Areas of Research

The Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources is recognized worldwide for our cutting-edge research. Our efforts not only lead to new breakthroughs in industry practices, they serve as a valuable training ground for students interested in working on the frontline of their chosen fields. Our innovative ideas and projects lead to sustainable real-world solutions and solidify us as the go-to place to solve natural resources challenges.

Environmental Science and Technology

We are working to understand and address the economic, social, political and environmental impact of human interactions with nature.

Hydrology and Watershed Management

Our faculty are leaders in the development of long-lasting, sustainable solutions––solidifying us as the go-to place for solutions to society’s grand water challenges.

Forest Health

Our research examines the impacts human activity have on both natural and urban ecosystems, and their critical role in forest pest epidemiology.

Geospatial Analytics

Our faculty are leaders in the burgeoning field of Geospatial Analytics, pushing frontiers in spatial modeling and remote sensing of the environment.

Forest Genetics

We use a variety of tools to enhance and restore forest ecosystems and increase their productivity and economic value to landowners.

Public Science

Through our research, we offer additional options to engage with the public from the beginning to the end of the research process through citizen science projects.

Forest Management

Our research fortifies forestry sciences that inform conservation, ensure productive management and foster the development of new silvicultural systems.

Wildlife Management and Conservation Biology

Ranked second nationally for our research productivity, we specialize in impacts of global change on wildlife, human dimensions and wildlife, and urban ecology.

Natural Resources Economics and Policy

Our research examines the impact of social and economic factors on policy development and enforcement of sustainable forestry management and practices from both a domestic and international lens.

Research News More News

May 6, 2021

Natural Forest in Coastal N.C. Becomes Carbon Source as ‘Ghost Forest’ Spreads

NC State researchers found natural coastal forests were carbon sources, while the timing of harvest could impact whether coastal timber forests were sinks or sources.

Apr 21, 2021

Endangered Key Deer Fawns Vulnerable to Heat Stress as Sea Level Rises, Study Finds

Sea level rise could destroy low-elevation habitats that provide shade for the deer during summer.

Mar 8, 2021

Lights Out: Climate Change Could Plunge America Into Darkness. Here’s Why.

As climate change accelerates, the electrical system in the United States will face more frequent extreme weather events that could cause outdated infrastructure to fail.