{"id":23325,"date":"2023-04-19T11:57:30","date_gmt":"2023-04-19T15:57:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/fb\/?p=23325"},"modified":"2024-05-29T16:15:05","modified_gmt":"2024-05-29T20:15:05","slug":"smtsa-breathing-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/fb\/news\/2023\/04\/smtsa-breathing-life\/","title":{"rendered":"SMTSA: The Newly Created Student-run Organization Breathing Life Into the Sustainable Materials and Technology Program"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Previously known as the Wood Products major, the Sustainable Materials and Technology program has been a rich part of NC State’s history dating back to the 1960\u2019s. After going through a rebranding in 2013, it has been providing students with the opportunity to work in a hands-on laboratory setting while applying their knowledge to a variety of concepts. Students learn about the economical, environmental, and social pillars of sustainability.  With this program ranking among the top in the nation, the expectation of excellence is clear to faculty, staff, and students. The Sustainable Materials and Technology major boasts 100% job placement within 6 months of graduation, something not many other programs can say. A new student organization, Sustainable Materials and Technology Student Association (SMTSA) is beginning to accomplish the department\u2019s goals of drawing in new talent, promoting this amazing program, closing the gap between the faculty and students, and providing a sense of cohesiveness amongst the department.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To begin, a little background on the program itself is needed. Sustainable Materials and Technology is both a major and minor program in the Department of Forest Biomaterials at NC State\u2019s College of Natural Resources. This program focuses on the study of biomaterials from their creation, use, and disposal. Students learn about the social, economic, and environmental impacts of different materials and how they can be improved through various technological processes. It also provides its students with small class sizes, multiple opportunities for engagement with professors, and an overall community of support. Within this program, the undergraduate students have banded together to form the first program specific club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Sustainable Materials and Technology Student Association is a student-led organization for Sustainable Materials and Technology majors, minors, and prospective students. The SMTSA was founded by a group of current SMT students to focus on the academic success, career development, and networking of its members. SMTSA aims to provide professional development opportunities to students, demonstrate the various career paths a degree in the program offers, and strengthen the community between Sustainable Materials and Technology students and faculty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Emma Gandy, one of the founding students, describes the association\u2019s three goals: <\/p>\n\n\n\n