Professor Kang Jin-ha (Department of Wood Science and Technology) received the '2012 Korea Forest Environment Award' presented by the Korea Forest Environment Protection Association.

The award has been presented since 2005 to recognize contributors who have enhanced the environmental functions of forests, selecting honorees across six categories, including legislation and autonomy, research, education, policy, and administration.

Recognized in the education category, Professor Kang was acknowledged for his contributions to cultivating talent to lead advances in the wood sector while serving as president of the Korean Wood Science and Technology Society.

In particular, he received praise for his research and development of high value‑added products, including eco‑friendly wood processing and resource‑saving, recyclable wood utilization technologies. He has been lauded for contributing to the training of creative professionals who will pioneer a new era in wood culture and for promoting related academic research and industrial development.

He has also served as president of the Millennial Jeonju Hanji Cultural Forum, contributing to the promotion and development of Jeonju hanji.

Professor Kang graduated from the Department of Forestry at our university and earned M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Korea University Graduate School. He served as Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and has served as president of the Korean Wood Science and Technology Society, and as a director of the Korean Pulp and Paper Society and the Korean Forest and Energy Society. Through active external activities, Professor Kang has received the main award of the Korean Wood Science and Technology Society and the academic award of the Korean Pulp and Paper Society.