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National Needs Fellowship (NNF) Program

Picture of Trees - Trees National Needs Fellowship (NNF) Program - Forestry and Environmental Resources NC State University

If you are an underrepresented minority student interested in natural resources and/or forestry, the National Needs Fellowship (NNF) Program may be for you.

About NNF

We are proud to host students for the USDA National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowship Program. This program is ideal for students interested in a master’s degree in Forestry and Environmental Resources within the College of Natural Resources at NC State University.

Successful candidates would focus on projects which could include, but will not be limited to, the following topics:

  • Financial aspects of forestry and forest management
  • Field assessments or human dimensions of excess water and forests
  • Evaluating intercropping in forest plantations
  • Soil sustainability and productivity in a natural and/or planted forested ecosystem
  • Diversity, equity and inclusion in the field of forestry and natural resources
  • Forest extension and outreach engagement

Application Information

These fellowships are fully-funded assistantships with opportunities to work with a forest industry partner, non-profit agency and/or government agency.

Minimum qualifications for these fellowships include a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, chemistry, soil science, forestry, environmental science, ecology, natural resources or a related discipline. We will develop a cohort of diverse students and strongly encourage applications from students traditionally underrepresented (i.e., African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans) in forestry and natural resources.

Interested and want to learn more?

Potential Mentors

Your mentor will help guide your research, so it is essential to have a strong match in research interest areas. Contact any of our potential mentors about your research interests to help identify a good fit.

Zakiya Leggett - National Needs Fellowship (NNF) Program -Forestry and Environment Resources NC State University

Dr. Zakiya Leggett
NNF Team Lead/Principal Investigator
Areas of study: soil ecology, nutrient cycling, sustainability

Sam Cook - National Needs Fellowship (NNF) Program -Forestry and Environment Resources NC State University

Sam Cook
Forest Asset Director, Student Recruitment and Placement

Stacy Nelson - National Needs Fellowship (NNF) Program - Forestry and Environment Resources NC State University

Dr. Stacy Nelson
Areas of study: remote sensing and GIS technologies, diversity and inclusion

Elizabeth Nichols - National Needs Fellowship (NNF) Program -Forestry and Environment Resources NC State University

Dr. Elizabeth Nichols
Areas of study: forests, bioenergy, chemicals of concern, water quality and water quantity, and water Reuse

Rajan Parajuli - National Needs Fellowship (NNF) Program -Forestry and Environment Resources NC State University

Dr. Rajan Parajuli
Area of study: forest economics, financial analysis of forest management, economic impact and contribution analysis.

Louie Rivers - National Needs Fellowship (NNF) Program -Forestry and Environment Resources NC State University

Dr. Louie Rivers
Area of study: risk, the judgment and decision process in minority and marginalized communities, environmental justice

Dr. Porche’ Spence
External Evaluator
Area of Study: Water quality, Environmental Pollution, Developing and
Evaluating STEM Curriculum and Program