Meet Our Sustainable Materials & Technology Undergraduate Student: Chandler Parrish

Chandler Parrish is a junior from Louisburg, North Carolina majoring in Sustainable Materials & Technology with minors in business administration and environmental science. During her time at NC State, she has served as an outreach & engagement intern for the University Sustainability Office and an assistant in Robertson and Pulp & Paper Laboratories. She’s now working for the Department of Forest Biomaterials as a communications assistant. 

What is your favorite thing about the SMT program? 

I love that our program offers a holistic approach to sustainability. The coursework allows us to view it under social, economic, and technological oriented lenses. It exposes the incredibly complex and connected layers of sustainability, which is absolutely invigorating to me. 

What advice would you offer to an incoming freshman? 

I’d say don’t be intimidated by the size and breadth of this university. With time you’ll find your place with the right people in your corner, making college feel familiar and safe. 

What organizations are you involved with on campus? 

I’m a part of the Goodnight Scholars Program, Sustainability Stewards, and the Universities Activities Board.

What has been your greatest lesson learned from college so far? I’ve grown to realize that education is an individualized journey. With that, I’ve seen how debilitating and senseless comparing yourself to others can be. 

What has been your favorite class so far and why? 

My favorite class so far has been Environmental Ethics. It exposes the ethical dimensions of many current environmental issues. It draws connections to social themes like religion, policy, feminism, and culture. It completely revolutionized my perception of environmentalism.

 What’s your favorite spot on campus? 

The Court of Carolina is so quaint and beautiful. It’s lined with some of the most historic buildings on campus, with changing leaves in the fall and blooming flowers in the spring. It’s a great place to hang out, study, or have a picnic. 

What’s something people may not know about you? 

I’m a devoted fan of Taylor Swift. A huge Swiftie if you will.