Solving Local and Global Challenges, Together

Meet Addison Selna, a new graduate of the college’s parks, recreation and tourism program (@ncstateprtm). This summer, he is wrapping up the last step of his college journey: working as an outreach and operations intern at Glass Half Full (@glasshalffull.co) in New Orleans.

Addison is currently creating public-facing marketing and informational material to educate the public on how the company can be a recycling solution for the community, and to illustrate the impacts of its coastal restoration work. Along with the outreach side of his role, Addison also works day-to-day operations at the collection and recycling facilities, which includes running pickup routes, assisting with community dropoff events, working on the processing floor and assisting with machine maintenance.

“This internship has done a great job at exposing me to the vast intersection of green business, environmentalism, and community engagement. Glass Half Full is a mission-driven, for-profit company.

Seeing the way the company balances making money, protecting the environment and supporting the community has offered me knowledge and understanding that business is not an enemy of conservation and the two can very successfully go hand in hand. In my role, I have also greatly strengthened my ability to present information to the public, and I feel more confident in my technical skills that are applied to the work in the field and on the floor.”

📸: @addisonselna

Meet Rylee Miller, a rising sophomore majoring in paper science and engineering in the Department of Forest Biomaterials (@ncstatefb). This summer, she is working as a power and recovery engineering intern with International Paper in Riegelwood, North Carolina.

Through late July, Rylee is focusing primarily on the mill’s power boilers, turbines, and recovery boilers that are used to provide energy, steam, and green liquor. She is also responsible for items such as routine sampling and testing, working with the process engineers on various projects, and expanding the mill’s real-time process visualization database.

“This internship has taught me the importance of putting yourself out there, asking questions, and getting involved. While it can often be comfortable to work from your office, others notice when you take initiative to go out and help and are genuinely interested in the process.

Hard work goes a long way, and being enthusiastic about tasks that others find cumbersome, tedious, or frustrating makes the experience more enjoyable and helps you play a valuable role in mill operations.

Beyond these life lessons, this internship has also taught me practical skills that will be helpful in my future career as an engineer, such as sampling and testing, various digital tools, and how specific equipment works.”

📸: @ryleermiller

Over the next couple of months, we will be highlighting several #NCStateCNR students and their summer internship experiences. 🐺🐾

Meet Addison Sepesi, a rising senior majoring in sustainable materials and technology in the Department of Forest Biomaterials (@ncstatefb). 👋 This summer, she is working as a continuous improvement intern with Columbia Forest Products in Chatham, Virginia.

Through August, Addison is working to set up standardized work practices and going through problem solving to continuously improve operations around Columbia Forest Products.

“This internship has significantly enhanced my problem-solving skills by teaching me a structured, step-by-step approach and how to effectively identify root causes. I’ve learned to implement targeted countermeasures that drive measurable improvements and observed firsthand how standardized practices can streamline workflows and reduce operator strain.

My time at Columbia Forest Products has also provided valuable exposure to the manufacturing industry, allowing me to explore potential career paths. Additionally, I’ve developed foundational management skills and gained confidence in public speaking through regular participation in team meetings and presentations.”

📸: @Addison.Sepesi

From May 27 through May 30, five graduate students from the college, along with seven NC State Extension Forestry professionals, participated in the Broadening Extension through Student Training (BEST) program—an innovative professional development initiative hosted at @pennstate.

Students had the opportunity to learn directly from seasoned Extension professionals from both Penn State and NC State, gaining insight into the diverse career paths and opportunities available within the Extension system. At the end of the program, students received a certificate recognizing their successful completion of 20 hours of professional training.

To read more about their trip, check out the link in our bio.