Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Priscilla Morris

Priscilla Morris is from Morehead City, NC, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in 2012 in Forest Management & Natural Resources from NC State. She went on to earn a Master’s in 2015 and a Ph.D. in 2018 from NC State. She worked with Dr. Sudipta Dasmohapatra & Dr. Ilona Peszlen to research Forest and Farm landowner’s willingness to supply woody biomass to the bioenergy industry for her Master’s and the Effects of Climate Change on Rural Coastal Community’s Natural Resource Production and Economy for her Ph.D. We recently had the chance to catch up with Priscilla and ask her about some of her experiences here at NC State.

What inspired you to pursue a graduate degree in Forest Biomaterials?

Dr. Ilona Peszlen is my biggest inspiration. She saw something in me that I did not see in myself and fostered me through graduate school. She kept me motivated and inspired.

What was your first job after earning your graduate degree?

During the last months of my Ph.D., I accepted a Post Doctoral Fellowship with the Oak Ridges Institute for Science and Education in Juneau, Alaska. I began researching the wood quality of Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock regeneration in Southeast Alaska. I also worked on a CO2 sequestration project mapping the carbon stock on the Tongass National forest to determine the social value of carbon stored on one of the countries largest National Forest.

What has your career looked like since then?

My career has been progressive since graduation. I spent 18 months as a postdoc fellow working at the Juneau Forestry Sciences Laboratory. While there, I was able to work on many different research studies that allowed me to broaden my professional experience. I applied for and received a job back in North Carolina with the NC Forest Service as their Markets and Utilization Forester. During my short time in that position, I was able to network and make connections across the NC Department of Agriculture. I lead the NC Forest Service efforts in developing a Climate Change Risk Assessment and Mitigation Chapter in the Governor’s Climate Risk Assessment & Resilience Plan. Now, I find myself back in Alaska, working for the United States Forest Service as the Alaska Region Wood Biomass & Forest Stewardship Coordinator. Understanding forest management practices from my undergraduate degree coupled with a Masters and Ph.D. in Forest Biomaterials, focusing on wood products and utilization, has allowed me to collaborate with the entire supply chain in the forest products industry. This background allowed for a more streamlined avenue for communication and productivity across many boundaries.

What aspect of your career has been the most enjoyable or fulfilling so far?

The work I do as the Alaska Region Wood Biomass Coordinator is very gratifying. The program I manage helps provide technical and financial assistance to communities and project partners whose goals are to become more economically and natural resource independent in sustainable ways. Without our program and capacity, many rural communities in Alaska would struggle to implement wood biomass projects that have become a sustainable option for heating in Alaska.

Did your graduate degree prepare you to be successful in your career? And if so, was there any aspect, in particular, that was helpful?

My graduate degree has undoubtedly prepared me to be successful. The diverse coursework and flexibility within the program allowed me to obtain an interdisciplinary degree. Most of my work during my Ph.D. was focused on the social implications of Climate Change and the decision-making process. Without this, I think my capacity to understand the social dynamics involved with our natural systems would have been lacking. Many natural resource professionals have been classified as introverts. Being able to break out of that shell and interact with the social systems in project areas has been incredibly beneficial in developing relationships for successful project implementation.

What was your favorite thing about Forest Biomaterials and The College of Natural Resources?

The number of resources at your fingertips. The Forest Biomaterials department, along with the entire University, provides a positive learning environment and can suit the needs of anyone looking for high-quality education.

Looking back, what advice would you give to an incoming graduate student?

Looking back, I would say, don’t sweat the small stuff, go to class, ask questions (the answer is always no if you don’t ask). As a student, enjoy your time but don’t forget why you are there and take full advantage of all the university’s resources!

What is something you wish someone had told you in graduate school?

That insecurity and self-doubt are a normal part of the development process. As a graduate student and an early career professional, there are times of insecurity and self-doubt. This is all a part of the process to help develop deep thinking and consideration for our work. Also, a sense of humility and respect goes a long way in developing a well-rounded professional academic.

What has been your biggest challenge as a professional?

As an early career professional, I think my biggest challenge has been finding my professional confidence. As I progress, I have gained a sense of confidence that has been very rewarding. In a sense, some things do come with time, patience, and experience.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

My perfect day off depends on the season. If it is summertime, I will be fishing, if it is fall, I will be hunting, and if it is winter, I will be skiing and enjoying the outdoors as much as possible.

What is your favorite memory during your time here at NC State?

My favorite memories are associated with the Timber Sports team. I participated in many of the competitions and supported the team in any way that I could. The connections I made with the team at NC State as well as other Universities still stand today.

What is the best career decision you’ve made?

The best career decision I ever made was to transition into the position I have now. Sometimes we have to take the opportunities as they come; in this case, it was six months after accepting a North Carolina Forest Service position.

Is there anything else you want readers to know?

Be open, be adaptable, and malleable. Listen to others. Be a problem solver. Sometimes there is more than one way to succeed.