Students learn about the properties of wood as a raw material, including its anatomical, physical, chemical and mechanical properties which might determine how a particular species might best be used or processed. Additionally, students learn how to treat wood with preservatives to prolong its service life, and they receive instruction in dealing with environmental concerns and problems relevant to the wood-using industries. Projects range in duration from less than one year to more than 10 years, depending on the focus area. A significant part of the total research program is conducted in cooperation with public and private organizations. Many projects are regional or national in scope and involve research activities in other states.
Some projects are international.
The FPL's research program is structured into six broad subject areas. The faculty at the Forest Products Laboratory serve in several capacities, as teachers, researchers, and service providers. Faculty service the forest products industry through phone calls, letters, and industrial site visits. Visits to industry sites serve many purposes, but the primary goal is to promote and provide technical service to the Mississippi forest products industry.