Academic Programs

The CMEC is an interdisciplinary research facility administered through the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture and the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences at Washington State University. The Center focuses on engineering is applied to such critical issues as the marriage of wood with synthetic materials, the use of recycled materials, and the effective use of materials in structural systems. All faculty are affiliated with academic programs and conduct research through the Center.

Graduate students are generally admitted through their faculty’s academic program and must apply directly to the office administering the program:

Plans of study are developed in conjunction with the student’s graduate committee. Courses are selected based upon the needs of the student.

Build Connections at the Simpson Strong-Tie Student Symposium

Undergraduate students at the SST Symposium
Simpson Strong-Tie Symposium at the Paccar building on the Washington State University Pullman campus, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021.

Join Simpson Strong-Tie engineers and field specialists for a day of Building Connections where you will learn how structural connectors and pre-engineered building components help structures perform safely to resist natural hazards such as high winds and earthquakes. 

Areas of Study

All students are required to manage a research or design project and communicate the results in the form of a thesis or final report. In addition, students are strongly encouraged to participate in the many research projects that are conducted at the Composite Materials and Engineering Center. These practical training opportunities are essential to translating a breadth of information on materials, equipment, and industrial problem-solving.

More than 150 advanced degrees have been earned by students who worked under the guidance of the CMEC. Four of these students have received the International Wood Award for Best Graduate Research. For a list of those who have finished their degrees and their theses and dissertation titles, visit the Graduate Students Theses page.