Wolfpack family, the fall semester has arrived. But, let’s take a minute to reminisce on the summer that faculty, staff and students have enjoyed. We’re home to global adventurers, world-class unicyclists, animal enthusiasts and much more. Take a look at what we’ve been up to lately.
College of Engineering – Rwanda Study Abroad Program
The College of Engineering continues to grow its Rwanda Study Abroad Program, with the third summer cohort visiting the country in May. The group, led by Dr. Kanton Reynolds (Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering) and Dr. Veronica Catete (Department of Computer Science) was hosted at the U.S. Embassy by multiple NC State alumni, including Embassy Kigali Public Affairs Officer Jamie Dragon (’95) and two Fulbright Scholars, Meriem Laroussi (’23) and Amy Isvik (’24). In addition to working in Rwandan schools as engineering educators, the group visited Carnegie Mellon’s Africa campus and the University of Rwanda, and Elista Parks, a senior in the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, conducted research on concrete formulations at the Institute of Applied Sciences.
College of Natural Resources Student and Alumni
Ph.D. student Sierra McMurry worked with recent College of Natural Resources graduates Matthew Waddell and Griffin Crisp to run camera traps across Washington and Montana this summer as part of a National Science Foundation-funded project on forest mammals. They set 300 cameras across 10 sites to complement a countrywide dataset McMurry is compiling to study relationships between forest productivity and wildlife populations. They lived out of a truck and tent for most of the summer, and were accompanied by Sierra’s dog, Bear. At the end of the summer they were joined by McMurry’s advisor Roland Kays, a professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, and other NC State graduate students who helped pick up the last cameras.
College of Veterinary Medicine
Terry Rural Veterinary Scholars: Six rising third-year DVM students spent the summer working with veterinary practices in rural counties in North Carolina to help address some of the care shortages throughout the state.
Veterinary Scholars Program: Under the mentorship of 42 College of Veterinary Medicine faculty, 57 DVM students conducted veterinary research over the summer. The 10-week program gives first- and second-year students their first taste of veterinary research. This is the largest cohort the college has ever had.
- Project Videos:
https://news.cvm.ncsu.edu/summer-research-dileydis-soto-montes-and-sara-fitzgerald
https://news.cvm.ncsu.edu/summer-research-eric-ortiz
From the Field: Part of the academic process of the DVM program includes externships where our students work with clinics, zoos, aquariums — any place with animals — to get hands-on, real-world experience. Over the summer, we followed along with six of those students.
Read about even more summer adventures from the College of Veterinary Medicine here.
Office of Global Engagement
Global Training Initiative – Baku, Azerbaijan
In June 2024, Adrienne Shank, Paula Wilder, Becky Cibulskis, and Cate Madden spent five days in Azerbaijan to host a professional development conference for English language teachers. Hosted at ADA University and funded by the U.S. Embassy in Baku, the three-day conference showcased presentations from 80 Azerbaijani teachers, five U.S. American educators, and several non-profit and governmental organizations which support teachers in Azerbaijan.
Since January 2021, the Global Training Initiative (GTI) has trained more than 350 English language teachers in Azerbaijan through a rigorous online course focused on language teaching pedagogies. Our role is not only to introduce resources and references that the teachers can practically apply for improved student outcomes, but to understand the social-political context which influences the traditional teaching style in Azerbaijani classrooms – an impossible task to achieve through Zoom alone. For the third year in a row, we’ve been able to meet with teachers and administrators in their own cultural context and understand the limitations of our own cultural preferences and assumptions in improving English language instruction in Azerbaijan.
Global Training Initiative – Mexican Bicentennial Ambassadors
GTI hosted 19 undergraduate students from various universities throughout Querétaro, Mexico this summer for a short-term certificate program on Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The students were selected as part of the Bicentennial Ambassador’s program, a joint effort between the U.S. Embassy in Mexico and the state government of Querétaro, celebrating 200 years of diplomatic relations between Mexico and the United States.
The hybrid program started online in mid-June and students arrived in early July, spending the next three weeks finishing their coursework and group projects as well as participating in additional workshops covering cross-cultural competence, leadership, and other academic topics. Learn more.
Ross Bassett
Professor, Department of History; Director, Benjamin Franklin Scholars
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
This summer I rode my bicycle across the country, going from Washington, DC, to Astoria, OR, in nine weeks. It was a lot of fun, but it was also about doing things central to the mission of humanists—learning about histories that are not widely told and meeting people from diverse backgrounds. I am teaching a course this fall on why urban Americans do or don’t bike and it was a great way to examine biking practices and infrastructure across the country. I kept a journal of my trip here.
Autumn Mist Belk
Teaching Professor, Department of Performing Arts and Technology
University College
I had a busy summer of conference presentations and creative work in Europe and South America. In June, I presented my workshop “Unearthing Embodied Knowledge: A somatic practice for all movers” as part of the International Conference on Movement and Computing at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. In July, I traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina to lead the Screendance Hub as part of the Dance Studies Association’s (DSA) international conference, Cartographies of Movement. As part of my work in Buenos Aires, I directed a cohort of international screendance artists to create a multilingual dance film while in residence, and I chaired the DSA Dance and Technology working group as they began a long-term dance pedagogy project.
David Berube
Professor, Department of Communication
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
In early June, I was an observer for the International Environmental Communication Association to serve as an observer at the SBE 60 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). UNFCCC sets out the basic legal framework and principles for international climate change cooperation with the aim of stabilizing atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases. The Subsidiary Bodies met in Bonn, Germany to pave the way for the governing body meetings in November. Agenda items included: the continuation of Articles 6.2 and 6.4; targets agreed under the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience (aka Global Goal on Adaptation, GGA); convening of the 1st Annual GST (Global Stocktake) Dialogue – where countries will share best practices on using the GST outcomes to inform their next NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions); items pertaining to climate finance, inclusive of the NCQG (New Collective Quantified Goal); and continuation of the Sharm el-Sheikh joint work on implementation of climate action on agriculture and food security.
In July, I finished editing a 42-chapter book titled “Pandemic Resilience: Vaccination Resistance and Hesitance: Lessons from COVID-19.” I wrote seven chapters, and eight chapters were written by alumni or current faculty. Springer/NATURE will publish it. It is the third book in a series on pandemics, resilience and communication. A fourth is in preparation.
In July, we completed exit interviews for the REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) on hybrid perovskite materials as part of the National Science Foundation-funded RTNN (Research Triangle Nanotechnology Network) program and prepared legwork for four grant submissions this fall.
Darcy Blottenberger
Shelton Scholar and Undergraduate Student, Department of Business Management
Poole College of Management
This summer, I spent two months living and working in London. I was the marketing intern for an investing app called Gather. I created, edited and reviewed website and app content, such as blog posts, product copies, insights and web pages to ensure compliance and clarity. I also gained more technical knowledge by interpreting investing data and writing investment product mandates and other customer-facing financial copy to publish on the website and app. Outside of the internship, I had an amazing time exploring all over London. I lived in North Islington and worked in Green Park, and I had so much fun exploring as many other parts of London as I could. I also was able to take several day trips to see other areas of England and even spent a weekend in Prague. I had such a great time; these two months were an absolutely amazing experience!
Alice Cheng
Associate Professor, Department of Communication
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
This summer, I traveled for global research collaboration and keynote talks at Tsing Hua University, Beijing Normal University and Shanghai Jiaotong University. I also studied and conducted research with my GEARS (Global Education, Academics, and Research Skills) students. GEARS, part of the Global Training Initiative, is a unique academic, research and cultural exchange program that enables academically gifted domestic and international students to experience academic research at universities across North Carolina. I also participated in a visiting professor program in New York City. Additionally, I will be receiving the top paper award at a national conference on my birthday on Aug. 10 in Pennsylvania.
Erica Cutchins
HR Programs and Training Specialist
College of Engineering
This summer I took my Boy Scout Troop, 500G, from Wake Forest, North Carolina, to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Philmont Scout Ranch, the Boy Scouts of America’s premier High Adventure base, challenges Scouts with more than 214 square miles of rugged northern New Mexico wilderness. The 12 of us, eight scouts and four leaders, backpacked in the wilderness for 12 days, hiking about four-11 hours each day. The landscape and views were breathtaking. We went horseback riding, reloaded and fired 30.06 ammunition, did rifle shooting, toured Contention Mine, shot 3D archery, threw tomahawks, did a sunrise hike at Inspiration Point, climbed the second highest peak at the ranch, Mt. Phillips, at 11,736 ft., climbed the Tooth of Time at 9,003 ft., climbed Shafer’s Peak 9,413 ft., and climbed Comanche Peak at 11,303 ft. We did a conservation project of building part of a new trail construction. After training for seven months and losing 30 lbs, the hiking was still tough but very rewarding. The Philmont experience was an adventure of a lifetime!
Xiaomeng Fang
Assistant Professor, Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science
Wilson College of Textiles
As with the past 3 years, this summer as a project leader I taught 10 high school students in our college “Summer Textile Exploration Program” (STEP). In this week-long project, I led the project themed “Smart Textiles” in which the students learned the fundamentals of Textile Technologies and state-of-the-art smart textiles. They had many hands-on activities, including knitting using the hand-knitting machine, weaving using the semiautomatic loom, and most interestingly they made their light-up hats at the end of the program. My Ph.D. student Sen Zhang also led 3 hands sessions as a graduate mentor.
Craig Harms
Professor, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine
Director, Marine Health Program, Center for Marine Sciences and Technology
A multinational U.S., Norwegian and Danish research team successfully completed a fourth field season measuring hearing in minke whales in Arctic Norway in the Lofoten Islands. I took part as one of the team’s two veterinarians. Two whales were safely captured, tested, tagged and released, greatly expanding knowledge of baleen whale hearing capability. Hearing of baleen whales had not been directly tested prior to this groundbreaking project. A major finding was that minke whales can hear at a considerably higher frequency than what was predicted based on behavioral responses, vocalization and anatomical modeling studies. Lead organizations on the project were the National Marine Mammal Foundation and the Norwegian Defense Research Establishment (FFI), with funding from the Office of Naval Research, U.S. Navy Living Marine Resources, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission. Findings are forthcoming.
Learn more about the minke whale hearing project here and here.
Photo: Minke whale in the net hammock, with suction cup sensors being placed on the surface of the skin for auditory evoked potential (AEP) hearing testing by PI Dorian Houser (NMMF), with Harms preparing to collect blood from the dorsal fin.
Photo by Erica Staaterman
David Herpy
Extension Organizational Development Coordinator
NC State Extension
My guiding word for 2024 is “Be,” and this summer, I embraced that by intentionally carving out time to simply “be” with my family and engage in meaningful experiences. In June, our oldest son and I, along with my in-laws, had the unforgettable experience of attending a practice round of the US Open Golf Championship at Pinehurst No. 2, a thoughtful Christmas gift from my wife, Courtney. Father’s Day weekend was filled with joy as we visited Williamsburg, Virginia, where we explored Busch Gardens and Water Country USA—another generous gift from my wife’s parents.
On the athletic front, July was particularly exciting as I competed in my first-ever back-to-back races, achieving podium finishes in both. I placed second overall in the Ninja 5K through US Road Running at Green Hills County Park in Raleigh and second in my age group (45-49) at the UNC Health Sprint Triathlon in Knightdale, marking my twelfth triathlon and best finish to date.
Professionally, I had the privilege of facilitating a FISH! Philosophy keynote for Portland State University’s Research and Graduate Studies team as a Contract Facilitator for ChartHouse Learning. This opportunity not only allowed me to share the FISH! Philosophy but also marked my first visit to the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
I am incredibly grateful for a summer filled with adventure, growth and cherished moments with my family. I look forward to the upcoming academic year with renewed energy and purpose.
Jess Huynh
Assistant Director, LGBTQ Pride Center
Division of Academic and Student Affairs
I spent my summer vacation in Vietnam! Highlights included a 4-day motorbike ride through the Hà Giang Loop with breathtaking mountain views; an overnight caving expedition to Hang Én, the third largest cave in the world; scuba diving for the first time in the Cham Islands; and locating the burial grounds of my spouse’s paternal ancestors in Hội An. I’m so grateful to my work team for supporting me to take time off for epic new experiences and connections!
Melissa Jackson
Executive Assistant to the Vice Provost for Equal Opportunity
Office of Equal Opportunity
My husband and I took our nine-year-old twin boys on a two-week road trip this summer! Our stops ranged from big cities like New York City to smaller gems like Cape May, New Jersey, and Newport, Rhode Island. We hit touristy places like Times Square and the Hershey Factory in Pennsylvania, stopped for our boys’ first concert (AJR) in Norfolk, Virginia, braved the water slides at Water Country USA, wandered along breathtaking coastal cliffs and into ancient caves, and had some of the best diner burgers, root beer floats and local ciders along the way. We took trains, cars, taxis and ferries across the northeast and had a fantastic time together.
By the numbers:
Days on the road: 14
Miles traveled: 1,534
States touched: 9
Tanks of gas: 5
Steps taken: 167,965 (almost 12K per day!)
Roland Kays
Research Professor, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources
College of Natural Resources
A family of NC State students and faculty just returned from the Unicycle World Championships with 12 medals. I, along with student Fletcher Kays (‘27, Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences) and recent graduate Eli Kays (‘24, Environmental Engineering) spent two weeks competing at Unicon21 in Bemidji, Minnesota. All three cycled in road races, mountain unicycling (Muni) races, cyclocross, criterion, and trials. Fletcher and myself both won age-group medals while Eli is now the world champion in the 50K road race, unlimited ungeared division.
Photo R to L: Fletcher Kays, Roland Kays, Eli Kays
Jacob Martin
Shelton Scholar and Undergraduate Student, Department of Nuclear Engineering
College of Engineering
This summer, I got the opportunity to work for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) at their headquarters outside Washington, D.C. The NRC is the agency in charge of regulating the United States’ entire fleet of nuclear power reactors, as well as all the different nuclear materials facilities and university research reactors around the country. The agency has provided me an outlet to exercise servant leadership, embodied in its motto: “protecting people and the environment.” As part of my work, I’ve been able to travel to different sites as well as perform probabilistic risk assessments of various plant systems. I’ve found the work very rewarding. Getting to spend every day around my country’s symbols of national pride and implements of government is an awe inspiring experience.
Lucia Manatschal
Research Assistant and Ph.D. Student, Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
College of Sciences
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to join a delegation from NC State on a two-week trip to Pakistan. This visit was part of the project “Developing the Next Generation of Female Environmentalists” funded by the U.S. Department of State. The project aims to empower women scientists in climate change studies by promoting exchange and collaboration with women’s universities in Pakistan.
Our travels took us to the mountainous region of Hunza Valley in Northern Pakistan. Alongside students and professors from Pakistan, we attended a comprehensive workshop on “Geomorphology and Landscape Dynamics,” featuring experts and professionals from diverse fields related to climate. The formal and informal talks were complemented by field visits to relevant sites around Ghulkin, Passu and Hopper Glaciers. During these visits, we examined geomorphic landforms and surface processes and learned how the environment has been impacted by climate change. The workshop provided participants with a valuable opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the environmental challenges and dynamics of the Hunza Valley.
The insights acquired will undoubtedly contribute to future research efforts aimed at enhancing the environmental resilience of the area, as well as improving climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. Beyond the educational component, the trip was a rich cultural exchange. We interacted with local communities, learned about traditional practices, and experienced the warmth and hospitality of the Pakistani people. This summer was not just about academic growth, but also about building global connections and unforgettable memories like the group photo taken of us with the female environmentalists in front of the stunning Hopper Glacier.
Ilin Misaras
Associate Director, Global Training Initiative
Office of Global Engagement
I recently traveled to Iceland with my family for an extended weekend vacation, thanks to the daily direct flights now available between RDU and Iceland. This was the first visit to the country for all of us, and it provided a wonderful opportunity to explore Icelandic culture, cuisine and all the natural wonders.
We landed in the midst of a major storm where rain and wind gusts of up to 40 mph (or 65 km per hour) meant a major itinerary change for our first day in country. But we also enjoyed beautiful sunny skies and temperatures of up to 60°F (or about 15°C). We were glad we packed layers, including our winter jackets that allowed us to be comfortable in a range of weather conditions.
We spent most of our days chasing waterfalls along what’s called the Golden Circle as well as the southwest coast of Iceland. “Foss” is the Icelandic word for “waterfall” and there are an estimated 10,000+ waterfalls sprinkled throughout the island.
Christa Oliver
Associate Teaching Professor; Director, Panoramic Dance Project, Department of Performing Arts and Technology
Division of Academic and Student Affairs
This summer, I choreographed Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at Zach Theatre.
Kanton Reynolds
Director of Undergraduate Programs and Associate Professor, Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial Engineering
College of Engineering
This summer, I (second from the left), was one of 16 faculty members from across the United States selected to participate in the Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad program in Colombia. The seminar, which focuses on climate change and sustainability, led the group to visit Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla and Leticia in the Amazon rainforest near the tri-border area with Brazil and Peru. Faculty met with scholars and leaders throughout the country and engaged with six higher education institutions to discuss potential collaborations around the program themes.
Amy Rossi
Assistant Director of Development Communications, Office of Development Communications and Stewardship
University Advancement
My summer adventure has been a decidedly indoors endeavor: working on my first pass pages for my debut novel, The Cover Girl, which will be published by MIRA/HarperColllins next year. This was my first look at the book typeset and formatted for print and publication — and my final chance to make any changes! I did one regular read, then read it backwards, chapter by chapter (exhausting!), and finally, I read it aloud. My last step before my Aug.30 deadline will be marking up a PDF with my changes. In addition to these final edits, I’ve discussed cover concepts and worked with my editor and agent to secure blurbs (endorsements from other authors) for the back of the book — all part of getting ready for next summer’s big plans, when The Cover Girl comes out on Aug. 5, 2025.
Ariel Seay-Howard
Assistant Professor, Department of Communication
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
This summer, I was accepted to the International Rhetoric Workshop held from June 17- 20 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Amidst an exceptionally competitive pool of submissions from the global rhetoric community, my work stood out for its quality and relevance to the workshop’s overall theme. During the workshop, I worked on my forthcoming article, titled “Materializing A Multi-Ethnic Racial Caste System: Through Border Rhetorics” and gained tips and mentorship from other leading scholars in my field. I enjoyed my stay at the University of Dubrovnik and will always remember this experience.
Dylan Thompson
International Programs Assistant, Global Training Initiative
Office of Global Engagement
This summer, I studied abroad in Belgium as a part of NC State’s Belgium: International Organizations in Action in Brussels program. I spent significant time in Brussels, Ghent and Bruges. This was the first time I had been abroad for an extended period of time and the first time studying abroad for my graduate studies. Read more about my adventure!
Parker Watson
Assistant Director for Pre-College Programs, Shelton Leadership Center
Office of University Interdisciplinary Programs
This summer I completed my first season as the program director for the Shelton Challenge, where we welcomed over 270 pre-college students from across the country to four different Challenge sites in North Carolina to learn about values-based leadership. The program staff was a diverse team of volunteer professionals and student staff (including 12 current NC State students) from various industries and backgrounds, and working with them to help create positive change across North Carolina was truly inspiring!
Jory Weintraub
Director of Science Engagement
Office of University Interdisciplinary Programs
This summer, I spent a week in France, realizing my life-long dream of seeing the Tour de France in person. I’ve been an obsessive cycling fan since I was a teenager, so I’ve dreamt of seeing the Tour in person for over 40 years, and finally did it!. We saw several stages of the Tour in person (including the finale in Nice) and also did some sight-seeing around Provence while we were there.
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