Site-based services manager for TRADA Technology

Dr Andy Pitman has joined TRADA Technology as Manager - Site-Based Services, to develop the company's range of consultancy, inspection, condition surveying and training services.

He brings with him particular expertise in timber restoration and preservation.

Formerly a lecturer at Buckinghamshire College, he taught wood science, wood protection and forest products marketing.

He holds degrees in Biology from Portsmouth University and in Forest Industries Technology from Bangor, where he developed a passion for wood science, assessing the performance of new wood preservatives against marine timber pests.

His Doctoral study was concerned with the conservation of archaeological timbers from the Tudor warship Mary Rose.

Andy joined Buckinghamshire College in 1992 as a Post-Doctoral Researcher, investigating the role of micro-organisms in conditioning wood for attack by insects.

He has published some 50 academic papers, chaired sessions at several international conferences and acted as an examiner for the Institute of Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing.

Recent research projects in which he has participated include:.

* PINTO (under EU-MAST), which investigated the impact of wood preservatives on non-target organisms in the marine environment.

* UV Pine (under EU-CRAF) which attempted to enhance the appearance and durability of softwood furniture using UV light.

* WRAP (WOO0049) which assessed the mechanical and physical properties of recycled wood products for use as playground surfaces, bridleways, animal bedding, footpaths and horticultural mulches.

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