“The system is rooting for you. They want you to succeed.”

Wizaso Munthali worked for her country’s environmental protection agency for 22 years before deciding to pursue a Ph.D. In 2019, she began her program at NC State University as a Fulbright scholar, and in 2024, she concluded her program with the honor of commencement speaker for the university’s College of Natural Resources. Wizaso spent her time at NC State University researching alternative energy sources.

Wizaso Munthali graduated in 2024 from NC State University with a Ph.D. in forestry and environmental resources and a minor in geographic information systems. She currently lectures at Copperbelt University in Zambia, where she mentors young environmental engineers. Read the full story here.