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Solving Local and Global Challenges, Together

Our faculty work with community and industry partners to deliver impactful, innovative research solutions for complex environmental challenges.

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Our own Dr. Nathalie Lavoine has been awarded the CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation (@nsfgov) to honor her early career work with cellulose nanocrystals. 

Lavoine has written and contributed to over 50 peer reviewed publications and has made large strides in the field of sustainable nanomaterials. 

“This award not only provides crucial resources to pursue innovative research but also empowers me to mentor the next generation of scientists and scholars."

To learn more about Dr. Lavoine, check out the link in our bio.
Meet Emily Prickett, a recent graduate of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (@ncstateprtm). 📚🎓 🥾 

Emily is passionate about making a positive impact and sees the potential tourism has to improve the lives of people in different communities. 

Before graduation, she worked as a research assistant with NC State Tourism Extension and interned with two different destination marketing organizations. Emily is excited to further her career in tourism marketing, hoping to promote the positive changes she wants to see in the world. 

To learn more about Emily, check out the link in our bio.

 📸: @em_prickett24
Congratulations to our own Dr. Zakiya Leggett, who was recently named to the governing board of the @ecologicalsociety. 🙌

With 30 years of experience in ecological research, mentorship and career development, she continues to make a lasting impact. 🍃🌎

Dr. Leggett has been a driving force in expanding access to ecology and conservation for emerging scholars. Her work with Citizen Science Campus and leadership programs like the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program has helped shape the next generation of environmental scientists and advocates. 

Click the link in the bio to learn more about Dr. Leggett.
On this #HeatActionDay, we want to share some helpful tips to staying cool outdoors during extreme heat. ☀️🌲

No. 1: Plan activities for the early morning.

No. 2: Drink plenty of water. 

No. 3: Consider water sports.

No. 4: Seek shade.

No. 5: Avoid strenuous activities.

📸: Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area in Hillsborough, NC

🔗 To learn more, check out the link in our bio.
Meet JT Chappell, an NC State alum ‘24 who now serves as the business manager for NC State’s Hodges Wood Products Lab.

With a passion for sustainability and innovation, JT bridges academia and industry to advance sustainable solutions and support student growth. 🌲🌎

“The College of Natural Resources provided me with an interdisciplinary learning environment, which enabled me to develop a diverse range of skills and insights. As a result, I now feel confident in my ability to approach problems from multiple angles and contribute to a more sustainable future.”

Click the link in the bio to learn more about JT Chappell’s journey.
Meet Banks Cathey '24, an NC State alum who turned his passion for sports into a career with the @wolfpackclub. 🐺 🏀

From James Buzzard Leadership Fellow to Wolfpack Club development assistant, Banks shares the importance of networking, integrity, and embracing opportunities. 

“Our organization is really unique because we have the opportunity to impact current student-athletes and donors and alumni. We directly impact student athletes by supporting athletic scholarships and facility upgrades.”

Click the link in the bio to read Banks' story.
Meet Dr. Kathryn Stevenson, an associate professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (@ncstateprtm). She is teaming up with educators to create the Ready, Set, Resilience curriculum, using nature-inspired fables to teach kids how to overcome adversity. 🌎 📚

Through story-telling and trauma-informed activities, students learn to cope, build optimism and support one another after natural disasters. 

“What we’ve found is that these fables allow students to explore really heavy topics at a psychologically-safe distance by showing them how nature has adapted to withstand some of the issues they’re dealing with.”

🔗 Click the link in our bio to learn more.
Congratulations to Dr. Lucian Lucia for recently receiving the prestigious TAPPI 2025 Research & Development Division Award and the William H. Aiken Prize. 🎉

His groundbreaking research continues the legacy of innovation in our Department of Forest Biomaterials (@ncstatefb). These awards celebrate innovation and excellence, inspiring researchers to keep pushing boundaries and chasing new discoveries. 

Click the link in the bio to learn more about Dr. Lucian Lucia’s awards.
Meet Dominic Zecca, an #NCState25 graduate who found his passion for conservation and urban water management at NC State. From community college to hands-on research and leadership programs, Dominic is dedicated to protecting our waterways through sustainable solutions. 🌱💧

“Through my time at the College of Natural Resources, I’ve gained both practical skills and theoretical knowledge that directly apply to my career goals in stormwater management and urban water conservation.”

Click the link in the bio to learn more about Dominic Zecca’s passion for conservation at NC State.