Our students are from the Department of Wood Science & Forest Products at Virginia Tech, and come from a variety of study-option backgrounds, as well as coming from all over the globe! Here are our members and support staff, with of their words about the WEI:
Students:
Andrew Bernard, Richmond, VA. Marketing & Management option, Class of 2012.
“You work with a diverse group of students on a daily basis. I have also learned how to use woodworking machinery such as planers and jointers in order to produce our coasters.”
Conan Cook, Giles Co., VA. Wood Structures & Materials option, Class of 2011.
“I enjoy the hands on experince instead of sitting at a desk reading out of a book.”
Shawn Crawford, Salem, VA. Forest Products Marketing & Management, Class of 2011.
“I love the real world experience WEI provides to every student.”
Jon Diamond, Clarksville, Va. Marketing & Management option, Class of 2012.
“I really enjoy the fact that we are managing and running our own business and all of the challenges that come with the business!”
Scott McDonald, Beaverton, OR. Manufacturing Systems option, Class of 2011.
“I really enjoy the whole process. Being able to design a product, do market research, and then produce and sell it is nothing like any college course I’ve heard of.”
Matt Mohr, Virginia Beach, VA. Residential Structures option, Class of 2011.
“The WEI has given me an opportunity to see inside what a company deals with on a day to day basis.”
Will Rand, Hampstead, NC. Forest Products Business option, Class of 2011.
“I like the hands on learning, and ability to contribute in all aspects of the business process.”
Jandir Santin, Jr., Campo Grande, MS, Brazil. Forest Products Business option, Class of 2012.
“[The WEI] is a real life business situation where I can understand every single process of ‘the company’ and have a better concept of what being an entrepreneur is like.”
Support Staff:
Dr. Earl Kline, WEI Faculty Advisor, Department of Wood Science & Forest Products.
“I believe that our human capacity is a business’ greatest asset and, therefore, we strive to achieve our maximum potential through a profound respect for people.”
David Jones, Wood Shop Manager, Department of Wood Science & Forest Products.
“I love working with the students, and helping them accomplish what needs to be done.”
