John Thomas “JT” Chappell graduated from NC State in May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in sustainable materials and technology and minors in renewable energy assessment and environmental sciences. He now works as the business manager for NC State’s Hodges Wood Products Lab.
During his time at NC State, Chappell served as a laboratory technician with the lab. He was a recipient of the Jerry H. Fox Scholarship, the James B. and Mildred B. Wilkinson Endowed Scholarship and the Alfred. J. Stamm Memorial Scholarship.
NC State writer Emma Gosalvez recently spoke with Chappell to learn more about his decision to study sustainable materials and technology at the College of Natural Resources and how his time in the program prepared him for his role with the lab.
What inspired you to study sustainable materials and technology?
JT Chappell: What inspired me to study sustainable materials and technology was my growing curiosity about sustainability and the desire to understand it more deeply. I had always known that sustainability was important and increasingly relevant, but I didn’t fully grasp its complexities.
As I explored various topics, I realized that I wanted to engage with the principles behind sustainability on a deeper level. When I discovered the sustainable materials and technology program at NC State, I saw an exciting opportunity to do just that.
This program allowed me to expand my understanding of sustainable practices, particularly in the context of materials, design, and technology. It sparked a passion in me to learn how sustainable approaches can be applied to real-world solutions. Though there is still much for me to learn, this journey has inspired me to contribute to a more sustainable future.
How did the college prepare you for your current position?
Chappell: The College of Natural Resources provided me with an interdisciplinary learning environment, which enabled me to develop a diverse range of skills and insights. As a result, I now feel confident in my ability to approach problems from multiple angles and contribute to a more sustainable future.
In my current position, I must consider a variety of topics, including business practices, client relationships, technical/data analysis, safety and more. The college provided me with the resources and experience to navigate such diverse aspects with relative ease.
Additionally, the hands-on experience and collaborative learning environment at the college helped me build a strong foundation in both technical and interpersonal skills, allowing me to effectively manage projects, communicate across teams and make data-driven decisions. With this preparation, I feel equipped to address complex challenges and contribute meaningfully to the goals of my current role.
What is a typical day in your job like?
Chappell: A typical day in my job involves a combination of communication, project management and hands-on work. I start by checking emails to coordinate ongoing projects, answering any questions and providing updates to team members or clients.
Once the communication side is addressed, I focus on performing testing and working on various projects, ensuring everything progresses as planned. I review data and test results as tasks are completed to ensure accuracy and identify any trends or issues that need attention.
Toward the end of the day, I compile all the results into detailed reports, summarizing the findings and providing insights for future decisions. Each day brings a balance of technical work and collaboration, keeping things dynamic and engaging.
What impact are you making through your position?
Chappell: In my position, I’m making a significant impact by supporting product development in the wood products industry. I run a technical service center that provides third-party testing to assess the quality and performance of both current and emerging products. This helps ensure that the products meet industry standards and are ready for the market.
Additionally, I act as a bridge between academia and the business world by connecting industry professionals with academic researchers in their field, fostering collaboration and innovation. I also facilitate opportunities for students to gain real-world experience, preparing them for successful careers in the industry.
What advice do you have for current College of Natural Resources students?
Chappell: My first piece of advice for current College of Natural Resources students is to actively connect with faculty and take advantage of their expertise. The faculty can provide valuable insights, guidance and even open doors for future opportunities.
I would also encourage students to learn about the current activities within the college, such as ongoing research, organizations and initiatives. Staying informed about these developments will help them understand the latest trends and innovations in their field, as well as gain invaluable hands-on learning experiences.
Lastly, it is important to ask questions. Whether it’s about coursework, career opportunities or research projects, asking questions is key to deepening a student’s knowledge and making the most of their time in college.
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