Franklin Quin Jr.
At the heart of Franklin Quin Jr.鈥檚 career is a deep belief in people. A researcher, mentor and assistant professor in Mississippi State鈥檚 Department of Sustainable Bioproducts, Quin鈥檚 path has been shaped as much by community as by coursework.
That foundation began at home with his parents. His mother was a schoolteacher, and Quin learned early that education was both a responsibility and tool for impact.
鈥淪he really emphasized education,鈥 Quin said. 鈥淥ne of my greatest achievements was earning my three degrees, and now I get to use my education and position to influence and inspire future professionals in the field.鈥
While Quin鈥檚 academic path may look different than most, his pursuit of the applied scientific nature of the sustainable bioproducts field has allowed him to contribute in distinctive and meaningful ways. He earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree in industrial technology with an emphasis in electronics and computer technology from Alcorn State University. A friend told him about opportunities offered through Mississippi State鈥檚 then-Department of Forest Products and Quin jumped at the opportunity to pursue a master鈥檚 degree in wood science in 1994.
He then became a line supervisor trainee and lumber grader trainee at a sawmill near his hometown of Tylertown, gaining valuable industry experience.
鈥淚t was a fast-paced environment that required a lot of manual labor,鈥 he said. 鈥淚t did, however, give me an experience that many academics don鈥檛 have. I was working side-by-side with the people my work now supports. I learned what matters to the industry鈥攖heir priorities, perspectives and hopes for the profession.鈥
After working for about a year at the sawmill, a phone call from an 青青草视频 forest products faculty member opened the door for Quin to return to the university as a staff research assistant. After dedicating several years of service, he eventually decided to pursue a faculty position, a journey which also included obtaining a doctoral degree in 2023.
Amicable relationships with faculty have shaped Quin鈥檚 approach to mentorship and education. He is intentional about preparing students not just for exams, but for life beyond the classroom.
鈥淭here is more to teach young professionals than what they can find in a textbook,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 hope students leave my classroom or lab with an understanding of community. I hope they have the skills to network and make connections, because from my own experience, this is what sets you apart.鈥
In addition to teaching and advising, Quin conducts research that supports the timber design, furniture/staircase and construction industries. His work focuses on non-destructive testing technology, using acoustic emissions to detect internal defects in wood caused by material stress. This research helps optimize production processes and improve the efficiency and reliability of wood products. In 2025, a peer-reviewed publication on research conducted during a class project earned Quin and fellow authors the George Marra Award from the national Society of Wood Science and Technology.
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