As Project Leader from 2001 to 2008, the Engineered Composites Science Research Work Unit (RWU4706) at FPL, Jerry had primary responsibility for the processing and serviceability of wood-based and wood-plastic composite products. He retired from Federal service in August 2008.

At very early stages of biological decay changes in the chemical composition of the wood cause significant reductions in wood strength before measurable weight loss occurs. From an engineering perspective, estimating strength loss and residual strength is the critical element in assessing wood serviceability/durability for structures in-service as affected by wood decay. Cooperative studies (Winandy and Morrell 1993, Curling et al 2000, Curling et al 2002a, 2002b) have shown close a relationship between the degradation of hemicellulose and wood strength losses. Residual strength of degraded wood can be predicted using recently developed models (Winandy and Lebow 2001). The changes in chemical composition appear to be similar in both the biological and chemical systems (Green et al, 1991, Larsen et al 1995). Understanding the relationship between chemical composition and strength loss is critical in developing models to estimate strength loss caused by biological, chemical or thermal agents.