At the heart of Franklin Quin Jr.’s career is a deep belief in people. A researcher, mentor and assistant professor in Mississippi State’s Department of Sustainable Bioproducts, Quin’s 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.

“She really emphasized education,” Quin said. “One 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.”

While Quin’s 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’s 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’s then-Department of Forest Products and Quin jumped at the opportunity to pursue a master’s 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.

“It was a fast-paced environment that required a lot of manual labor,” he said. “It did, however, give me an experience that many academics don’t have. I was working side-by-side with the people my work now supports. I learned what matters to the industry—their priorities, perspectives and hopes for the profession.”

After working for about a year at the sawmill, a phone call from an MSU 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’s approach to mentorship and education. He is intentional about preparing students not just for exams, but for life beyond the classroom.

“There is more to teach young professionals than what they can find in a textbook,” he said. “I 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.”

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.