Innovating for a Better Future

Is it just me, or does spring look good on us? 🌷 #NCStateOnCampus

Our new graduates had a great time with Mr. and Ms. Wuf at our post-commencement receptions last week. ❤️ 🎓

Congratulations again to all of our new @ncstatealumni!

✨Exciting adventures at the Center for Geospatial Analytics’ Geovisualization Lab✨

Mr. and Ms. Wuf recently learned how to use our lab’s cutting-edge visualization tools. In the Geovisualization Lab, maps leap off computer screens onto interactive 3-D displays and landforms respond to hand motions. 🗺️📊

One such tool is Tangible Landscape. Tangible Landscape is an interactive tool that allows users to shape a physical model (just like a sandbox) and instantly see a digital simulation of how those changes affect processes such as water flow, vegetation growth or urban design. Ph.D. student Caitlin Haedrich was recently invited to Belgium to install one of these innovative technologies at the Breda University of Applied Sciences.

📸: Drs. Georgina Sanchez (in white) and Anna Petrasova show the Wufs how to use Tangible Landscape.

Explore the lab virtually via the link in our bio.

A hearty Wolfpack congratulations to our 376 summer and fall #NCState25 #NCStateCNR graduates! 🎓🎉

📸: Take a look back at highlights from today`s commencement celebration.

Meet #NCStateCNR graduating students Natalie Locklear and Keren A. Vivas. 👋🎓

🎓 Natalie Locklear is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences. After graduation, she will be working toward her master’s degree in public health at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health.

“Our experiences have given us the tools to stand together in collaboration, and shatter the limitations society has placed upon us. I have done my best to become the leader that my younger self always wanted to see. I continue to use my education to show others that they can do anything they set their minds to. NC State has given me the skills and knowledge to be successful in my field, that women like me in past generations didn’t always have, and I hope that I am making them proud. I hope that you take the time to reflect on the type of person you want to be, as you have the opportunity to create a better world, not only for ourselves and others around us now, but for future generations to come.” -@natalielocklear_

🎓 Keren A. Vivas is graduating with a Ph.D. in forest biomaterials. After graduation, she will be completing her marketing and business sustainability certificate through the Jenkins MBA program while also searching for a job in the industry.

“As an international student, leaving my home country for the first time, I faced the challenge of adapting to a new language, a new culture and a fast-paced environment. It wasn’t easy. But I wasn’t alone. Many of you, from different backgrounds and experiences, have shared this journey—supporting one another, laughing, crying, growing and shaping the future together. The sense of community within our departments and across the college has made this journey extraordinary. As part of this resilient Pack, we`ve grown stronger together, fueling our passion and shaping who we are today. May we carry this strength forward and inspire others with our stories.”

📸: From left to right: Natalie Locklear and Keren A. Vivas

Meet graduating #NCStateCNR students Ben Zino, Chloe Farrell & Sarah Simmons. 🎓

🎓 Ben is graduating with a master’s in fisheries, wildlife and conservation biology. This summer, he`ll work for @wakegov Open Space, travel to South America & produce content for his YouTube channel, “The Wild Report.” He plans to pursue a career as a wildlife biologist or environmental educator.

“While the folks from other colleges salivate over salaries or coveted positions with Fortune 500 corporations, we passionately pursue the conservation of the incredible natural resources that have been entrusted to us. And I think it’s our passion that sets us apart. We are all passionate about something, some of us maybe a little too much so. Whether your speciality is trees or fungi or birds or reptiles and amphibians, every single one of us came to NC State and pursued this degree because we care.” -@thewildreport

🎓 Chloe is graduating with a bachelor’s in environmental sciences. She will be working as an environmental scientist at @threeoakseng.

“I love it here and I love CNR, the students (or new alumni), the faculty and staff. It truly feels like that small college tight-knit community I didn`t know I was craving. We picked a big school for the football and the fun stuff, but the close community is what we stayed for. And now, after my time here, I feel as if I am prepared to handle whatever comes my way, whether that`s in my career, future academia or obstacles in my personal life because of the skill sets I have developed here.” -@chloenfarrell

🎓 Sarah is graduating with a bachelor’s in environmental sciences. After graduation, she`ll participate in the Disney College Program. She plans to pursue a career working in NGOs or state government.

"Even though we are one of the smallest in the university, we are mighty and have a deep passion for serving as environmental stewards and helping those in need. From working as an environmental first-year peer leader to volunteering as the secretary of the Forestry and Environmental Resources Leadership Board, I have been blessed with leadership and service opportunities that have been offered throughout my college journey."

Earlier this week, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (@ncstateprtm) hosted its annual end-of-year celebration. The event celebrated all students, faculty and staff in the program and all of the department’s success and achievements.

📸: Take a look back at the event’s highlights.

Congratulations to our own Dr. Angela Allen, faculty recipient of this year’s NC State Sustainability Award! Student nominees this year included our own Nicole Rosales-Garcia, Clara Stec and Morgan Starnes. 🎉

Dr. Allen is an assistant teaching professor of forestry and environmental resources (@ncstatefer). Through the Environmental Resource Clinic Student Training Program, Allen has trained students to conduct water quality testing and monitoring.

"This award means a lot to me as I was given support to mentor our next generation of scientists in a research arena. One program goal is to allow students the opportunity to gain skills in water quality through practical skills and community involvement."

Nicole Rosales-Garcia is a graduating senior, majoring in environmental sciences. While working in the Campus Tree Education Internship, Nicole helped create the Campus Tree Tours at NC State.

Nicole has also contributed to research in climate science and community engagement. “Both of these projects have my heart and soul in them and are my highlights when I talk about impactful research/experiences within NC State and my department.” —@nicole.innature

Clara Stec is a junior, majoring in business administration with a minor in environmental sciences, and is a KIETS Climate Leaders Program Scholar.

Clara piloted the Sustainability Career Development Program and chaired its student advisory board. “I helped build a student-alumni sustainability network and launched a Sustainability Alumni Mentorship Program to connect students with real-world insights and career pathways.” —@_clarastec

Morgan Starnes is a graduating senior, majoring in environmental technology and management.

Morgan is an intern with @ncstaterecycles and NC State`s Stormwater Management team and president of @zerowastewolvesncsu. “From tabling in Talley and Fountain, to working at athletic events reducing waste going to landfill, I have been all over campus educating students and the public on how to be better stewards of the environment.”

📸: Dr. Angela Allen with Lauren Conway (left) and Allison Avalos (right); Dominic Zecca (left) and Conway at the Celebration of Sustainability showcase