Gaston, Christopher

My main areas of research are markets and economics, particularly in their application to new product/market development for Canadian wood products, both in North America and internationally.  This includes primary and secondary wood products, and end-uses spanning residential and non residential construction, repair and renovation, and industrial applications.   Product and market focus also includes engagement with Aboriginal communities, small-medium enterprises, emerging engineered wood products / systems, and further value-adding products.

Projects

• Vibrant Forest Landscapes: 2020 – 2023 (SSHRC)
• Exploring the Power of Indigenous Art as a Catalyst for Linking Economic Growth to Sustainable Landscapes (SSHRC New Frontiers)
• Modelling the Economic Impact of Resilient Planting Stocks and Wood Quality (ResFor / Genome Alberta)
• Opening Doors—Indigenous Capacity Building on the BC Coast (FPI, UBC, ECUAD)
• Achieving Aspirations of Canadian Indigenous Communities Through Participatory Cultural Mapping and Dynamic Decision Modelling (MITACS)
• Matching Market Signals to the Canadian Wood Products Value Chain (NSERC-FIBRE)
• Global Hardwood Trends and Impacts: a Focus on India (FII)
• Architectural Element Trends in North American Non-residential Construction (FPI)

News Media

50 BC Innovation to Watch

Aboriginal Artists Carve Out New Market with High-tech Tool

First Nations Artists Use Technology to Carve Out New Business Model

Innovative Program Opens New Doors to B.C.’s Indigenous Artists