College of Natural Resources alum Grace Pethos is leveraging her background in sustainable materials, renewable energy and business to promote eco-friendly solutions in the building industry.

Pethos graduated from the college in May 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in sustainable materials and technology and minors in renewable energy assessment and business administration.

Since graduating, Pethos has worked as a territory sales manager for CaraGreen, a distributor of sustainable and eco-friendly building materials based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

At NC State, Pethos was active in the Sustainable Materials and Technology Student Association and the African Student Union, and co-founded Africa Prosperity Project to provide school supplies to under-resourced students in Africa.

Pethos was also honored with the Friends of Wood Products Scholarship and the AG Raymond Forest Products Scholarship, recognizing her academic excellence and commitment to advancing sustainability.

We recently spoke with Pethos about her decision to study sustainable materials and technology and how her time in the program prepared her for her role at CaraGreen. Check out the Q&A below to learn more.

What is a typical day in your job like?

Grace Pethos: A typical day involves balancing behind-the-scenes work and client-facing interactions. I manage sample requests, material quotes and communication with architects, designers and fabricators who are exploring our products.

A big part of this role involves delivering CEU (Continuing Education Unit) courses that cover topics like crystalline silica–free surfacing, biophilic design and LEED v5. About once a month, I travel to meet with clients directly, building relationships and educating them on healthier building materials.

What inspired you to study sustainable materials and technology?

Pethos: I originally wanted to pursue architecture and design, but an AP Environmental Science course in high school shifted my perspective. From that point, I knew I wanted sustainability to be a part of my career.

The sustainable materials and technology program at the College of Natural Resources offered the ideal intersection of science, sustainability and design. The versatility of the program made it the clear choice for me.

What impact are you making through your position?

Pethos: I help bring sustainable surfacing solutions to the market and raise awareness of the environmental impact of our industry. We often underestimate how new builds, countertop production and other construction processes contribute to resource depletion and waste.

By educating clients on alternatives — materials with recycled content, transparency documents like Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Health Product Declarations (HPDs), Red List Free certifications, products made with 100% renewable energy and options that are recyclable at their end of life — I help shift the industry toward healthier practices.

Ultimately, my work contributes to reducing the environmental footprint of the built environment while giving clients solutions that align with their sustainability and design goals.

How did the college prepare you for your current position?

Pethos: The sustainable materials and technology program equipped me with a deep understanding of renewable materials, life cycle analysis and sustainability documentation, such as HPDs and EPDs, which I use daily when speaking with clients.

Beyond academics, NC State taught me how to think critically, communicate effectively and problem solve under pressure. Those skills, combined with opportunities to collaborate and lead in student organizations, gave me the confidence to share my ideas openly and engage in meaningful conversations with colleagues and clients.

What advice do you have for current College of Natural Resources students?

Pethos: First, I encourage you to do more than the bare minimum. You’re only holding yourself back with the last-minute habits. I know because I’ve done it too. Second, expose yourself to new experiences to figure out your “why” and find new interests. Finally, step out of your comfort zone and pursue what you truly want; it’s more attainable than you think.