From search and rescue missions with the United States Coast Guard to studying forest management at North Carolina State University, Casey Carlton has built a path rooted in service, stewardship and a clear goal of a career in public lands.

Before enrolling in the College of Natural Resources, Carlton served in the U.S. Coast Guard as a machinery technician and search and rescue team member. He also volunteered with California State Parks in the Humboldt Bay area.

Carlton began his studies at NC State in 2023 and has since been an active member of the Forestry Club, where he competes in timbersports events and builds skills in dendrology and wildlife identification.

“It’s a dedicated group of people, making it an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in networking, building friendships and learning timbersports,” Carlton said.

After graduation, Carlton plans to pursue graduate studies and a career with either the U.S. Forest Service or the National Park Service. In the following Q&A, he reflects on his NC State journey and his plans for the future.

Why did you choose to study forest management?

Casey Carlton: I chose forest management simply because I have always loved being in the forest. It was my playground when I was a child and my respite into my adulthood. I want to understand as much of it as I can and use that knowledge to preserve and grow what I love, while sharing both that knowledge and those experiences with future generations. I sincerely believe ethical stewardship and public education are the foundations of a better future for our communities, and I want to be a part of that. 

What is your favorite memory or class from your time at NC State?

Carlton: My favorite memory from NC State is the day I first set foot on campus as a student and picked up my student ID. I grew up in Raleigh and went to school right down the road. I never thought my grades would be good enough to go to NC State. But while serving in the Coast Guard, I took online classes during my free time and eventually applied to NC State.

After working and studying throughout my service, I felt proud to have earned the opportunity to attend one of the top forestry programs in the country. Returning to Raleigh as a student felt incredibly surreal. That little ID card meant a lot to me after experiencing the world and working to improve myself to be awarded admittance.

What are your career goals?

Carlton: I have dreamed of working for the U.S. Forest Service or National Park Service for as long as I can remember. If I can use that position to continue serving my community, educating the public and supporting conservation efforts while being in the forest, I cannot think of a more peaceful and meaningful career. I hope that one day I might contribute to making a significant impact on conservation through legislation or perhaps even public education.

How has the College of Natural Resources prepared you for your future?

Carlton: The College of Natural Resources has played a central role in preparing me for my future by providing both rigorous academic training and meaningful mentorship. Through coursework and field-based learning, I have developed a strong foundation in ecological systems, forest management and quantitative analysis, while learning how to apply these concepts to real-world environmental challenges.

Faculty within the college have served as mentors who not only strengthened my technical skills but also challenged me to think critically about land stewardship, resource management, and the long-term consequences of management decisions. Their guidance has expanded my perspective beyond the classroom and helped me clarify my academic and professional goals, particularly my interest in pursuing advanced study and a career focused on natural resource conservation and management.

What advice would you give to students entering your major?

Carlton: Do not let fear of failure prevent you from pursuing what interests you. Our greatest assets are those we gain through adversity. Challenge yourself academically and remain open to perspectives that differ from your own.

I strongly believe that if you don’t find something interesting, it’s probably because you don’t know enough about it. Curiosity and persistence are two traits I have found paramount to my own growth.

Tell us about something you are passionate about outside of your academic studies.

Outside of my academic studies, I am deeply passionate about national parks. I have visited 37 national parks within the United States and 10 internationally, experiences that have strengthened my appreciation for conservation, public lands and the cultural and ecological value of these protected spaces.

I also collect national and state park patches as a way of preserving these experiences, and I am proud of my collection of 235 patches, each representing a place and memory. In addition, I enjoy woodworking in my free time, where I design and build simple furniture from unique pieces of wood.