Brunela Pollastrelli Rodrigues

Assistant Professor - Wood Utilization and Biomaterials
Forestry and Environmental Conservation Department

Office: 126 Lehotsky Hall
Phone: 864-656-3551
Email: brunelr@clemson.edu

 Educational Background

Ph.D Forest Sciences
Federal University of Espirito Santo

M.S. Forest Sciences
Federal University of Espirito Santo

B.S. Forest Engineering
Federal University of Espirito Santo

 Courses Taught

FOR 4080/6080 - Wood and Paper Products
FOR 2540 - Forest Products

 Profile

Dr. Brunela Pollastrelli Rodrigues joined the faculty as Assistant Professor in the Forestry and Environmental Conservation Department in 2023. She is originally from Brazil and holds three degrees from the Federal University of Espirito Santo where she worked since her first semester in the Wood Science Lab. Her passion for studying wood began when she looked at a wood specimen slide under the microscope for the first time. Dr. Rodrigues first came to the USA as a visiting student and worked closely with recognized USDA Forest Products Laboratory research engineers. Before accepting her position at Clemson University, she worked as a Postdoctoral Associate at the Department of Sustainable Bioproducts at Mississippi State University.
She has developed research in wood quality from forest plantations in Brazil and has conducted research projects related to computer vision wood identification and nondestructive evaluation of wood in the USA. She also taught courses in forestry and wood science subjects and mentored/advised undergrad and graduate students.
Dr. Rodrigues has been a very active member of the Forest Products Society, organizing sessions and chairing the Technical Interest Group (TIGs) in Processing and Wood Quality.
As a junior faculty with teaching and research appointments, Dr. Rodrigues is committed to providing high-quality instruction/ training in wood science and wood products to her students and stakeholders and developing a recognized research program in wood utilization and biomaterials.

- Professional Organizations:
Forest Products Society
Society of Wood Science and Technology
International Association of Wood Anatomists