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Natalie Laux – Student Spotlight

Natalie Laux

Hometown:

  • Fuquay Varina, NC

High School Graduation Year:

  • 2018

Degrees:

  • BS, Paper Science and Engineering, 2022

Work Experience:

  • International Paper, Georgetown, SC Summer 2019
    Domtar, Plymouth, NC Fall 2019
    International Paper, New Bern, NC Summer 2021

Why did you choose Paper Science and Engineering (PSE)?

  • I chose PSE because it is such a unique application of engineering. The people in the program provide a great atmosphere to make friends to last a lifetime and gain knowledge to get your career started on the right track. The professors care about you and know more than just your name, which at a large university means a lot.

What is your favorite thing about Paper Science and Engineering?

  • My favorite this about PSE is the people and their passion for the industry. Everyone you meet is here because they too, have this strange love for paper. Plus, everyone is so welcoming that it makes NC State feel like home.

What is your favorite thing about NC State?

  • My favorite thing about NC State is it’s size and location. Being a big campus that provides lots of different opportunities to get involved in things that you are passionate or interested in. Location-wise I love being at State because of all of the parks nearby along with Raleigh and all that it provides being only a few minutes down the road. Easy access to anything without the forced city life.

What advice would you offer to an incoming freshman?

  • Incoming freshman, listen up. Get involved! Seriously, the best way to make NC State feel like home is to get out there freshman year with a variety of friends. You will make friends in your major (if you’re in PSE – that’ll happen freshman year), but it’s important to have other groups that you spend your time with. College is about so much more than just classes and grades, so make the most of it.

What is your favorite extra-circular activity? 

  • My favorite extra-curricular has been the campus ministry that I have been involved in since freshman year, the Raleigh Wesley Foundation (RWF). Similar to PSE its a smaller group of students that I have gotten really close with since joining. I have done so many activities and different service events with Wesley. In fact most of my friends are in the group. I would definitely recommend getting involved in a group that you can call family, whether that be a campus ministry, like RWF, or some other campus organization.

Who has been your favorite professor or staff?

  • My favorite staff member isn’t exactly a member but rather a team. I love the Jennifer Piercy & Paula Harrod duo because they genuinely care for their students. Whether it be an event that they coordinate or just having a conversation with you to check in on life updates. They are the department moms for sure and a great connection to make.