Naycari Forfora, originally from Venezuela, is a chemical engineer from the University of Los Andes. She recently completed her PhD in Forest Biomaterials. Her research focuses on developing sustainable fiber solutions and advancing environmental impact modeling.

A dedicated sustainability research leader at SAFI, Naycari guides and mentors a team of five while advancing innovative work in the field. Her accomplishments include receiving the prestigious Goldstein Fellowship in 2023 and earning the 3rd Best Poster at the 2022 Iberoamerican Congress on Pulp & Paper in Spain. Naycari has also gained valuable industry experience through a Fall 2024 internship with Procter & Gamble and has shared her research internationally, presenting at the IMFA Conference in the United States (2023) and EUBCE in Italy (2023).

What inspired you to pursue your current field of study?

Naycari Forfora: I have always been passionate about environmental and sustainability issues. My PhD allows me to merge my background in process engineering with global challenges—developing cleaner processes and more responsible resource use for the benefit of society and the planet.

Describe your research in one sentence

Forfora: I evaluate the environmental emissions associated with producing and disposing of everyday products to help improve sustainability decisions.

If you could collaborate with any scientist, past or present, who would it be and why?

Forfora: I would choose Dr. Yuan Yao. I admire her work deeply, and although she previously taught at NC State, I unfortunately missed the chance to learn from her directly.

What are your goals after graduation?

Forfora: I plan to transition into industry, particularly in roles within environmental consulting or sustainability management.

What advice do you have for new or fellow graduate students?

Forfora: I think the PhD degree is essential, but the group of people and the community you create are even more important. They teach you, help you, and keep you motivated. So, make sure to say hi and offer your help to everybody. Remember that what you do matters, and you are valuable.

What motivates you to keep pushing forward?

Forfora: My little brother is my biggest motivation. Everything I do is driven by the goal of creating a better future for both of us.

This article was written by Md Nazrul Islam for the Department of Forest Biomaterials.