MSU has a strong commitment to this effort, and I’m beyond proud to spend my career working with a great team that continues to move these efforts forward.”
The award highlights the growing role of nondestructive evaluation technologies in assessing the condition, safety, and longevity of wood products and timber infrastructure while recognizing Shmulsky’s contributions to advancing the discipline through research, education, and industry collaboration.
