Case study – Scottish Networks International (SNI) placement
for Armand Tene
As part of his Edinburgh University MSc,
Armand Tene undertook an eight week attachment with Forest Research
in Roslin. The staff were so impressed by his research work that
they approached SNI to facilitate a 10-month placement for
him.
Armand, from Cameroon, divided his time with
Forest Research between the Forest Management and Ecology science
divisions. After completing his MSc analysis, he initially worked
with scientists seeking to improve the quality of timber and
maximise the economic value of forest estates.
Armand had to take in a range of factors that
affect the quality of timber; slope, wind, genetics and other
environmental factors, along with the way in which the forest is
managed. All are important in determining whether or not timber
will be suitable for ‘construction grade’ use.
Armand’s review of the different technologies
available informed Forest Research’s purchase of a specialist
acoustic hammer that can be calibrated to help determine the
quality of wood and hence the value of a forest.
In the future, this technology could prove to
be invaluable for those involved in purchasing and processing
timber.
Armand has also been working with conservation
scientists to investigate why an important population of juniper
bushes are dying and has been charged with the task of determining
whether or not there is an age limit for this protected species or
whether other factors are responsible for the observed decline.
Drawing on experience and expertise gained in
other fields, Armand has established a range of tests to analyse
the growth patterns during the last 15 years. He is now writing up
his findings.
For Armand, the placement has been an
opportunity to learn new skills and new techniques – skills he
believes will be useful when he returns to Cameroon. He said;
‘From a social perspective, being an SNI
Associate enabled me to meet with a wide range of people and
exchange ideas – to see how people think depending on their
background.
‘From a purely professional perspective, it
has given me the confidence to work internationally. I would now
have no shame or fear in sharing my ideas and I believe I now have
the skills to make a successful career in science.’
Dr Mike Perks at Forest Research found the
experience just as productive and said;
‘Armand completed some very high quality
work for Forest Research on forest productivity and timber
quality, which will be vitally important to the future prosperity
and competitiveness of the British forestry industry, and on
juniper conservation, which will be invaluable to our efforts to
conserve this declining native tree species.
‘His placement was therefore a great success
for us and, we believe, for him, and we wish him all the best in
his future career.’
