The Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources (FER) selects students from the department to serve as Leadership Board members each year. The Leadership Board creates a welcoming environment for existing students by creating events and programs to enhance and support our current students’ experience and provide support within FER and College of Natural Resources. All board members demonstrate great leadership and communications skills, NC State pride and academic achievement across a diversity of majors.  

If you are interested in applying to become a FER Leadership Board member, email Erin Champion at eachampi@ncsu.edu.  The application cycle typically begins in March of each year.

Meet your 2023-2024 FER Leadership Board Members:

Anna

Christina

Co-President, Pronouns: she/her, Email: cmconrad@ncsu.edu

Major: Environmental Sciences, Minor/Focal Area: Applied Ecology

I study at NC State because: ​while NC State provides the great resources and opportunities of a larger university, I was also able to find a tight-knit community in the College of Natural Resources. The smaller circle of students and faculty that make up CNR are always willing to help me. Studying environmental sciences at this school gives me the opportunity to study many areas of the field and find what I am passionate about. Additionally, the emphasis that the university puts on sustainability is important to me and provides further opportunities that relate to my major. NC State truly has everything I need to grow academically, professionally, and personally.

Claire

Pronouns: she/her, Email:

Major: Environmental Sciences, Minor/Focal Area: Economics and GIS

I study at NC State because: ​ of its academic excellence, the tight-knit communities within the Pack, and the diverse opportunities it offers. The College of Natural Resources is one of these wonderful tight-knit communities, and I am proud to be a part of it. Within CNR, there are unique student-led activity groups, faculty support, and research opportunities open to all students who wish to participate.

Claudia

Pronouns: she/her, Email:

Major: Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Concentration: Wildlife Biology, Minor: Zoology

I study at NC State because: ​ there are so many different paths you can choose within NC State. I have tried so many new activities and clubs since the beginning of freshman year, and it’s created a unique, amazing college experience for me so far. I’ve also been able to find my community of people in the College of Natural Resources, especially in the FER department. It’s nice to have such a tight-knit community within a big school!

Grace

Pronouns: she/her, Email:

Major: Natural Resources Policy and Administration, Minor: Renewable Energy Assessment 

I study at NC State because: ​ I found a major that will prepare me to dive into the world of corporate sustainability upon graduation. The College of Natural Resources has amazing students, faculty, and professors who want to see everyone succeed. I am so thankful to be at NC State because I feel that there are so many opportunities tailored to CNR students!

Henry

Pronouns: he/him, Email:

Major: Fisheries and Wildlife, Conservation Biology, Minor: Zoology

I study at NC State because: ​ I love the outdoors and want to ensure they remain enjoyable for generations to come. Through CNR I can learn the science and practices to be better able to manage and use natural resources responsibly. CNR has so many ways to get involved, build connections with peers, and make a difference in the world. I encourage everyone to find a club or activity they like, and do it!

John Mark

Pronouns: he/him, Email: jmpolk@ncsu.edu

Major: Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Minor: Zoology

I study at NC State because: of the opportunities that were offered. Because there are so many, I was able to find my place within the College of Natural Resources once I realized what I wanted to study. The close-knit feel of the CNR community combined with being at a large university provides a unique and meaningful college experience. The variety of classes and field experiences are able to help you determine what you are interested in and want to pursue. In addition to my perspective, NC State’s environmental programs are some of the best in the country. Without a doubt, I know that State was the perfect choice.

Keely

Kenia

Pronouns: she/her, Email: kbaraja@ncsu.edu

Major: Environmental Sciences, Second Major/Focal Area: Zoology

I study at NC State because: it has great opportunities of getting to explore oneself and the conservation field. There are so many disciplines that I have learned and this has further fostered my interest in the conservation field. NC State allows me to gain experience while being an undergraduate to be better prepared for the workforce. Another thing I have enjoyed from being part of the Wolfpack is that there are so many people, you will meet and create life relationships with. 

Kinley

Secretary/Social Media Chair, Pronouns: she/her, Email: kefergu4@ncsu.edu

Major: Environmental Sciences, Minor/Focal Area: N/A

I study at NC State because: NC State has so many opportunities. I knew by going to NCSU that I would be exposed to many hands-on opportunities that will allow me to grow personally and professionally; all while challenging me academically. Everyone was so welcoming and kind to me, I knew I found where I belong in CNR.

Lena

Pronouns: she/her, Email:

Major: Environmental Sciences, Minor/Focal Area: GIS Technology

I study at NC State because: I really like the Environmental Sciences program and the flexibility it offers with the focal area portion of the degree. While it can be overwhelming that NC State is such a big school, the small community of CNR makes it feel much more welcoming. As someone who grew up in a small town, it was important for me to choose a college in a place with more opportunities, which NC State and the Raleigh area definitely offers.

Matty

Pronouns: he/him, Email:

Major: Forest Management

I study at NC State because: it has one of the top forestry programs in the United States. The faculty are extremely knowledgeable and eager to help students like myself grow as forestry professionals. NC State is a pioneer school for a multitude of research fields, including a heavy investment in research regarding sustainability and our natural resources, which students are encouraged to participate in. Attending NC State has given me the opportunity to challenge myself while being provided the academic and professional support I need to succeed.

Millie

Treasurer, Pronouns: she/her, Email: mamcinne@ncsu.edu

Major: Environmental Technology and Management, Minor: Environmental Toxicology

I study at NC State because: The outstanding College of Natural Resources has an extensive list of majors, resources and other opportunities to choose from. With NC State I have had the opportunity to perfectly align my studies with my passion for the conservation of the atmosphere, waterways, and terrestrial ecosystems. I have been welcomed by all kinds of intelligent, genuine, and hard-working peers within the college that have made my experience all that I could have asked for and more!

Nicole

Pronouns: she/her, Email: ngarcia5@ncsu.edu

Major: Environmental Sciences, Focal Area: Climate Change Studies

I study at NC State because: the Environmental Sciences program is interdisciplinary, which allows me to take courses from global policy to weather and climate science. Additionally, the College of Natural Resources has the best advisors/community, they have been so kind to me. NC State really has everything I need to grow academically and professionally. I found where I belong; it was the right choice.

Stephanie

Co-President, Pronouns: she/her, Email: squiroz2@ncsu.edu

Major: Environmental Sciences, Minor/Focal Area:  Sustainability in Business & Development.

I study at NC State because: the vast opportunities at NC State that prepare you for life after college. NC State’s environmental science program lets you explore different areas of study to make sure you find the perfect fit. Along the way, you also make connections and build a community with your peers. Another thing I love about NC State is its continuous strive towards a more sustainable and green campus.