NC State College of Natural Resources

With the FIFA World Cup underway, major sporting events can leave a lasting impact that extends far beyond the competition itself.

Research from NC State examines how FIFA and host countries can work together to create positive legacies tied to future World Cups.

Despite its popularity, the FIFA World Cup faces significant challenges that hinder it from generating positive social and economic impacts. Of particular concern are human rights issues.

“With increased competition between countries willing to host the World Cup, FIFA has a unique opportunity to hold countries accountable, potentially threatening to terminate any agreement to host the tournament if human rights are violated,” said Jason Bocarro, Owens-Shelton Distinguished Professor of Leadership with a Global Perspective.

Read more: http://ncst.at/7SEg50ZblSx

The Carolina Hurricanes aren't just competing for a championship—they're bringing the Triangle together. 🏒

The Hurricanes’ recent success, including their 2026 Stanley Cup Final appearance, demonstrates how professional sports franchises can unite communities.

“A successful team does not simply represent a city or region; over time, it can help shape the way that place understands and presents itself,” says Dr. Michael Edwards, professor of parks, recreation and tourism management at NC State University.

📰 Read the full story: http://ncst.at/7BVh50Z9rV6

This summer, our own Carter Holewinski ‘26 has the privilege of interning for the Carolina Hurricanes as they take the ice in the 2026 Stanley Cup Final. 🏒

Carter, a sport management major in NC State Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, is a member of a few clubs at NC State, including the Sports Analytics Club and the Sport Management Club. He has also made the Dean’s List every semester since he enrolled in the fall of 2023. Prior to coming to NC State, he was a member of the Notre Dame Academy’s hockey team that won the WIAA Boys State Hockey Championship in 2023.

Since October 2023, Carter has worked for the Carolina Hurricanes as a hockey operations intern, a role created specifically for him, and became the youngest person ever hired in a National Hockey League (NHL) front office at age 19.

In this position, he supports management across all areas of hockey operations, contributing to operational and administrative projects, scouting efforts, player development analysis, and other organizational initiatives. His responsibilities include analyzing game film, evaluating players and assisting with team-building decisions.

“The Carolina Hurricanes have played a critical part in my overall development. We have one of the smallest front offices in the NHL, which is incredible for learning because I am asked to do things and attend meetings that no one in any other NHL front office at my level or in my position would be given the opportunity to do.

I absolutely could not say enough good things about the entire Carolina Hurricanes organization. Every day, I get to learn from the smartest people the NHL has to offer, and I am beyond honored to be a part of the smartest, most progressive NHL front office. As a result, the Carolina Hurricanes have developed me into a one-of-a-kind advanced young upcoming NHL front office executive.”

After graduation, Carter aspires to become an NHL general manager and win multiple Stanley Cups. He says it would be a dream come true to accomplish all of these goals with the Carolina Hurricanes. He also aspires to serve as the general manager of the U.S. men’s Olympic ice hockey team at the Winter Olympic Games, leading the U.S. to multiple gold medals.

Happy World Environment Day from your College of Natural Resources family. 🌎 🌿

From mountain trails to lakeside sunsets, every outdoor adventure reminds us why protecting our planet matters.

📸: Ann Savage, tourism extension associate at NC State

With the Carolina Hurricanes soon to skate onto the ice during the 2026 Stanley Cup Final, we are spotlighting some of our College of Natural Resources family who help support the team. 🏒

When he started at NC State in 1996, Dr. Robb Wade worked with NC State Athletics. Starting in 2002, he began teaching students in NC State Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management.

When not in the classroom, he can be found working as a member of the Hurricanes’ ice crew. Other College of Natural Resources professors who work with the team in various ways include Drs. Kyle Bunds and Kim Bush.

“I think that this is the best team the Hurricanes have had since they won the Stanley Cup in 2006. We have numerous graduates working in various capacities with the organization.

The sports landscape is changing rapidly and there will undoubtedly be lots of new opportunities with the organization in the coming years. A major championship in Raleigh would be a tremendous way to shine a spotlight on the city, on NC State and on the department.”

With the Canes, Wade assists with visiting team locker room operations, helping maintain the ice, support game-day logistics and ensuring players and staff have what they need throughout the season. His behind-the-scenes experience at marquee events, including the NHL outdoor game at Carter-Finley Stadium and the Stanley Cup Finals, has provided valuable real-world insights that enrich his teaching in his “Event Planning” and “Sport Administration” courses.

Beyond the excitement of game day, his passion is helping students discover their own paths in the sport and event industries. Through industry connections, firsthand stories and practical experience, he works to prepare future professionals for internships, careers and leadership opportunities across the rapidly evolving sports landscape.

Wade is also currently involved in research examining golf expectations and satisfaction, as well as how former student-athletes apply life lessons learned through athletics after graduation.

From the College of Natural Resources to Smurfit Westrock, Antonio Suárez Simancas '22 is transforming his passion for sustainable materials into real-world impact.

As a lead R&D scientist, he develops models that help paper mills improve efficiency, reduce costs and advance sustainability efforts across the industry.

"I am fascinated by the process of making paper; it is almost perfect. Knowing I wanted to pursue a graduate degree in this field, the Ph.D. in Forest Biomaterials program at NC State was the obvious choice."

Read more about his story: http://ncst.at/NKFI50Z5lVB

Meet Dr. Aaron Hipp, professor of parks, recreation and tourism management in the College of Natural Resources. 👋

In fall 2015, he joined NC State after teaching as a public health assistant professor at Washington University. Hipp’s research has focused on nature and health; greenspaces, parks, and health; nature and park prescriptions for wellness; access to outdoor sport and health; active living; and more.

Currently, Hipp is the first director of NC State's new Nature and Health Collaborative, which is supported by the Global One Health Academy. The collaborative works to strengthen the growing body of research, education and engagement the NC State community contributes to the intersection of human health and the outdoors.

He is also chair-elect of the National Physical Activity (PA) Plan and will be chair for the 2028-29 year. There, he helps with the implementation plan of the CDC PA guidelines, which look at how organizations, governments, NGOs, schools, YMCAs, etc., help people to be physically active.

“The Nature and Health Collaborative and efforts to bring together people across campus working in the nature and health space have been very important. This includes the creation of the Campus Greenspace Map that has received over 6,000 site visits since it debuted in August 2024.”

The City of Raleigh - Government recently awarded the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders Award to the Environmental Resources Water Assessment Training Program (ERWATP). This innovative program is led by our own Dr. Angela Allen.

“This recognition from the City of Raleigh highlights the powerful link between mentorship and environmental stewardship. My goal is to show NC State students that scientific rigor is a tool for real-world impact, and this honor serves as a wonderful validation of that mission. This award is a testament to the strength of our community partnerships and the dedication of our students. I am humbled to see our high-impact work recognized by the city we serve.” -Dr. Angela Allen, assistant teaching professor in the NC State Department of Forestry & Environmental Resources

In 2024, Dr. Allen was awarded the NC Source Water Protection Award for Education by the NC Source Water Collaborative. In 2025, she was awarded the Sustainability Award for the Faculty Recipient with her work leading the training program. In addition, the ERWATP was selected into the fall 2025 cohort of Packways ABCs to be recognized as a high impact experience and is now a part of the NC State Packways.

The college's Trailblazing donor celebration was a big success this year. ❤️ 🤍

This annual event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our donors who make a big difference. This year, we had 114 guests and 48 student volunteers in attendance.

NC State’s team recently won first place in the Solar District Cup Competition. 🎉 Key members of the team included our very own Peyton Mobley (environmental technology management) and Leah Mazur (environmental sciences).

Administered by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the Solar District Cup is a national competition that challenges students to design real-world solar energy solutions. Participants gain hands-on experience, build their portfolios and may even earn course credit.

Learn more: http://ncst.at/RUji50Z2V7L