Academics & Research
Preparing students and innovations that create a more sustainable world
As a preeminent research university preparing tomorrow’s workforce, NC State is committed to academic excellence and research that improves the world. By educating about sustainability, students are better prepared for the complex social, environmental and economic challenges that the future holds.
Academics
NC State is the only university on the East Coast that has colleges and academic departments focusing on agriculture, natural resources, earth sciences, marine sciences, atmospheric sciences, engineering, landscape and architectural design, management, education, economic policy and social sciences. Simply put – sustainability is inherently part of our university’s curriculum.
High-Impact Education Opportunities
To get the most out of your education, you need to do more than go to class and take tests. The most successful students take advantage of high-impact opportunities that enhance their academic experience. Sustainability-related opportunities include:
Research
When faculty, students and partners work across disciplines to solve serious problems, the result of their work benefits everyone. That’s the net effect — and the constant goal — of NC State research: to create economic, societal and intellectual prosperity. As a land-grant university with annual research expenditures exceeding $380 million, NC State’s research is innovating in sustainability-related areas, including energy, transportation, materials, human health, economic solutions and policy.
Sustainability-Related Research Centers and Partners
- Advanced Transportation Energy Center (ATEC)
- Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC)
- Future Renewable Electric Energy Delivery and Management Systems Center (FREEDM)
- Institute for Emerging Issues: Environment
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology
- Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
- Center for Environmental and Resource Economic Policy
- Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS)
- Center for Marine Sciences and Technology
- Center for Turfgrass Environmental Research and Education
- Poole College of Management Sustainability Initiative
- North Carolina Sea Grant College Program
- State Climate Office of North Carolina
- Southeast Climate Science Center
- Southeast Regional Climate Hub
- Water Resources Research Institute
- Energy Council
- NC Clean Energy Technology Center
- Sustainable Cities Research Consortium
Sustainability-Related Researchers
NC State has more than 600 researchers whose projects intersect with sustainability themes.
Search for Researchers
Many NC State researchers' work intersects with some aspect of sustainability. In response to a Spring 2015 request, the following professors indicated ongoing or occasional opportunities for current NC State undergraduate students to assist with their sustainability-related research. Find a subject area that interests you and inquire directly with the professor about any research assistance opportunities. Students will be interviewed and utilized as research assistants at the professor’s discretion.
Are you a professor who would like to be included on this list? Contact us
Are you a professor who would like to be included on this list? Contact us
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Agricultural & Resource Economics: Kelly Zering Animal Science: Steve Washburn Applied Ecology: Derek Aday, Thomas J. Kwak, Kenneth H. Pollock Biological & Agricultural Engineering: Rhonda Sherman Crop Science: Tom Rufty, Michelle Schroeder-Moreno Horticultural Science: Nancy Creamer, Jeanine M. Davis Plant & Microbial Biology: Amy Grunden Plant Pathology: Frank Louws Poultry Science: Chris Ashwell Soil Science: Carl Crozier Youth, Family, and Community Sciences: Dara Bloom, Sarah D. KirbyCollege of Engineering
Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering: Michael Dickey Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering: Brendan T. O'ConnorCollege of Humanities and Social Sciences
Sociology and Anthropology: Seth Murray, Tim WallaceCollege of Natural Resources
Forestry & Environmental Resources: Asko Noormets, Robert Bardon, Frederick W. Cubbage, Mark Megalos, L. Scott Mills, Susan E. Moore, Elizabeth Guthrie Nichols, Dennis Hazel, Ross Whetten Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management: Bethany CuttsPoole College of Management
Accounting: Donald Pagach Business Management: Bruce C. Branson, Rosanna Garcia Management, Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Beth RitterCollege of Science
Biological Sciences: Jane Hoppin Chemistry: Walter W. Weare Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences: Walter Robinson Physics: Harald AdeCollege of Textiles
Textile & Apparel, Technology & Management: Kristin A. Thoney-Barletta Textile Engineering, Chemistry & Science: Melissa Pasquinelli, Xiangwu Zhang, Russell E. GorgaOutreach and Engagement
As a land-grant university, NC State has hundreds of outreach programs that leverage the academic resources of the university. By partnering with our faculty and students, you can find solutions that can improve the sustainability of the people, businesses, and communities in North Carolina.
K-12 Outreach
NC State has many programs geared to North Carolina youth, including several sustainability-related efforts:
- FREEDM Systems Center Pre-College Education Program about renewable energy
- 4-H Youth Development
- EnvironMentors for high school students interested in science and environmental careers
- The Science House
- The Engineering Place
Professional Development
Infuse sustainability into your career with these opportunities offered at NC State:
Industry and Community
NC State creates and applies knowledge for the betterment of North Carolina and the world, including these sustainability-related programs:
- Industrial Extension Service (IES) supports N.C. businesses by increasing productivity, efficiency and quality
- North Carolina Cooperative Extension delivers unbiased, research-based information to N.C. citizens
- Poole College of Management Business Sustainability Collaborative helps businesses and leaders succeed
- People First Tourism connects local entrepreneurs with travelers
- Natural Learning Initiative promotes the importance of nature in daily lives of children