Environmental Technology
FER Home : Environmental Technology
As environmental regulations expand in complexity, the demand for skilled environmental technology professionals is rapidly increasing. The Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources (FER) is helping meet this need by producing dedicated, well-trained industry professionals in this field and by conducting original technological research.
FER’s environmental technology program was first developed in 2001 with input from industry, students and academic focus groups. It remains one of the few such programs in the country. Our environmental technology faculty teaches the sciences affecting the biological and chemical mechanisms of environmental processes plus the principles behind monitoring, assessment, management and communications. Teaching activities are supported by cutting-edge laboratory facilities and the interdisciplinary expertise of faculty in related fields at NC State.
By integrating the study of environmental technology topics with a grounding in such issues as strategic environmental planning and management, health and corporate risk assessment, crisis response and more, our program's graduates are prepared to deal with everything from everyday environmental management activities to regulatory compliance to natural and manmade disasters such as chemical spills and fires, hurricane clean-up and oil spills. These skills qualify them for work within the arenas of environmental regulation and the health and safety occupations, particularly hazardous waste control, solid waste recycling, nonpoint source pollution, environmental health and regulatory reform.
By producing professionals who are both dedicated to and skilled in applying the environmental sciences to the protection and conservation of natural resources, our environmental technology program is also producing professionals who are devoted to promoting sound sustainable practices in recycling, water purification and management, sewage treatment, remediation, treatment, solid waste management and alternative energies such as solar power or renewable energy extracted from waste materials.
A Hands-On Approach
Environmental technology is a very hands-on academic area: numerous field opportunities, faculty-sponsored research projects and extension activities all provide students with practical experience to augment classroom and laboratory instruction. Some of our current initiatives include the following:
- Monitoring water quality in nearby Rocky Branch Creek and Walnut Creek.
- Several faculty members are involved in the EnvironMentors Program.
- Environmental technology faculty members also contribute to the FER
Summer Exploration Camp for high school students.
In implementing our environmental technology activities, FER works frequently with the Environmental Protection Agency, the North Carolina Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, the NC Division of Water Quality, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and several other government agencies. Students typically participate in joint industry and government research partnerships with these organizations as part of their education.
For more information on our environmental technology activities, please click on the links to the left.
