Qualifications 

BSc (Forest Science) Melbourne University

Background

Semi has held the positions of Timber Research Officer and then Senior Timber Research Officer in the Department of Forests in Fiji. Since 2004 he has been the Principal Forestry Training Officer in the department. He is currently based in Brisbane (DPI&F) and Lismore (Southern Cross University) conducting cocowood research for his Master's degree.

Role in the Cocowood Improvement project

Semi is looking at the pre-harvest characterisation of cocowood. He will use this to develop criteria for selecting coconut stems for processing high-value flooring products. Semi's work will identify appropriate sawing technologies and equipment for cocowood products. He will be developing advanced specifications for grading cocowood for high value timber.

 Interests

Semi has a keen interest in furthering processing systems for Pacific cocowood to meet the Australian flooring market. Semi enjoys rugby, volleyball and travelling