Bonnie Johnson
July 02, 2025
Media ArticleSandra Lupien, Director of MassTimber@MSU at Michigan State University (MSU), has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award for the 2025–26 academic year. She will conduct professional research on mass timber policy in Finland, supported by the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.
Through the Fulbright Finland Foundation’s “Seeking Solutions for Global Challenges” program, Lupien will work with Dr. Nataša Lovri? from the University of Eastern Finland. Together, they will compare mass timber policies in Michigan, the United States, Finland, and the European Union.
The project builds on Lupien’s leadership in mass timber development and will offer global guidance for policymakers and advocates aiming to promote sustainable timber use.
“The Fulbright Award is a clear testament to Sandra’s outstanding work and leadership in the realm of mass timber,” said Dr. Richard Kobe, Chair of MSU’s Department of Forestry. “This work should both enhance international collaboration and bring knowledge and benefits back to the developing mass timber industry in Michigan and the U.S.”
Lupien also holds appointments in MSU’s School of Planning, Design, and Construction, and MSU Extension, all within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR).
She is one of 11 MSU faculty members awarded a Fulbright this cycle, with two based in CANR.
“MSU’s leadership in mass timber research, outreach and education is built on collaboration,” said Matt Daum, Dean of CANR. “Sandra’s well-deserved Fulbright award and her experiences in Europe next year will advance MSU’s mass timber work and benefit our stakeholders.”
The Fulbright Program connects scholars globally and supports research, teaching, and international exchange in over 160 countries. Lupien’s work will help build partnerships and bring valuable knowledge back to support sustainable forestry in the U.S.
Photo by: canr.msu.edu
