Welcoming Rhianna Robinson – FTMA’s New Research Associate

FTMA is thrilled to welcome Rhianna Robinson to our team as our newest Research Associate, joining us part-time (10 hours per week) for the next year. Based in Queensland, Rhianna brings a wealth of experience, a contagious enthusiasm for all things timber, and a deep commitment to helping the industry thrive through practical, high-value research and innovation.

Rhianna is currently a Research Scientist within the Forest Products Innovation team at the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in Queensland, working out of the renowned Salisbury Research Facility. With more than a decade of experience in forestry and timber research, she has contributed to major projects that support Australia’s growing forest products sector, from developing novel treatment methods to advancing timber’s role in decarbonising the built environment.

Her technical expertise spans a broad range of topics — including timber preservative treatments, fire retardant applications, wood adhesion, durability, product development, waste utilisation, traceability and decarbonisation. But it’s Rhianna’s ability to connect research with real-world outcomes that makes her a perfect fit for FTMA. She has built strong relationships across industry, government, and academia, translating complex science into meaningful, actionable knowledge for the timber industry.

“I’ve always been passionate about seeing science make a difference on the ground,” says Rhianna. “The timber industry is filled with opportunity, and it’s an exciting time to advocate and further position timber to be the optimal material choice in ESG conscious markets. Being part of FTMA means being close to the people who bring that science to life through innovation and collaboration.”

Rhianna’s passion for timber goes beyond her day job. She’s a self-described ‘carbon warrior’, proudly advocating for the role of timber in Australia’s decarbonisation journey. She currently plays a lead role for the timber sector in the Decarbonising the Building Industry initiative and is leading the proposed “Advancing Timber Solutions for Strategic Decarbonisation in the Residential Sector” under the Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) program — a collaboration that also involves FTMA. Her involvement in these national initiatives will provide valuable synergies and insights for FTMA’s research direction and industry advocacy.

With a Bachelor of Environmental Science and a pending PhD candidacy through the University of the Sunshine Coast, Rhianna combines academic depth with hands-on experience — having started her career as a Timber Technician with boots on the ground. Over the years, she’s gained a reputation for her energy, creativity, and practicality, as well as her ability to manage complex projects and communicate science in engaging, accessible ways.

Those who’ve worked with Rhianna describe her as curious, approachable, and endlessly enthusiastic, with a rare talent for connecting people and ideas. Whether it’s delivering technical reports, presenting at international conferences, or crafting extension materials like case studies, videos, and fact sheets, Rhianna’s commitment to sharing knowledge shines through.

In her new role with FTMA, Rhianna will focus on strengthening our research partnerships and technical projects, ensuring our members have access to the latest insights that drive innovation and competitiveness across the timber manufacturing sector. Her collaborative spirit and scientific expertise make her an invaluable addition to the FTMA family.

Please join us in welcoming Rhianna Robinson — a passionate advocate for timber, a skilled scientist, and a proud champion of the industry’s sustainable future. We’re delighted to have her on board and look forward to the positive impact she will make over the next year and beyond.